IF you’re going to invest in some new summer staples this season, put the shirt dress at the top of your list.
It’s incredibly versatile – smart, and perfect for so many occasions, whether you’re heading to the office on a warm day or dressing for a day trip to the coast.
A shirt dress truly is a that will never go out of fashion – think of it as your summer sidekick.
Plus, the is currently full of options, from fitted silhouettes to looser, boxier styles, so there’s something to suit everyone.
Here are the Fashion Team’s top picks and how to style them.
Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor
- Trousers, £39.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BROWSE NOW
- Dress, £95, Arket – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £4, Primark – BROWSE HERE
- Belt, £15.99, Stradivarius – BUY NOW
- Bag, £139.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £22.99, New Look – BUY NOW
Making the most out of an item and being a style chameleon is easiest when you have a shirt dress, and this oversized beige one from Arket has the versatility for endless summer outfits.
Worn on its own with sandals, like this stunning pair from New Look with gold detailing for just £22.99, it’s perfect for holidays or when things hot up in the UK.
For a more defined silhouette, you can also belt it with a tonal brown colour, and this one from Stradivarius with stud detailing is a nod to designer Khaite’s £530 version.
Or, you can unbutton it to the waist with a vest top underneath, and slip on a pair of black linen trousers, which makes the perfect flight outfit – then you can just whip off the bottoms and be ready for that holiday heat when you land.
Wherever you’re going or whatever you’re doing, this is my must-have for summer.
Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant
- Necklace, £15.99, Parfois – BUY NOW
- Shirt dress, £49.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £12.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Sun hat, £45, John Lewis & Partners – BUY NOW
- Bag, £75, The Jacksons X Harrods – BUY NOW
- Sandals, £34, River Island – BUY NOW
I love the cinched waist detail of this shirt dress as it adds some structure, and I’m also really into the poplin-style skirt as it gives such a lovely shape.
It’s also incredibly versatile – I’ve styled mine for the beach with raffia sandals, a matching sun hat and a gorgeous hand-made bag from The Jacksons.
But you could easily dress it for work with a pair of loafers and a structured tote bag.
It’s even perfect for a relaxed day at the races.
The blue and white stripe is a classic that’ll stand the test of time in your wardrobe.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director
- Trousers, £160, Mint Velvet – BUY NOW
- Mismatched earrings, £35, COS – BUY NOW
- Dress, £115, COS – BUY NOW
- Bag, £220, Jigsaw – BUY NOW
- Sandals, £99.95, Massimo Dutti – BUY NOW
- Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Shine lipstick, £37 – BUY NOW
As someone who borrows from the boys all year round, shirt dresses are my absolute go-to for summer in the city.
They feel chic, smart and ultimately keep you cool while whizzing around on the tube and enjoying a spot of sunbathing on your lunch break.
This year, rather than opt for my usual Oxford stripe dress, I’ve gone for a navy linen shirt dress because I want to try something completely different!
I am going to wear it over a pair of white wide-leg dress trousers for a grown-up feel, and a look that will easily take me from day to an after-work event.
I like sticking to the ‘rule of three’ – three colours, three textures and three accessories always make the perfect combo!
Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor
- Bag, £12.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Dress, £59.99, Reserved – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £55, Le Specs at H&M – BUY NOW
- Scarf, £12.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £27.99, Zara – BUY NOW
Having a fuller bust can sometimes make shopping for shirt dresses tricky, as they can often gape open.
However, over the years I have found that sizing up does the trick.
Most shirt dresses come with a belt like this one from Reserved, so even if you size up, you can always maintain your shape with the belt.
I’ve kept this look pretty tonal, mixing in other neutral shades, but I’ve added interest to the look with a striped tote bag and paisley neck scarf.
A shirt dress really is one of the most versatile items in my wardrobe – for example, I’d wear this to the office, out on a weekend and even on holiday.
Plus, they are a classic that comes back year after year, so you know you’re always going to get your money’s worth.
