The shirt dress is a summer staple piece for me, it is lightweight, comfortable and easy to wear, just what you want for the summer months or when going away on vacation. So with warmer temperatures on the horizon, it is time you invested in your very own shirt dress to wear over and over again. They can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Also, it can be layered over a pair of trousers or a turtleneck to transition from season to season.
A shirtdress is a style of dress that has been inspired by a man’s shirt. It is also known as the boyfriend shirt. It is supposed to be loose, breezy and a super versatile garment. There are a whole variety of shirt dress’s from high end ones to high street ones, some have been injected with interesting details to add edginess. You can find ones with metal zippers and puffy sleeves, while some have been kept simple with an oversized option.
I have gone for this Zara light blue/white striped shirt dress with a lapel collar, long sleeves with lace ups on the side, a contrasting belt, side pockets and front button placket fastening. What drew me to this is the fact that it had the side pockets, love dresses with pockets. I’m sure most of you will agree with me on that! Also the lace-up details on the side of the sleeves gave it that edginess I was looking for.
Here are a few of my suggestions on how to style your shirt dress:
Shirt dress on its own: The shirt dress on its owns looks perfect, wear a mini one which will show off your tanned legs, whilst an oversized option can be cinched in the waist with a belt to show of your figure. Why not try some plaid knee-length shirt dresses which can be delightfully feminine, with some Converse or Vans trainers.
How about a pinstripe shirt dress teamed with a jacket and some nude sandals to capture the spirit of summer. A plain white shirt dress with a colourful scarf used as a cummerbund makes a splash of colour on a pure white ensemble.
Wear it With Jeans: Now this style mum had tried and tested on my sisters and I when were younger. I am talking about growing up in the 80’s, where my mum thought this was a good idea to keep us warm in the colder months. Of course at the time we all hated the look and thought it was unfashionable, but how wrong were we! Our mother was ahead of her time and she had started a trend that she or I would have never thought to be fashion worthy. How times change and how quick we are to follow trends!
So wearing jeans with the shirt dress does work really well, especially if worn with skinny or straight distressed jeans in my opinion. Make sure the dress is in an oversized style as this works best. Try a denim dress over ripped skinny jeans paired with some heeled sandals. A sleeveless striped dress with a belt over a pair of skinny jeans and some stilettos also works well. How about a colourful patterned dress with some black jeans and ankle boots. An oversized white dress works beautifully with faded skinny jeans and lace-up heels.
For a beachy vibe: Go for a white flowy shirt dress which you could either button all up and wear it with some slides or leave it unbuttoned and style it with a pair of shorts and a crop top. I very much like this look on vacation, the shirt can work as a cover up too when you are at the beach or just lounging by the pool.
Bohemian look: With the festive season upon us, why not wrap a belt around your shirt dress, then throw a boho bag over your shoulders, and to tie the whole look altogether pair it with some suede ankle booties and a fedora hat and your all set for dancing the day or night away.
Street style inspired ensemble: If you’re feeling adventurous and inspired by the street styles, why not pair a mini shirt dress with a statement piece of jewellery like a choker and then go for some sky-high heels to vamp up your look.
Layering: For those months which are a little colder or for transitioning into the next season, you could layer your shirt dress by throwing on a knit jumper over your shirt dress and teaming it up with a pair of ankle boots.
Minimal: If your one for the minimal look then go for a well structured shirt dress and pair yours with some loafers and you’re ready to go.
I have gone for a dressier vibe with my shirt dress, but have left the lace-up undone and instead of wrapping the belt around my waist I have tied it at the back to give it a little edginess. Accessorised with my peep toe black heeled booties from Karen Millen, this mini square bag from Misguided, loving the thick strap by the way. Finally to finish the look these gorgeous Cat-Eye sunglasses from Asos.
Thank you for reading my fashion post.
Do let me know how you like to style your shirt dress and leave your comments below.
OUTFIT
Shirt Dress: Zara
Bag: Misguided
Boots: Karen Millen similar (here)
Sunglasses: Asos similar (here)
