Why Shirtdresses Are a Summer Staple
If you’re looking for the perfect summer dress, look no further than the shirtdress. You may recognize the shirtdress silhouette from women’s uniforms from the early 20th century. They were a feminine version of the men’s work shirts. You can also see the silhouette in everyday wear with big shoulders and belted waists in women’s fashion of the 1930s and 40s.
But it was Christian Dior and his post-World War II “New Look” collection who made shirt dresses fashionable by introducing them as a mainstream look. (And how many times have we credited Dior with doing this?) One look at TV shows from the 1950s, and you’ll see the shirtdress as the classic house day dress a lady could wear lounging, doing chores and out shopping.
The shirtdress evolved with changing styles, going short and straight in the 1960s, with padded shoulders in the 1980s, and becoming more casual for streetwear in the 2000s.
These days, it’s just a classic silhouette to have in your collection, as you can wear it for casual wear or to the office. Look for them in light cotton and linen fabrics to keep you cool all summer.
No shirtdresses in your wardrobe? Get shopping!
Here are some ideas for how to wear a shirtdress.
Classic Shirtdress Look
Look for a breezy cotton fabric and floral print for your summer staple. Wear it to summer markets, out to lunch and to barbeques. Simply throw on some cute sandals, and you’re good to go!
Shirtdress With a Sweater Vest
If your summer season starts chilly, has cool nights or is spent on the coast, you may need some extra warmth. The great thing about the shirtdress is that it’s a button-down shirt on top, so you can easily throw on a sweater vest, pull the collar and sleeves through and have a cute layered look that keeps your core nice and snug when those cold breezes come along!
Shirtdress With a Denim Jacket
Nothing says summer picnic time like a shirtdress and denim jacket! Look for a shirtdress in a cute gingham print, grab your jacket, throw on some kicks, and you’re ready to go play and party from day to night in this casual, cute look for the lazy days of summer!
Now that you know how to wear a shirtdress, will you try it?
See more of my styling on my blog Stiletto City and Instagram page.
Items shown here are from my personal collection. Links are not sponsored or affiliated.
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