gowns

Use for women's dresses, originally semi-fitted and not opening down the front, usually long, cut with flowing lines, and of one piece; worn in the Middle Ages. Also, term used until the 20th century describing numerous variant forms of dresses, not all one piece or closed. From the late 1920s onward, term used to signify formal, special occasion dresses with a fitted or semi-fitted bodice, with or without sleeves, and with a long, flowing skirt. Prefer "robes" for long, loose garments, which tend to be one piece and open down the front, cut with flowing lines and worn by men and women for ordinary wear, on ceremonial or official occasions, or as a symbol of office or profession.