A shirt dress is one of those timeless pieces you can hold on to for years! Today I’m sharing four ways to style this classic for spring/summer.

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4 Ways to Style a Shirt Dress
Shirt dresses are available in so many different styles – short, midi, and maxi lengths and in an array of fabrics and patterns. To get the most versatility out of this kind of dress, opt for one in a solid color, denim/chambray, or a stripe. Knee to midi-length cuts that run straight (not flared or a-line) will also offer the most styling flexibility.
The Ralph Lauren linen-blend shirt dress shown in the collages below hits all those marks! More versatile options are shown below. And best yet, you can easily find a nice shirt dress at any price point.
Look 1: As a Cover-up

Look 2: Weekend Casual
Hamptons Chic! This beachy-casual look works for sightseeing, brunch, shopping, and more. The soft, neutral color-palette never goes out of style.

Look 3: Summer Evening Out
Go bold for a summer evening out or a charity event! For this look, unbutton the shirt dress and wear it as a duster over a bodysuit and trousers. Add a sexy, go-with-everything heel, some fun earrings, and a handbag and you are set. Not into the bold color palette? This outfit idea works just as well with more neutral options.

Look 3: For the Office
For the office, add a bit of structure by cinching the waist with a wide-to-medium-width belt. Add a classic pump or sling-back and practical tote. The linen blazer is great if your office is chilly or if you need to add a little extra polish. I used the scarf as inspiration for the color palette and love the way the chocolate browns and peachy pinks play together!

Knowing how to style your clothes in multiple ways is critical to making a smaller wardrobe work. And with a shirt dress, you’ll have no worries come fall as there are multiple ways to style this piece for the cooler months too!
Until next time…keep cultivating a simple, stylish, and satisfying life!


Great ideas to style the shirt dress! I think adding a belt makes this dress more flattering a gives you more shape. I would probably choose the chambray blue. Thank you for sharing. xx