‘Hi fashion team! I feel like I’m always wearing the same few dress styles. If I’m at work, it’s always a printed midi, and when I go out, it’s a silky or bright mini. I want to mix it up, but I don’t want to stray too far from my comfort zone… I always spot nice shirt dresses on other women, but I’m not sure if they’ll work for me. Are there any style rules to follow? I’m 5ft6 and a curvy size 12. And where can I buy the best ones that I won’t have to wait till payday for?’
Lorraine from Dartford
Krissy says:
Since you’re a devoted dress gal, I think adding another style to your repertoire to mix it up, rather than forgoing them all together, is a smart shopping move, Lorraine.
I’m a big fan of a shirt dress so you’ve come to the right person. I love minimal, tailored looks so it’s the dress style I plump for first since they often tick those boxes, so I know all about shopping for a great one.
As you mentioned, it isn’t as easy as it looks, since compared to the floaty midis you know and love, there are buttons, collars, and even waist belts to contend with, and that’s before you get to the fit and length.
But it’s well worth the hunt: once you find a great one, (whether it’s from New Look or Albaray) I promise you’ll be looking to add more to your wardrobe. So first things first, here’s what you need to know about shirt dresses.
What is a shirt dress?
It does what it says on the tin: think of a longer version of your favourite shirt, and that’s the most basic version of a shirt dress. Some will have fuller, longer skirts or have a more fitted bottom half, but ultimately, most shirt dresses will have buttons down the front (either to the navel, or right down the length to the hem), a collar, short or long sleeves (the latter with cuffs) and often a belt.
The fabric
I think shirt dresses get a bad rep because it’s assumed they’re made from a starchy stiff cotton, that a) is unlikely to be figure-flattering when in dress form, and b) will almost certainly take an age to iron. But it’s all in the fabric. A crisp poplin style or cotton number are smart and chic if you get the fit right (more on that later). But if they feel a little too formal for you, glam silk, floaty viscose or a soft Lyocell or Cupro should be on your radar as they’ll feel like a closer match to the go-to midis you love.
The length
Length-wise, anything goes with the humble shirt dress. Mini styles are ideal for dressing up, while longer mid-calf styles and maxis will fit seamlessly into your workwear rotation. I’d personally avoid anything that lands on the knee as it feels a little too formal, so aim for a minimum of two inches below, or an inch or two above depending on what you’re comfortable with and where you’re wearing it.
The fit
Whereas in shirts you might go for a slightly oversized fit to balance out the straight leg jeans or trousers you’ll tuck them into, with a shirt dress, you might find a closer fit looks and feels better.
When there are buttons involved over the bust, I’d always recommend trying it on first, and a shirt dress is no different. Anything too tight will be uncomfortable and leave gapes in between the buttons (not chic), and anything too loose will look ill-fitted.
I find a fit and flare shape (a slimmer fit top half that flares out at the skirt) to be most flattering, especially if there’s a waist belt involved.
Now that you know what to look out for, here are the three styles to try, and the best places to buy them:
Printed versions
See a printed shirt dress as a versatile alternative to the midis you’re wedded to for work: with loafers, they’re perfect for Mon-Fri, then with espadrilles and a crossbody, they’ll see you through the weekend, too.
The bold girlies among us might opt for colour clashing accessories which will make for a punchy look, but if you’re keen to have your patterned dress do all the talking, I’d recommend paring everything else back.
In that case, white trainers will be your fashion best friend. For the upcoming transeasonal period when it’s too grey for Birkenstocks but way too early for ankle boots, they’re the perfect in-between.
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Smart for work
Thanks to the tailored vibe, shirt dresses lend themselves well to workwear, so you can put your midis on the burner for a bit. Look for polished details like fitted cuffs, waist belts and fit-and-flare silhouettes to ensure your shirt dress is work-friendly. Print-wise, you’ll want to keep it classic with polka dots, stripes or a pattern with a maximum of three shades, so that it doesn’t look too outré in a corporate setting.
A block colour poplin style like this chic COS number or striking Stradivarius midi, are ideal for the office and act as a dress version of your go-to shirts, so will blend into your wardrobe seamlessly.
Wear yours with cream loafers to punctuate your look and an oversized tote.
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Going out out
Silky minis are the quickest way to feel dressy for evening, so I get why they’re your first port of call. The good news is that a silky mini shirt dress offers a point of difference to the looks you know and love, but isn’t a big enough change that you’ll need to swap out your usual accessories to accommodate.
Whether it’s neutral or bright, team your out out shirt dress with a pair of bold strappy heels, an embellished mini bag and fun earrings.
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