What is the traditional formal dress worn by a quinceañera commonly called?

The traditional formal dress worn by a quinceañera is commonly called a quinceañera dress.

Modern quinceañera dresses are often elaborate ball gowns, frequently featuring a full skirt, fitted bodice, embroidery, beading, or a long train. White and pastel colors have long been popular, although contemporary celebrants may choose almost any color, including jewel tones and metallic shades.

The dress is a recognizable part of the visual language of the celebration, but it is not identical everywhere. Regional customs, household budgets, religious preferences, and changing fashion all influence the design. Some celebrants choose a shorter or less formal outfit for the party or a separate dress for dancing.

A quinceañera dress is sometimes confused with a huipil, a traditional Indigenous garment from parts of Mexico and Central America. A huipil may be worn at a quinceañera, but the terms are not synonyms: one names a celebration dress, while the other names a type of garment.