How to Wear a Shirt Dress

A button-down shirt dress is a versatile wardrobe staple.

First becoming popular in the 1940s, a shirt dress is a wardrobe staple whose versatility makes it an essential item in any woman's clothing collection. Shirt dresses can accompany you gracefully from a day at the office to a round of after-work drinks with friends with minimal wardrobe changes.

Things You'll Need

• A shirt dress
• Shoes (pumps, heels, flats)
• Tights and stockings
• Pearls, beads and other necklaces in different lengths
• A patterned scarf
• Belts (thick patent and a thin leather belt)
• A lace-trimmed camisole
• Bags (tote, a handbag and a dressy clutch)

Instructions

1. Belt it. Shirt dresses are frequently sold with their own belts made from the same material as the shirt dress itself. However, these belts are rarely more substantial than a flimsy piece of string, and can disappear into the fabric of the dress, making your silhouette appear frumpy instead of fabulous. Wear a wide belt with an interesting buckle in a substantial material, like leather or suede, over the shirt dress. Wear the belt at your natural waist to cinch the dress where you are naturally slimmest, giving you curves you didn't know you had.

2. Layer it. A shirt dress is by no means a one-season garment. Wear an open summery shirt dress in a lighter fabric over a knit dress in autumn and winter for a crisp, tailored look, making sure to belt it over the top of both dresses. You can also wear a shirt dress over a summer dress to conceal spaghetti straps, making your favorite warm-weather garments work-appropriate. Wear a skirt with a fuller flare underneath the shirt dress to play with the dress's profile.

3. Wear a camisole. Wearing a lacy camisole or a tank in a bold color underneath your shirt dress changes its character with little effort on your part. Unbutton a few of the shirt dress's buttons above your navel to show your camisole underneath the dress. Highlight your collarbone with a necklace.

4. Wear leggings. While insubstantial as garments on their own, leggings are essential layering pieces that can keep you warm in a chilly movie theater or on a rainy day. With particularly floaty or flared shirt dresses on a windy day, wearing leggings underneath the dress can also preserve your modesty -- and dignity.

5. Use flats, boots and heels to change up the look of your shirt dress. Knee-high boots in a neutral shade -- think gray, black or brown -- make a bold statement offset by the dress's femininity. Flats are appropriate for wear in the office, and you can carry your favorite pair of heels to change into for a night out on the town.

Tips & Warnings

• When shopping for a shirt dress, look for natural fabrics, quality tailoring and easy care instructions. Natural fabrics like cotton and wool allow your skin to breathe, ensuring you'll stay comfortable throughout the day. Signs of quality tailoring include flattering darting at the back of the shirt dress, securely attached buttons and neat and flat seams. Avoid dry-clean-only shirt dresses. Shirt dresses that are not wash-and-wear won't enjoy as much circulation in your closet, and you might not want to spend lots of money to get out a drink or sauce spill.

• Don't forget to follow the manufacturer's cleaning directions so your shirt dress will last you for a long time.

References

• The Guardian: How to Dress: Shirtdresses; Jess Cartner-Morley; March 13, 2010
• Refinery29: 3 Fresh Ways to Style an Essential Shirtdress; April Francis; July 27, 2011