General

colour-fast

colour that will not fade or run

dart

a tapered seam of fabric for adjusting the fit of a garment

inseam

length of pant leg from crotch to hem

monochromatic

of same or similar colour. “Mono” meaning one. “Chromatic” meaning pertaining to colour

pleat

a fold of even width made by doubling cloth onto itself and pressing or stitching into place

seam

the line formed by sewing together pieces of cloth

seersucker

printed [cotton] fabric that is slightly puckered, typically in a striped pattern

shift

simple straight-cut garment (often a dress) that falls away from the body

sheath

simple straight-cut garment (usually a dress) that is fitted with seams and darts

top-stitch

visible stitching on the outside of a garment usually alongside a seam, of same or different colour to the fabric

Heels & Toes

almond toe

narrow and slightly rounded (cross between round and pointed)

block heel

thick, square or round, and high or low

kitten heel

2″ and skinny (yuck!)

open toe

basically a sandal

peek toe

small open toe where 2-3 toes are exposed but the rest of the shoe is closed

pointed toe

narrow into a point (of varying sharpness)

 

round toe

round and usually wider

stacked heel

gives the illusion of thin pieces of wood which are stacked on top of one another

stiletto heel

tall (2.5″ +) and skinny