Quick answer: a skater dress is a fitted bodice with a skirt that flares out from the waist — the flare is what makes it flattering, since it skims over the hip and waist instead of clinging. It's also our single biggest dress category, with well over a thousand styles to choose from.
"Skater dress" gets used loosely, so here's an exact answer: what the silhouette actually is, why it's so consistently flattering, and how to pick a print or color from a genuinely huge selection.
What defines the silhouette
A skater dress has two parts: a fitted bodice through the ribcage and waist, and a skirt that flares out from that seam — usually circle-cut or A-line, giving it movement instead of a straight drop. The fitted top defines your shape; the flared skirt does the forgiving. That combination is why it works on more body types than a straight-cut dress: it doesn't cling anywhere below the waist.
Two real examples from our catalog
| Dress | Detail | Sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Starnight Dress | Sleeveless skater silhouette | S–2XL | $47.99–$49.99 |
| Celestial Charm Midnight Sparkle Mini Dress | Mini-length, statement print | XS–2XL | $37.99 |
Print or solid?
Because the flared skirt already adds visual movement, both prints and solids work — it's more a question of occasion. A print from our Patterns collection (one of our largest collections) does more visual work on its own, so it needs less styling around it — simple shoes, minimal jewelry. A solid color is the safer pick if you want to layer a jacket or cardigan over it without competing patterns.
Sizing tips
Since the bodice is the fitted part, size to your bust and rib measurement first — the flared skirt has more built-in room to move than a straight skirt would, so it's more forgiving on hip and waist measurements than the bodice fit is. If you're between sizes, sizing up affects the bodice comfort more than it changes the overall look, since the skirt flares regardless.
Browse the full range in our Skater Dress collection.
FAQ
What exactly is a skater dress?
A dress with a fitted bodice through the waist and a skirt that flares out from that seam, usually circle-cut or A-line. The fitted top defines your shape while the flared skirt skims rather than clings below the waist.
How do I pick my size in a skater dress?
Size to your bust and rib measurement first, since that's the fitted part. The flared skirt is more forgiving on hip and waist measurements than a straight-cut skirt would be.
Should I get a print or a solid color?
Prints work well because the flared skirt already adds movement - a bold print needs less additional styling. Solids are easier to layer a jacket or cardigan over without competing patterns.
How many skater dress styles do you carry?
It's our largest dress category by far, with well over a thousand styles across prints and solids.