Credit: Courtesy of brands
Stylist Loves
11 shirt dresses that are simple yet chic
By Billie Bhatia &Lauren Cunningham
9 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
4 min read
A shirt dress brings an easy smart-casual look to any occasion, and we’ve rounded up the best ones out there for you to shop now whether you’re after something patterned or plain.
Shaving minutes off of our morning routine is somewhat of a sport for us here at Stylist, and we’ve got getting dressed down to a fine (and very fast) art. After all, no matter if you like to lie in, hit the gym or get the kids up and out, couldn’t we all do with a few extra hours in the day?
While there are many tricks for getting out the door in minutes – pre-made breakfast, anyone? – when it comes to our wardrobes, we have a couple of core pieces that are just perfect for a quick turnaround. Office-appropriate jumpsuits sit pretty high on the list, as do a boxy blazer, simple shirt and jeans, but as the warmer weather starts to creep in, it’s shirt dresses that deserve their moment in the spotlight, and they can be worn for almost any occasion.
What makes shirt dresses such a great go-to is that their simple shape makes them incredibly easy to style. A knee-high boot will keep the breeze at bay while loafers, sandals and slingback shoes are easy to reach for when the sun comes out, so looking pulled together couldn’t be simpler.
So trust us with this pick of 11 of our favourite finds to save you even more time, from a Cos pretty pink option to Joanie’s size-inclusive collection.
Boden Marcia jersey midi shirt dress
Simple yet striking, stripes are a great way to add interest to any outfit without being too overpowering in pattern, especially when they’re in a chic navy and white colourway like this.
Cos collared midi shirt dress
Pretty in pink, this Cos shirt dress is sleek in shape yet attention-grabbing in shade. It should have you out of the door within minutes, whether paired with a simple sandal, trainer or even a kitten heel for work.
Oliver Bonas postcard print orange mini shirt dress
This bright and bold pattern is sure to brighten up anyone’s wardrobe, whether you’re on holiday or heading into the office. Complete with seashells and palm trees, it’s perfect for summer styling so opt for a simple sandal or pump and hope the sun starts shining.
Shop Oliver Bonas postcard print orange mini shirt dress, £75
Jigsaw linen tunic shirt dress
Not all shirt dresses are midi and maxi length. In fact, some incredibly chic styles are much shorter, making them perfect picks for hot weather, especially when they’re crafted from lightweight linen such as this Jigsaw find.
Me + Em shirt maxi dress
For a more formal fitting frock, look no further than this Me + Em find. Complete with balloon sleeves, a sharp collar and a tonal belt, its highly structured shape is perfect for all kinds of occasions while the green colour makes it instantly more eye-catching.
H&M tie-belt shirt dress
Offering a more laidback look thanks to a soft, silky fabric, this H&M find will be your go-to on days when you don’t know what to wear. Plus it can be styled in a whole host of ways, whether with knee-high boots, sandals or trainers.
Joanie Clothing Este black embroidered shirt dress
Joanie Clothing excels when it comes to sizing, with this dress available in sizes 6 to 26, meaning more people can enjoy it. Elevating the standard shirt dress from a straight up and down style, the Este features an accentuated waist and embroidered hemlines to make it a fancier option.
Shop Joanie Clothing Este black embroidered shirt dress, £85
Hush Sahra cotton midi shirt dress
For a more laidback look, reach for oversized options like this lovely lilac Hush find. Looking just like a regular work shirt (although a lot longer), it’s a throw on and go style that requires minimal effort. Plus the shade is sure to perk up any outfit.
Reiss Heidi viscose-linen belted midi dress
All-white outfits are one of our top trends this summer and this Reiss shirt dress is a perfect example. It’s crafted from a viscose-linen blend to be both soft and cool through warmer weather, making it a great holiday go-to.
The Bettina tiered midi shirt dress by Maeve
Summer often gives us a little more confidence to add colour to our outfits and this bold-print floral frock is a great option to go with if you’re after a more attention-grabbing style. Exaggerate the red by styling with matching shoes or keep it simple with classic white or black.
Shop The Bettina tiered midi shirt dress by Maeve at Anthropologie, £125
Arket linen shirt dress
Leaning into the ‘I borrowed this from my boyfriend’ look is this blue striped shirt dress from Arket. While a tie belt adds dimension, the oversized look is incredibly laidback, perfect for everyday errands and warm weather strolls.
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
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