Shirt Dresses Are the Unsung Heroes of Your Closet
Think shirt dresses are boring? Hear us out.
Shirt dresses for women are fall fashion’s unsung heroes. Now, before you call us basic or boring, hear us out.
They’re the ultimate one-and-done item. Instead of worrying about what pants work with what shirt, all you need is a pair of shoes and a jacket, and you can run out the door. This brings us to another point: The shirt dress is as versatile as our fall schedules demand. From working from home (hello, no waistband) to going out for dinner (refer back to the no waistband comment), this magical piece of clothing can be worn through it all — even morning daycare drop-off.
The key to making this style look fresh is in the styling. Pair the classic silhouette with unexpected combinations à la the "wrong shoe theory.” Think chunky sneakers, dad socks and maybe even a bomber. Below, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite shirt dresses for women.
The OG
Xintianji women’s shirt dress
When you think of shirt dresses, the original white button-up is sure to come to mind. Channel Tom Cruise à la Risky Business (or Priyanka Chopra-Jonas’ recreation in the Jonas Brothers music video) with this mini from Amazon. Whether worn with socks or knee-length boots, it’s a classic style that will never serve you wrong.
The Faux-Leather Find
Contemporaine tie-waisted faux-leather dress
Itching to try out an all-leather outfit, but don’t want to look costume-y? This faux-leather pick by Simons promises the supple feel of the luxe fabric, with preppier accents like the structured collar and tie-around belt.
The Perfect Work Dress
Everlane hammered satin shirt dress
On those days when you can’t seem to find anything to wear to work, shirt dresses provide an easy solution. This butter yellow one by Everlane is made with their hammered satin FSC-certified viscose (read: an eco-conscious fabric) which has a slight sheen for a little extra polish.
The Extra-Preppy Option
Maje short shirt dress
Our school days might be long gone but it doesn’t mean we have to abandon all preppy pretences. Maje is the maestro of shirt dresses and this one features all the classic requirements: pleated skirt, collared top and a playful feminine flare.
The Designer Dupe
Good American Fit For Success mini dress
Not all of us can commit to a designer price tag. Enter the ‘Fit for Success mini dress’ by Good American. It’s an affordable take on Prada’s poplin option that stays true to the original while also adding some of its own unique flair.
The Seasonless Select
COS oversized waisted denim shirt dress
Trust us — you will never regret buying a denim dress. It’s one of those rare outfits that can seamlessly work in every season and keeps coming back into fashion year after year. COS makes a great one that fits slightly oversized but when belted, can really define your figure.
The Going Out Option
Mango bow shirt dress
Want to make a stylish statement without looking like you’re trying too hard? Keep your silhouette simple with this 100 percent cotton design featuring an adjustable statement belt around the waist.
The Coziest Choice
Burberry Check wool shirt dress
Can’t you just picture cozying up to the fire with a cup of warm cocoa in this dress? Also it’s plaid, Burberry, 100 per cent wool and made in Italy — need we say more? (No wonder it’s almost sold out.)
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Annika Lautens is the former fashion news and features director of FASHION Magazine. With a resumé that would rival Kirk from "Gilmore Girls", she’s had a wide variety of jobs within the publishing industry, but her favourite topics to explore are fashion sociology and psychology. Annika currently lives in Toronto, and when she’s not interviewing celebrities, you can find her travelling.
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