The chemise is  an undergarment dating to the Middle Ages. By 19^th C, it is a cotton , linen or silk undergarment, knee length and worn next to the skin under the corset with or without drawers. In the later 1910's and 1920's, when chemises shortened , they came to be known as camisoles, and chemise was considered an old fashioned term. Chemise Dress - the term ( with shift) for a fashionable dress that hangs straight from the shoulder with no waistline, which may have a loose sash at the waist, hips or even bust.