It’s a shirt! It’s a dress! It’s… both? For far too long, the shirt dress has been a woefully overlooked fashion item, despite having all the makings of a wardrobe staple. Blending the polished look of a button down shirt with a versatile full-body silhouette, the shirt dress rests on the line between casual and dressy, making styling them for any occasion a straightforward, effortless affair.
Related article: The 'One-And-Done' Dress Is This Summer's Breakout Fashion Item
Beyond its versatility on the style front, shirt dresses are also a comfortable option in warm, humid climates like ours. Often made from breathable materials like cotton or linen with a relaxed fit, they allow you to move through the day with comfort and ease even in the sweltering heat. Below, find out how to dress this style staple up (or down!) for any occasion, day or night.
CASUAL BRUNCH
For a relaxed Sunday brunch with your crew, express yourself with a shirt dress in your favourite colours or patterns. Let the dress take centre stage by pairing it with neutral shoes and accessories in complementary tones to pull the look together effortlessly.
Floral cotton shirt dress, $967, Erdem
Dayna suede espadrille wedge sandals, $661, Stuart Weitzman
Goldentime small leather-trimmed raffia-jacquard tote, $588, Zimmerman
RUNNING ERRANDS
Comfort is essential when you’re going to be all over town running errands, and while the average shirt dress does fit the bill, going with a shorter sleeve and skirt length can provide additional ease of movement. Combine it with your favourite tote bag and ballet sneakers or flats for a stylish touch, and you’re good to go.
Related article: En Pointe: Ace the Coquette-Core Trend With These Luxury Fashion Ballet Flats
Belted organic cotton-poplin mini shirt dress, $317, MATTEAU
Hall Tote Bag 33, $448, Coach
Tyre sued-trimmed Mary Jane flats, $1,460, Miu Miu
CORP-CORE
At work, go for a more tailored silhouette with a cinched waistline and midi-length skirt in black and white, or deep tones such as navy or burgundy. Stick to solid colours, or opt for subtle vertical stripes for a balanced and put-together outfit.
Related article: Most Stylish Tote Bags To Bring To Work
Belted silk-twill midi shirt dress, $1,907, Emilia Wickstead
Carolyne 50 houndstooth wool-tweed slingback pumps, $1,335, Manolo Blahnik
Women's Rodeo Handbag Mini in White, $4,350, Balenciaga
BEACH DAY
Here, the shirt dress gains an extra layer of versatility. Pair a loose-fit shirt dress with a hat, a pair of sandals, and your favourite swimwear, and you’ve got a cute outfit to wear to and from the beach—plus a stylish cover-up.
Printed Fluid Shirt Dress, $250, COS
Jalen strappy flat sandals, $305, A.EMERY
Marocco Logo Plaque Hat, $243, Max Mara
DATE NIGHT
On date nights, reach for pieces with novel textures, such as gauzy or sheer materials. A shorter length gives you the freedom to match your shirt dress with jeans or trousers—or skip the pants entirely and reach for a pair of heels for a feminine touch.
Naomi lace-trimmed poplin shirt dress, $1,010, Danielle Frankel
Voltaire mini leather shoulder bag, $2,907, Saint Laurent
Calista Slingback, $236, RAYE