The Shirt Dress
Mary Fellowes • 06/21/2017
Photo: Damsel In Dior
The shirt dress’s power and versatility should never be underestimated—it's one of fashion’s great secret weapons. There are tricks to getting it right though, as the wrong shape, fabric, or styling can leave you looking like your high school English teacher
. So we are breaking down the ins-and-outs of wearing this 'go anywhere' closet staple...
. So we are breaking down the ins-and-outs of wearing this 'go anywhere' closet staple...
SHAPE
Rule number one of finding the perfect shirt dress is to find the right cut.
If you have an hourglass figure, look for an option that's nipped in at the waist over boxy shapes. Wide leather belts worn with delicate flowing fabric can add a good contrast to the simplicity. For high summer, opt for a satin obi belt instead. If you're headed to the beach or pool, go either full length or mid-thigh, and focus on breezy, light styles. And for work, knee length is always a spot-on choice.
If you have an hourglass figure, look for an option that's nipped in at the waist over boxy shapes. Wide leather belts worn with delicate flowing fabric can add a good contrast to the simplicity. For high summer, opt for a satin obi belt instead. If you're headed to the beach or pool, go either full length or mid-thigh, and focus on breezy, light styles. And for work, knee length is always a spot-on choice.
FABRIC
The trickiest fabric is linen. Its boxy structure can be a godsend to hide problem areas, but refer back to rule one and be sure to find the right silhouette. And be wary of its tendency to crinkle. Ideally, you want to opt for a linen and silk or cotton blend. Otherwise, look for ones with contrasting fabric paneling or colors in a flowing silk or an airy cotton.
ACCESSORIES
Like with rompers, we can breathe a sigh of a relief—the shirt dress ticks the 'all-in-one' box, leaving you with only accessories to worry about. If the style is flirty and feminine, either work that direction through with fluttery delicate sandals in a pastel shade, or cut through it with a menswear-inspired sneaker, ankle boot, or loafer. Or if you're feeling brave, go on and pair it with a trendy, bold flatform. To liven up a clean and linear style, stack your wrists with bangles or add in an architectural statement earring. And for that exotic vacation, go gypsy-wild with color and texture on all fronts.
From classic white for work to bold and patterned for the weekend, we've got all your shirt dress needs covered right here...
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