This spring season marks the return of the shirt dress, a staple that is timeless, elegant, and versatile. The shirt dress is an article of clothing that never seems to go out of fashion. Depending on the material, this iconic style is one that can be worn at any time of the year and suits many body types.
A shirt dress, as its name suggests, has the structure of a button-down shirt but is in the style and length of a dress. This simple style is flattering and smart to wear on its own, under a blazer, or as a bathing suit cover up.
In cooler weather, shirt dresses can be paired with cardigans, leggings, and boots for a warm yet sophisticated look. As temperatures begin to rise, they also look great with tights, a belt, and ballet flats. The lengths, materials, and colours can vary on this iconic style, and has been worn by different famous celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Zendaya, and Kate Middleton.
The shirt dress was first created in 1957 by Christian Dior, and continued appearing on the runways thanks to Yves Saint Laurent after Dior’s death. According to Vogue, shirt dresses are considered good pieces to wear to work, whether online or in-person. They are great alternatives to suits or black pants and a blouse, while still giving a polished feel to your outfit. A modern take on the classic style can include ruffles, a bold print, or colour.
There are many ways to wear a shirt dress; they can be worn open or buttoned, belted, baggy, or fitted. Even long jackets with shirt collars can double up as shirt dresses, depending on how you accessorize the outfit. A long shacket, for example, can double up as a shirt dress if paired with a thick leather belt and is fully buttoned down.
Shirt dresses can also be worn as a bathing suit cover up. A white one is especially fashionable if it is worn with a pair of wedge sandals, a straw hat, oversized sunglasses, a rope tie belt, and a tote bag.
Classic shirt dresses usually fall just below the knee, are belted, and are long or short sleeved. This spring, variations of the dress are appearing with various lengths, sleeves, and colours to make this look new and fresh. A short sleeve midi length shirt dress will look nice with sandals or flats as the temperatures warm up, and pairs nicely with a denim jacket for a more casual look. To dress the outfit up, swapping the denim jacket for a nicely tailored navy or black blazer and heels help to add elegance and sophistication to the ensemble.
Best of all, the shirt dress is a style that can be found at local thrift stores as well as at the mall for an affordable price. Whether wearing it for a fun day at the beach or hanging out with friends, the shirt dress is a staple that can be worn with many pieces during any season of the year. It’s a simple yet elegant design as it is a style that can be dressed down or up depending on the occasion. This is one style you don’t want to miss, especially as the weather gets warmer and sunnier.
Image: Suzi Sheer
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.
