Shirt dresses are often described as borrowing ‘elements from the boys’; popped collars, a button front and cuffed sleeves are often retained in the construction of a ‘shirt dress’. The androgynous fit of a shirt dress is deliciously unisex, with its un-waisted lack of definition, while looking preppy, formal and kind of ‘sloppy’ all in one look. Having become popular in the 1950’s after Christian Dior’s Post World War II ‘crinoline shirt dresses’ revolutionized women’s wear, the abundance of shirt dresses and its prevalence in both women’s and men’s fashion has only served to become even more popular than ever. While shirt dresses began as a movement against utility, government approved wear in the 40’s their existence today is not necessarily rooted in rebellion but more as a symbol of genderless fashion, where comfort is not limited to the opposite sex. Of course shirt dresses today often feature ‘feminine characteristics’ with a gathered waist or ruffled sleeves, but the end result is nevertheless rooted in this concept of ‘genderless fashion’. Speaking of which, fashion retailer Boohoo, has been upping the stakes and re-interpreting the shirt dress to merge the gap between men’s and women’s ‘wear’ . Not quite genderless, the Beatrix shirt dress features a striking ‘bell sleeve’ which was popular in the 1970’s paired with flares, although its actual existence predated the renaissance.
How To ‘Double Shirt’
The ‘bell sleeve’ had a resurgence in popularity in the early 2000’s but shirt dresses that featured ‘bell sleeves’ were a relatively non-existent concept until fall 2016. Suddenly shirt dresses among other trends like ‘ruffles’ were re-invented and while shirt dresses had often been ‘lumped’ in the workwear category, designers like Victoria Beckham helped translate ‘shirt dresses’ or shirts into day-time wear too. Largely in Beckham’s case this was due to re-inventing the definition of ‘power wear’ and shaking off its ‘stiff upper lip’ image by matching shirts with slouchy bottoms, all while retaining the sartorial element of masculinity. Yet the concept of pairing a 1970’s bell sleeve in a fabric other than chiffon was an alien notion and Boohoo’s crisp bell-sleeved shirt dress brought new meaning to shirt dresses. The shirt dress is a typical shirt; the fabric is crisp and rigid with a neat concise collar bib, while the original dress has no gathered waist and sits just below the knee. But then BAM, the sleeves, the glorious bell sleeves appear and they are quite unlike any other shirt dresses you have seen before. The bell sleeve is not minimalist by any means and its rounded buttoned cuff demands attention.
Keep The Double Shirted Look Minimalist
The bell sleeves might be attention grabbing but the fact that they can be ‘unbuttoned’ means that it can be worn three different ways; worn as a skirt, worn as ‘sleeves’ or layered under another shirt, preferably one as shown here, in a contrasting but complimentary colour. The navy and white pin striped shirt is layered over the top of the Boohoo shirt dress, but a contrasting faux snake-skin effect slim belt helps create the illusion of a more ‘gathered waist’. Because the shirt dress can be worn outside of an office environment, fishnet tights -which match the striped shirts- and fishnet heels helps turn the shirt dress into a look that can be worn for post-office drinks or any event on your sartorial fashion calendar. Typically shirt dresses are paired with 1970’s style floppy hats and over the knee boots but a power combo that is not too dissimilar to the ‘double denim’ trend, helps diversify the ‘shirt dress image’. In other words styling shirt dresses has never felt more versatile and by pairing ‘fishnets’ the androgynous shirt dress becomes ‘sexy’, re-enforcing the notion that ‘sex appeal’ is not limited to gender but through construction of style. Indeed the ‘sexiest’ sartorial combinations are those that borrow elements from menswear and womenswear. rather than pigeonholing themselves into ‘one gendered category’.
Leave The Bell Sleeves Unbuttoned To Create A Mini-Cape Like Effect
For some the concept of ‘double-shirting’ as I like to call it is enough to make them judder; the traditional version of the Boohoo Blogger X Dress of The Month, complete with bell-sleeves might be enough of a statement on its own. While I have kept the bottom half the same, the unbuttoned bell sleeves, makes it appear as though it is an entirely different look. Worn with a belt and the dress is borderline feminine and worn without the belt teeters into masculine wear but whichever sartorial route you choose to take, the shirt dress will still make an impact. Without the bell-sleeves the shirt dress is ‘less showy’ but with the bell-sleeves- which can be left unbuttoned or buttoned- the shirt dress can be considered ‘dressy enough’ even for the snobbiest clubs, who seem to frown upon anyone who dares to seek entry, whilst still rocking a workwear or office look.
Other Ways To Wear A Shirt DressΒ
- As a ‘front’ skirt- button the shirt, including the collar and wrap around your mid-section to create a mid-length skirt. Best suited to the brave, who want to re-invent work-wear.
- As a jacket- similar to the ‘double shirting’ term that I coined, pair a long, ideally duster to mid-length shirt and leave unbuttoned, while a short mini shirt dress layered underneath adds impact.
- Mix Prints- pair a striped shirt dress with a micro floral blazer in the same colour bracket, ensuring that the jacket sits just above the hip
- As A cape- leave the shirt un-buttoned and drape over your shoulders like you would with a coat, to create a cape-like effect
- As A Jumper- find a sleeveless top in a contrasting hue and layer the shirt dress underneath, ideal for chillier days
- Underneath A Crop Top or Bralet- Find a crop or bralet in a neutral hue like black or white and layer it on top of your shirt dress, before pairing with knee high boots
A contrasting printed belt helps accentuate the waist
How Do You Style Shirt Dresses?
Shop The Look
Girl, I am LOVING the double shirt style idea and totally stealing it from you to style up my shirt dress! So creative and super chic! And – I need to get a new shirtdress b/c mine are super old and continually shrinking in the wash (so its actually more of a shirt now than a dress!).
What a great outfit! I love shirt dresses and really love this look! The shoes are great also!
I have a couple of shirt dresses and they tend to stay in my wardrobe as I could never make them work. Thank you for the inspiration!x
I love the bell sleeve trend! I am quite petite, so I have a hard time pulling these shirts off as they appear SO huge on me. Going to try adding a small belt like you’ve done to try and make it look a bit more fitted on me the next time I wear my collared shirt!
What a great clothing accessory to have in your closet because it can be worn in multiple ways. I love how he layered the loop with the two different colored stripes they really work well together .
You nailed the look! It’s masculine yet feminine at the same time. Such an elegant look! Love how you incorporate fashion history into this post.
Really like the look of this shirt dress and looking forward to incorporating it in my wardrobe. I love the minimalist look! π x
Jadirah Sarmad | Jasmine Catches Butterflies ΚΟΙ
You make the men’s shirt look anything but manly. The shirt is a great look and a style I might try but I don’t know if I can pull it off as good as you do.
I totally love how you styled that shirt dress! I have a couple of shirt dresses and I usually use a jean jacket or a cardigan, but I love the new ideas you gave me!
This is such a great look! I have actually never tried this before. So pretty.
I really enjoyed reading all the history behind fashion! thats a great idea to add some information to the post! I’m gonna have to add more information when I start posting more fashion related posts, history, type of fabric, how its made, etc ! Thanks for sharing! love your ideas!
I would probably wear mine as a jacket in the summer
I am really loving both looks!! Plus your shoes are fantastic! Great tips as well!
I love shirt dresses! I have two polo style ones in my closet right now, waiting for warmer weather. I love the stripes.
The mini-cape sleeves are something I haven’t seen before! Very cool! And I love that you layered stripes with stripes!
this looks so good on you. I love the belt you used at the waist
Shirt dresses are really coming back into style around here. They have never really been my thing, but they do look good on a lot of ladies, like yourself.
Very cute, I always wished these were a little bit longer, I am all about wanting more of my legs covered!
Those shoes. AMAZING. I wish I could pull this whole look off but especially those shoes. I’d kill myself walking in them, but it would so be worth it. You are stunning!
That shirt dress is so fabulous! And I love that you have 2 options to wear it! I also love the boots that you paired with it too!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
This dress looks great on you!
I can never seem to pull off a shirt dress. I’m short and it makes me look shorter.. and childish. Maybe if I wore it with heels?
The double shirt is stunning, yu have styled it so beautifully. You have a great eye for appealing things. Now to find that shirt in South Africa *sigh*
Love your shoes! Wish I could walk in high heels.
This is so original! I am going to try this. Have to see if I have two striped prints like that! You look gorgeous and I love the shoes you’re wearing. xo
I really love the shirt dress! The sleeves make it really stand out π x
I am really loving the double stripes look!! You look fantastic!
I had no idea there were so many ways to wear a shirt dress. It’s gorgeous and I quite like the idea of wearing it as a jacket.
Loving the way you’ve styles that shirt dress. I never quite know what to do with a shirt dress so this was really useful!
Looking good! If only I could pull off the style, I would. But sadly, at 40 something and with a figure that isn’t quite that, I fear this look is not for me. Certainly something I could see my teenage daughter’s adopting.
I saw this on your Twitter! I do love a good shirt dress – -they are a bit of an uniform for me! So comfy but they still look like you’ve really tried! You look lovely:) X
I am absolutely loving this shirt dress!! I’ve never worn one before, but I might have to try this look this spring!
I am loving what you’ve done with the double shirt styling. I love the look of shirt dresses but they also seem to have no shape on me, I’ll have to give some of your suggestions a go. I love a bit of boohoo so I’ll be having a look at their range
i love this look so much! you really know how to style an outfit.
You’re so pretty! And I love both the looks. Need to invest in a dress shirt now hehe
That is a very nice fit on you! I think with my frame i may just look pregnant though! haha
The double shirt idea is amazing! I love that look. The shirt dress can be so tough to style if you are not used to wearing it but you did it flawlessly.
Loving the shirt dress but those shoes are amazing!
Love how u have styled the shirt dress it really suits you.
Shirt dresses are such classics! I love how you mixed the two different stripe patterns!
I love that dress and how you’ve styled it with the striped blazer!
Fantastic outfit! It really suits you. To be honest everything you post seems to suit you so well.
I really love the shirt dress, it looks like something even I may be able to pull off. I also love the way you have styled it with a second shirt.
We’ve also wondered how to wear and style a shirt dress…and now we know. You look fab in it! Might invest in one now x
Love the contrasting stripes. I never wear shirt dresses as I’m too last to get the iron out but you have tempted me.
I do like a shirt dress, the one you are wearing looks amazing x
I really like the double shirt look on you, though I”m not sure I could pull that look off. Adding the thin belt at the waist really pull the look of the shirt dress together in my opinion. Wearing it with the bell sleeves is also a great look, I’m loving the resurgence of bell sleeves lately.
This is a fantastic look and you look amazing Ana! One of my favourites for you I think.
Whoa love this shirt dress! I admit I don’t have one in my wardrobe but now I kinda want one. perfect for summer too to throw over a bikini or swimsuit!
It looks really good on you with long legs. I’ve also seen women wear them with leggings. It usually looks nice if not too short.
Very nice. I love the different ideas you give on how to wear a shirt dress. I need to get me one of these. It’s totally my style. Nice!
I love this! I have a really cute shirt dress but I’ve never known how to wear it! I’ve tried it a few different ways, but it hasn’t been right. I love your ideas here!
Shirt dresses are awesome! They’re comfy, they’re stylish and there are so many ways to dress them up or down. Perfect for a day out when you just want to be able to move.
This is actually super cool! I love the idea of double shirts. I just need to find one that fits good since the ones longs enough for me and often too everywhere else
Stripes looks so great on you, Anna! That is such a pretty shirt dress and like how you have styled it two ways.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
I love shirts but mostly wear it simply. This gives me styling goals and ways to revamp looks. Thanks a lot very useful styling tips indeed.
You look cool in this outfit actually you always look cute and it is because of your dressing sense
I love both ways that you styled this dress! So chic and fun! Perfect to transition to spring!
I love the double shirt look, I’ve never thought to double up before. Jo x
I don’t tend to wear shirt dresses because they’re not flattering on my shape but great tips x
I think the minimalist look is the way to go. It looks great on you. I’ve not seen shirt dresses before.
I truly ADORE what you you’ve done with this look! I haven’t been able to work out the shirt dress before but now I am inspired! You look fantastic!
I love any sort of dress and love this. Like that you mixed stripes as would never think of doing that, but it somehow works! x
I love how you’ve styled this shirt dress, it looks amazing on you too π
Love the combination of layers there! You are certainly rocking that look Ana, you look fab π x
What a great look! I really want some shirt dresses as we go into Spring time
I love button down shirt dresses. they are my go-to piece of clothing. However, I dress it with skinnys. I love it that way.
You nailed the look. I too like shirt dress but you look amazing.
My daughter has a shirt dress very similar to yours and she wears a black cardigan over it, but I think the idea of a double shirt looks so much better. I am going to suggest this to her. It does looks so chic and stylish!
Thank you so much for sharing your incredible tips for wearing this shirt. It was very helpful indeed. Great job!
This is such a cute look! I love how you paired the different stripes together. It looks so put together and classy with a little extra sass!
I do love shirt dresses although I think I would wear leggings underneath mine. Love the way you have layered yours
Super cute ideas! I need to change up my wardrobe a bit, so pinned this to try π
i actually reall love the shirt dres style and recently went on a search for some myself theyre rather hard to look for but look and feel great to wear
I read the name of it as the Brexit!!! Must go to specsavers! Love the stripes but not sure about those sleeves with the change of direction in the stripes.
I am SO in love. This shirt dress is so pretty! I love stripes and those booties are so dreamy!
I love your double shirt idea – it looks great. I was looking at a denim shirt dress today actually! Kaz π
I love both styles! The skinny belt is a perfect accessory for this pretty shirt dress.
the dress looks fab on you. It’s not ever a style I had tried as I think I’m too short to pull off that style but it really suits you x
What a beautiful outfit! I seriously love the shirt dress and the sleeves, totally heading over to Boohoo right now… π
You look amazing! I love this look, especially paired with those gorgeous shoes! Love the sleeves on the shirt too!
Seriously in love with this look! I would never have thought of creating the double shirt look, but it looks great. I’m quite a fan of shirt dresses but have’t worn one for a little while, so you’ve inspuired me to do it soon!
The dress is lovely but the way you have styled it gives it a total wow factor, especially the pairing of two different stripes. You’ve made it seem really versatile, I would have probably just gone a boring route with a dress like this, it’s cool to have some new ideas π
I do love shirt dresses and I think you have styled them so well. I like mine over leggings x
You look bloody brilliant! Now,…..if I had that face, that figure….I think I’d rock the look as well. Well done for pulling this off really well!
That shirt dress looks amazing on you, I love shirt dresses but they don’t suit my shape at all xx
I love a shirt dress. It was always one of my go to outfits when I worked in an office. The sleeves on this dress are fabulous. They really do add quite an impact. And I love the look of wearing it with another shirt over the top. Hugs Lucy xxxx
I love dress shirts! I honestly wouldn’t know how to wear them other than with a belt lol.
I did finally buy my first shirt dress, but I haven’t worn it once because I didn’t find a good way to style it yet. I will be trying out your suggestions! Thanks for the inspiration.
I love a good shirt dress. You styled this beautifully.
The shirt looks great, I always like stripes. Recently bought some stuff for my son from Boohoo and the quality is great!
I love a larger dress shirt so I have room to move on while working photoshoots… they are a photographer staple for sure! But I also love the idea of a dress shirt as a dress as long as its long enough, for the weekends!
Omg looking fab as always!!!! I have a few shirt/dresses like these and I always get tons of compliments when I wear them!
It was just two days back that i saw a shirt dress at forever21 and I thought it would be a great outfit for the spring. You look amazing! your post is making me think to go the the store and grab one shirt dress. But then , I am pretty short, not sure if it will look good on me . I am gona give it a try though π Anna , I really love all your posts. <3
Love everything about this look! You look great. So perfect for Spring
These styles are very nice! I haven’t wore a shirt dress before but they look very fashionable
What a great outfit – I love how easy a shirt dress is to where x
Love the shirt dress look, but I would have to team it with flats, I can’t do heels anymore! This is really bringing me back to the 80s!
I love the idea of shirt dresses, they always look so comfy. But I never really know how to style them. Thanks for sharing, as this looks great on you and I am a big fan of stripes x
I saw someone else with this same dress recently and I love it, so simple yet stylish. x
I actually really like the dress under the open shirt – it makes it look professional in a way similar to what you’d get when adding a blazer (to something else of course) but still softer and more feminine than what the blazer-look implies. These are cute though – I could totally see myself wearing something like this in a variety of ways, and I’d love if you could post a sort of “lookbook” styled post with this dress, showing ALL the various ways it can be worn, such as in skirt form, over leggings, etc. I know you outlined several ideas, but being able to really see them and how versatile this piece is would be pretty cool.
That is a very good idea! When I was shooting the outfit I did think about that but because I had 6 other outfits to shoot in a limited time there was not enough time. Maybe next time though! xx
I love the whole boyfriend shirt look. I don’t think I would be brace enough to wear it without trousers though.
The masculine look really suits with just a few feminine touches. I love leaving the sleeves unbuttoned. it looks so on trend
Wow, love it! The last picture of you is beyond stunning and suits you so much!
Loving the double shirt look. I;d have never thought to use two similar patterns, oping to go for a plain top over the stripy dress. I need to think outside the box a bit more!
I love this idea and I am so going to do this in summer with my dress shirt. I am in love with the shoes btw.
I just love shirt dresses and this one is a beauty. I would wear it every way you’ve suggested, so many different options! Kat x
I love shirt dresses but don’t have much of a waist so think they look shapeless on me. I love how you have styled it with a little belt and another shirt – I think this might look good on me too.
You look gorgeous, shirt dresses are so versatile!
Love the advice on how to wear a shirt dress.. as someone that is really tall it often presents a huge challenge. I love the shoes too,, I need them in my life!
This is such a trendy shirt. I really love how unique the sleeves look. Also, I’m crushing on your netted booties.
I have never seen the shirt dress fashion style. But it does look really good on you.
I’ve never thought to wear a double shirt. I’ve worn them as jackets a few times. There’s so many nice ones around at the mo x
I absolutely adore this dress! Can’t believe it’s only Β£20 too. I like your idea of wearing a jumper over for now while it’s chillier. Heading over to boohoo today!
I like the design of that shirt dress. I usually style them with a bigger belt, but I like how you did it too xx
It’s so interesting to read about the history of shirt-dresses. I always think my hips are too big for this style but the double shirt thing you do works brilliantly.
I love the dress you are wearing! Shift dress plus a belt gives such a feminine shape
Now this is more of my style! I love how your dressed this shirt dress…now I want to invest in some for my spring/summer wear.
I love that shirt dresses are making a huge comeback this season. You look gorgeous here, hun π
omg Ana this is genius, droolling over the styling of the two stripes!!! love the masculine vibe of shirt dresses as you said with those killer booties, i think this is going to be one of my favs on you!!!
I’m LOVING the way that you’ve styled this outfit, the belt cinching the shirt in at the waist is perfect! xxx
Oooh I am loving this shirt, I love both ways you styled it! The stripes on stripes is such a great look! xo
Adore seeing the shirt dresses they add that extra something you dont always get with a typical dress. I personally love the bell sleeves, it gives it a bit of modern but feminine touch. You look gorgeous!
Love the way you styled these shirt dresses!
now there is a style I have not tried out yet. I wonder why I don’t see that often, because I love this idea. Oh well. Blessings!
I love your shirt dress and heels! Definitely love the chic style on you π Suits you very well. Thanks for the share π
Its a great look for a thin, long legged person. You look very nice and put together.
Loved your outfit….I like everything with strips, that makes me look lil slim lol
I’m totally in love with those photography! Great quality – MODEL! I love your shoes! <3 <3 Hope you're having a great week so far!!
I love shirt dresses unfortunately they just look pants on me!! I love all the different ideas on how to style them!
I love a dress that can be styled in lots of different ways, definitely helps you get the money out of it!
Really good advice, shirt dresses can be hard to pull off. you look fab though π π x
Ana, I love this dress on you! I love both ways you wore it xx
I love a shirt dress, and this one looks fab on you x
Oh wow you look amazing in this! I used to have a few shirt dresses a few years ago when they seemed to be everywhere. I haven’t seen any I liked for a while but I love this and you make it look great!
i love shirt dresses, perfect for any season and it screams comfort. you have styled it nicely, great tips to my comfort look. i literally hoard shirt dresses.
I LOVEEEE the double shirt look! The stripes really compliment each other!
Gorgeous! I love a shirt dress, they always look so fresh and clean, great for this time of year too layered up!
Oh I’m loving the double shirt look! I’m not creative or bold enough to ever try something like this but you’ve made us look so good!
Sadly I dont think I’d be creative enough to think of this on my own. You know, I wasn’t too surprised that Victoria Beckham had something to do with making shirt dresses chic. She seems to make everything she wears look amazing and effortless.
I’m so loving the shirt dress! Those sleeves .. they’re so chic and modern. Plus the stripes .. I’m a huge fan of anything striped. I would never have thought about the fishnet stocking with it .. but on you it works. I also appreciate all of the different ideas on how to wear it. I’m awful about standing in front of my mirror thinking “ok, now how does this go?” One of my favorite looks to date .. so nicely done!