Finally decided to embrace the shirt dress? Great choice! Every woman should have at least one in her wardrobe. The shirt dress creates a chic semi-casual look for spring and summer. If you want to add this piece to your rotation, make your transition easy with these 10 style strategies.
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1. Find the right fit
While you may be more focused on the pattern or color, the fit of a shirt dress is its selling point. A well-fitting shirt dress follows your shape like a shift dress. It’s not too tight or too loose. You’re not showing too much leg or cleavage, nor do you feel lost in layers. Look for the dress that hints at your sexy figure beneath, without putting anything on display. That’s your winner.
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2. Cinch the waist
Without a fitted waistline, a shirt dress can resemble a potato sack. If your piece isn’t tailored at the waist, add your favorite belt. Depending on your shape, you may need to experiment with thick or thin belt styles and rigid or stretchy belt materials to find the combo that truly flatters.
3. Dress for your shape
Whether you’re straight, curvy or hourglass, you’ll want to consider your figure before choosing a shirt dress. Straight figures benefit from a thin belt at the natural waist, while pear-shaped ladies will love the look of a piece with a flared or slight A-lined bottom.
If you’re not sure what shape you have, trust your instincts. You know what parts of your body you like and don’t like — shop for dresses that play up your best features and downplay your less-than-perfect parts.
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4. Have fun with accessories
While the shirt dress should be the star of the show, the right accessories can transform your ensemble. You could:
- Add a lightweight silk scarf in a bright pattern
- Throw on a straw hat and grab a coordinating handbag
- Play up the masculine styling with loafers and a boxy bag
- Go glam with an eye-catching pendant and heels
5. Don’t be afraid to wear pants
While we usually see shirt dresses paired with bare legs, there are other options too. If the dress is too short, add in leggings. For those chillier days, a thick pair of tights will do as well.
6. Layer up with a jacket
Jackets are an easy means of adding extra color and texture to a shirt dress. For an edgier look, try a black leather jacket with combat boots. On the days you’re feeling more trendy, try a well-fitted denim jacket instead.
7. Make masculine pieces more feminine
Some shirt dresses have a more “manly” feel, especially those that button up the front. Balance out the masculinity of the dress with a few feminine accessories. Wear sparkling jewelry or carry an elegant clutch.
8. Slide on low-heeled ankle boots
If sandals are too casual and heels are too formal, find middle ground with a pair of low-heeled ankle boots. Sophisticated ankle boots can give your look just the right amount of glamour.
9. Consider the fabric of the shirt dress
While dresses made out of soft cotton are considered more sporty or casual, piece constructed of silk or even a rayon blend have a more elegant feel.
10. Experiment with chambray
Chambray is always on point. A simple chambray shirt dress pairs perfectly with white or black Converse, or flat-heeled sandals.
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Shirt dress FAQs
What is a shirt dress?
A shirt dress is designed like an oversized button‑down shirt. It typically features a collar, a button front, and sleeves, with a relaxed or straight silhouette that can be worn loose or belted. The length can range from mini to maxi.
What’s special about the shirt dress?
What makes this piece special is its adaptability. Shirt dresses are appropriate for home, work, and shopping on the weekends — and you know how much we love a garment with excellent cost per wear potential, especially when it has high style. The shirt dress looks as polished with heeled wedges or espadrilles as with flat sandals or old-school Keds. Part of that polish comes from the fit: It’s not clingy like bodycon, but it is shapely enough to flatter a women’s figure.
What’s the difference between a shirt dress and a shirtdress?
There’s no difference. “Shirt dress” and “shirtdress” are used interchangeably and both refer to the same style.
What shoes go best with a shirt dress?
Shirt dresses are versatile and pair well with sandals, loafers, sneakers, ankle boots, or pumps. The key is matching the shoe to the dress’s fabric and length, not over‑styling.