What's the difference between a shift dress and any other dress?

[LyraSilvertongue]

And why don't I know this at the age of 36?

I don't know this either!

I don't know why you don't know it. Probably because you are too smart to fill your head with the sort of trivia that inhabits mine.

A shift dress is sleeveless and basically straight up and down. Usually it's on the knee or just above.

A shift is plain and straight - like

this

a shift dress doesn't have a fitted waist

Straight up and down? Now it all makes sense. Thanks.
While I'm on the subject, what does bias cut mean?
I have a lot to learn

It's a way of cutting material, across the material rather than straight. The result is a fluid drape rather than straight up and down. It's very flattering. Ghost does a lot of bias cut dresses and skirts.

nkf, you are a mine of useful information. Many thanks.