Shirt dresses are timeless and classic. This article will demonstrate styling the dress-shirt to suite your body type.
The shirt dress has quickly solidified its place as a wardrobe staple. Inspired by a man’s formal shirt, there is, however, nothing masculine about this item of clothing. It is a versatile piece that can be worn at your 9-5 and dressed up for more formal occasions.
Most importantly, it is a universally flattering garment made to suit women of all shapes and sizes. The shirt dress is office-appropriate and comfortable – the perfect item to grab on those late, rushed mornings. It is also a versatile layering item that can be worn as a cover-up after the beach, or in the colder months paired with a sweater for a preppy look.
Adding glitzy accessories will take your shirt dress effortlessly into the evening. There are many ways to jazz up a shirt dress. If you have no idea where to start, we’ve got you covered! The basic rule for transforming or elevating your plain shirt dress is to lean on accessories such as belts, scarves, body chains and jewellery.
Then take it a step further and incorporate layering into your look – this could be draping a jersey over your dress and adding a belt to exaggerate your waist, or layering a strappy sundress over your shirt dress for a more boho look. The most important tip to note is FABRIC, FABRIC, FABRIC! This will be the deciding factor as to whether it’s an appropriate day or night look. Silky, sparkly, sequined or embellished shirt dresses are best reserved for after dark.
Fabrics such as cotton, linen or polyester are appropriate for the office. The exception is chiffon, which flows seamlessly from day to night. Always keep in mind the correct accessories. Now let’s get into styles and shapes. As important as it is to ‘dress up’ your shirt dress, it’s also vital to choose the correct style for your body shape.
COLUMN
You have: a ‘straight’ body with few curves
You have long, lean limbs so accent them with short-sleeved shirt dresses. An A-line silhouette can be well utilised to visually widen the hips, while the illusion of a defined waist can be created with belted and cinched accessorising. You can also pull off the loose- fitting wider silhouette, which ‘hides’ the curves you don’t have!
INVERTED TRIANGLE
You have: wide shoulders and narrower hips
The focus for this body type will be to add volume to the bottom part of your body and defining your waist. A fuller skirt will help balance out broader shoulders. The shirt dress with its button-down collar provides the perfect neckline for broad shoulders, as it elongates the body by creating a vertical line down the chest.
APPLE
You have: a wide chest, fuller tummy and relatively narrow hips
Opt for a loose-fitting straight or wider silhouette to draw attention away from your midsection. Fortunately, most women with this body type have slender legs, so emphasise them by choosing short shirt dresses – or a longer shirt dress with side slits. Accessorise with a great pair of heels to make those legs pop!
HOURGLASS
You have: a small waist, larger bust and hips as wide as your bust
Blessed with natural curves, this ultra-feminine body type allows for shirt dresses that are more fitted or tailored. Accessorise with a belt or body chain to accentuate your waist.
PEAR/TRIANGLE
You have: wider hips in proportion to your waist and bust
A small waist and upper body are characteristic of this body type, so opt for A-line or fit-and-flare silhouettes. This will accentuate your upper body and the fuller skirt will skim nicely over your hips. Also look for details such as voluminous sleeves, as these can also balance out your proportions.
STYLE TIP
Wear your shirt dress as an open layer (think of a long cardigan). Unbutton your dress halfway and pair with jeans or shorts.
As we can see, the shirt dress belongs in every woman’s wardrobe. The variety of styles, the simplicity of getting dressed and its versatility cement its place as a closet classic.
This dress not only makes a fashion statement, it also speaks to the sense of powerful women in the workplace. However you choose to style your shirt dress, you’ll be wearing it with confidence. How far you choose to unbutton that collar is up to you!
Compiled By: Mia Smith
Photographs: Gallo/Getty Images
INVERTED TRIANGLE
You have: wide shoulders and narrower hips
The focus for this body type will be to add volume to the bottom part of your body and defining your waist. A fuller skirt will help balance out broader shoulders. The shirt dress with its button-down collar provides the perfect neckline for broad shoulders, as it elongates the body by creating a vertical line down the chest.
APPLE
You have: a wide chest, fuller tummy and relatively narrow hips
Opt for a loose-fitting straight or wider silhouette to draw attention away from your midsection. Fortunately, most women with this body type have slender legs, so emphasise them by choosing short shirt dresses – or a longer shirt dress with side slits. Accessorise with a great pair of heels to make those legs pop!
HOURGLASS
You have: a small waist, larger bust and hips as wide as your bust
Blessed with natural curves, this ultra-feminine body type allows for shirt dresses that are more fitted or tailored. Accessorise with a belt or body chain to accentuate your waist.
PEAR/TRIANGLE
You have: wider hips in proportion to your waist and bust
A small waist and upper body are characteristic of this body type, so opt for A-line or fit-and-flare silhouettes. This will accentuate your upper body and the fuller skirt will skim nicely over your hips. Also look for details such as voluminous sleeves, as these can also balance out your proportions.
STYLE TIP
Wear your shirt dress as an open layer (think of a long cardigan). Unbutton your dress halfway and pair with jeans or shorts.
As we can see, the shirt dress belongs in every woman’s wardrobe. The variety of styles, the simplicity of getting dressed and its versatility cement its place as a closet classic.
This dress not only makes a fashion statement, it also speaks to the sense of powerful women in the workplace. However you choose to style your shirt dress, you’ll be wearing it with confidence. How far you choose to unbutton that collar is up to you!
Compiled By: Mia Smith
Photographs: Gallo/Getty Images
STYLING THE SHIRT-DRESS TO FLATTER YOUR SHAPE
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
February 17, 2023
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
February 17, 2023
Rating:
