Merriam-Webster defines the shirt dress as “a tailored dress patterned after a shirt and having buttons down the front.” But I’m a firm believer that any shirt can turn into a shirt dress, if you try hard enough — tank tops, button-downs, vintage band tees, cardigans, flannels, oversized sweaters, etc. The difficulty is just in knowing how to style a shirt dress once you’ve successfully converted it.
Style it too sparingly, and you could end up looking like you forgot to wear pants (and not in a chic, Kendall Jenner kind of way). Pair it with trousers — and, well, then it just looks like a really big shirt. So, how should you style a shirt dress? For the most part, it comes down to choosing the right pair of statement shoes, like knee-high boots, sparkly pumps, or toe ring sandals. After that, it’s the smaller elements that matter.
The finer details are what will set your shirt dress outfit up for success — it’s the difference between wearing a shirt dress and styling it. Utilise luxe textures (croc skin, suede, lace, leather) and dramatic silhouettes whenever possible. From there, just be sure to layer both with care and with excess.
Follow these tips, and you’ll never again have to Google “how to style a shirt dress.” Intrigued? Read on for all the styling tips and outfit ideas you should keep in mind.
They're taking over the fashion world (and its feet).
Layered with lingerie
Workwear wardrobe staples, like the humble white button-up, can always benefit from a little dose of boudoir — and the shirt dress falls squarely under this rule. If wearing a bra outside of your clothes feels like a bit much, try popping it over a delicate lace skirt for that same sultry vibe. (Or both!)
Short dress, tall boots
Embrace an oversized fit by wearing a shirt-turned-shirtdress with a pair of luxe, over-the-knee boots. They’ll give your closet staples a runway-inspired feel, while also balancing out the super-short hemline.
Leather, leather, leather
Did you know that jackets can also be makeshift shirt dresses? Leather jackets, denim jackets, and blazers all convert seamlessly, but the former are my personal favourite. Style a leather shacket with leather boots and a matching handbag for a surprisingly stylish three-step outfit.
Denim and suede
Oversized denim shirts are a lesson in versatility. They can be worn everywhere from the rodeo to the office, or over a swimsuit, as a cover-up. Of course, they work just as well as a shirt dress. Make the look feel less J.Crew and more runway by styling it with expensive-looking suede accessories. And be sure to leave the collar unbuttoned to DIY a posh, off-the-shoulder neckline.
With a barn jacket
You can’t go wrong with the shirt, dress, and blazer combo, but might I recommend introducing a barn jacket to your rotation? It’ll make your ’fit feel casual and laid-back — in a really chic way.
All-white everything
White-on-white looks are a sartorial signature for some of the most stylish women in Hollywood (read: Jennifer Lopez and Kate Middleton). They may have been dressed by a professional stylist, but you can absolutely build out a similar look on your own. Just pair up a white shirt dress with matching thigh-high boots, then top with a sprinkling of gold statement jewellery. Voilà! An easy office look that still feels dressy.
DIY rugby dress
Taylor Swift wore a rugby shirt as a dress, and you absolutely should too. Throw on an oversize style with tube socks and loafers or pumps for a preppy-inspired vibe.
A white shirt dress with suede
There are few pieces as timeless as a white dress and a suede jacket — as such, the two pair perfectly together. Styles that subtly cinch at the waist break up an otherwise boxy silhouette. In the summer, pair yours with flat sandals and opt for a vest or suede accessories instead of a jacket.
This article originally appeared on GLAMOUR (US).
