Trends // Four Ways to Wear The Shirtdress
The shirt dress combines two of the simplest and most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. And best of all, it creates a look that is both effortless and quick to thrown on. Floral, checked, crochet – it doesn’t matter; you can rock the shirt dress in so many different ways. The key is accessorizing.
Traditionally, the shirt dress has always been quite casual – think oversized and something that looks like you stole it from your boyfriend. But a modern twist on this classic, such as an asymmetrical hem, brings it crashing into the 21st century. With the hemline, the look is flexible – so work it. Try teaming it with chunky-heeled ankle boots and a couple of long pendant necklaces to give it that edge for night, and team the dress with sandals and a bright tote bag for day.
Moving away from the classic shape of the shirt dress, stores are supplying versions that are becoming increasingly feminine and pretty. Look out for flared waists below the shirt section of the dress, and cute pleats in the skirt. Print-wise, anything goes – although loud and floral tends to work well with this style. Flowing, chiffon-like material is also a winner when it comes to doing the shirt dress in a more girly manner. A skinny belt will pull you in in all the right places, and leave legs bare to really give off that summer vibe.
Opting for a checked shirt dress is a great way for rock chicks to show off an attitude. Keep the look loose and casual by adding a spike chain necklace and a cool pair of biker boots. Flats like converse will work well too – just remember to make sure they’re not too pristine. The overall style here is quite grunge, so choosing to wear opaques with the shirt dress as well will add to the look.
Finally, the shirt dress has always been pretty diverse. There are loads of styles coming in this season that have a unique, vintage look about them: the fabric is the key here. Velvet and denim, when mixed with materials like satin, can give a quirky new lease of life to what would otherwise be a plain shirt dress. Details like buttons and necklines are easy to note for their fashion credentials, so try looking out for unusual fastenings or a cute peter-pan collar; it can change up the whole look.
