Shift vs. Sheath

Dresses have made a comeback over the past few years, and certain terms pop up repeatedly. Two of these are "shift" and "sheath." What is the difference?

A shift dress is a loose-fitting, knee or above the knee length dress. It is sleeveless and is often made in a knit fabric.. The dress below is a shift dress.

On the other hand, a sheath dress is form-fitting, commonly made out of rayon, silk, brushed cotton, or satin. I think of a shift dress as a sexier option. The dress above is a sheath.