What style of dress is this

[WhoNeedsaManOfTheWorld]

I don't know how to search for what I want
Loose, shortish sleeve perhaps kaftan like, either a band or tie higher than the waist so empire like but with a fuller skirt (buy not massively full), midi length

Smock? Though you dont often get a tie waist, you'd probably have to add a belt.

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-midi-smock-dress-with-short-puff-sleeves-in-black-and-white-daisy-print/prd/22741172?colourwayid=60422297&SearchQuery=smock+dress

Or something like this, OP?

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/cutie-london/clothing/short-sleeve-maxi-dress-in-polka-dot-navy?locale=en-GB&gclid=CjwKCAjwj8eJBhA5EiwAg3z0m8tFBWZZ1WeccoBtyS1DC4rW_UYXu-KkPB75RKdlup1UW1eSvPNkyBoC4RIQAvD_BwE

I think the sleeve you’re describing is called an angel sleeve.
And the silhouette maybe A-line?

The silk fred is the right shape but a flappy not fitted sleeve
Like the sleeve on a 1970s bridesmaid dress

Google "Smock with tie waist". You'll get a lot of result for what you're looking for.

www.clarenceandalabama.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/tallulah-pom-pom-maxi-dress

@WhoNeedsaManOfTheWorld like this?

CurbsideProphet
Yes, like that. Thank you
I would prefer without the pom poms but that is the shape and the sleeve type

@WhoNeedsaManOfTheWorld the woman who runs Clarence and Alabama is lovely. You could ask her for a close up photo to see if you could easily remove the pom poms?

Kimono dress ?

www.pepejeans.com/en_gb/tamari-dress-with-deep-front-neckdrop-PL952869.html?dwvar_PL952869_color=583&cgid=R010 this type of thing ?

There are several at Anthropologie that fit the description. They are a bit flowery for my taste, but they might suit you.

www.anthropologie.com/shop/yumi-kim-floral-maxi-dress?category=dresses&color=009&type=STANDARD&quantity=1

www.anthropologie.com/shop/ruffled-v-neck-maxi-dress?category=dresses&color=001&type=STANDARD&quantity=1

www.anthropologie.com/shop/sachin-babi-ivy-dress?category=dresses&color=048&type=STANDARD&quantity=1

It’s called a kimono dress, love them they’re the most flattering.

Kimono dress

libbyloves.co/ had loads of dresses in the style you like