What defines a "comic dress" and how does it differ from a regular costume?

A "comic dress" typically refers to an outfit directly inspired by comic books, graphic novels, or comic strips, often incorporating art styles, character designs, or iconic elements. While it can function as a costume, a "comic dress" can also be a more fashion-forward garment that subtly or overtly pays homage to comic aesthetics without being a full character replication. The key difference lies in the intentional design choice to reference comic art, speech bubbles, character motifs, or pop art styles, sometimes for everyday wear, whereas a regular costume is usually a direct, full portrayal of a specific character for an event.