How to Wear a Shirtdress: 9 Shirtdress Outfit Ideas

A shirtdress is a garment that resembles a button-down shirt, but its length makes it possible to wear the piece as a dress. Shirtdresses feature cuffed sleeves, front buttons, a collar, and a breast pocket and come in various styles, patterns, and lengths—including maxi, mini, and midi hemlines. While some shirtdresses use the same material as button-down shirts—such as denim or plaid—others feature more formal or dressy materials like silk, velvet, or chiffon.

These shirtdress outfits suit a variety of daytime looks, from a casual lunch with friends to a day at the office.

1. 1. Opt for leggings or tights in winter. Wear a pair of leggings or tights under a long-sleeve shirtdress for extra warmth in colder weather. Stick to solid black tights or leggings with patterned or striped shirtdresses, but for solid-colored shirtdresses, play with colors and patterns for your tights or leggings.
2. 2. Pair with white sneakers. Style a chambray denim shirtdress with white sneakers for a casual daytime outfit. Consider rolling up the sleeves to enhance the relaxed look. This casual shirtdress outfit is versatile and works well for errands or lunch with friends.
3. 3. Style as a cover-up. Wear a shirtdress as a cover-up over a bathing suit for a breezy summer outfit. A simple white shirtdress is a timeless beach cover-up look, but you can also play with colors and patterns. Consider wearing a pastel-colored or floral-print shirtdress for a vibrant summer look. To maximize air circulation, stick to lightweight materials such as linen, cotton voile, or chiffon.
4. 4. Throw on a blazer. Since shirtdresses resemble a classic button-down shirt, they also work well as a business casual outfit. Style a knee-length or midi shirtdress with a blazer, completing the look with wedges or ankle boots, or you can wear knee-high boots with your midi dress in the wintertime to keep your legs covered and warm.
5. 5. Wear as an open layer. Try styling this garment like a long cardigan. Unbutton your shirtdress and wear it over a white T-shirt with skinny jeans and booties. A cotton shirtdress works well with this outfit idea since the material is soft and comfy, like a sweater.

These shirtdress outfit ideas can help you elevate a simple dress into four put-together evening looks:

1. 1. Accessorize with statement jewelry. Adding a unique piece of jewelry to your outfit is an easy way to turn a simple black shirtdress into a glam look. Leave the top button of your shirtdress open, creating a more open neckline, and wear a thick necklace to elevate your outfit. You can also add a bracelet or pair of earrings to dress up a simple shirtdress.
2. 2. Add heels and a belt. Turn a shirtdress into formal attire by styling it with heels. Consider wearing a bright pair of heels to add a pop of color to your outfit. This flowy dress style can be boxy, so finish this look with a belt to cinch your waist. Finish the outfit with a denim jacket in cooler months.
3. 3. Layer with a shawl. Dress up a sleeveless shirtdress by draping a shawl over your shoulders. Shawls are elegant pieces you can wrap around your upper body to elevate an outfit. Consider wearing a colorful or patterned scarf or shawl to make a statement.
4. 4. Throw on a leather jacket. Add a leather jacket to dress up your outfit. Style a black leather jacket over a white shirtdress to create contrast, or for a classic evening look, wear a leather jacket over your black maxi dress.

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