I don’t wear dresses for much of the year, but when the weather gets warmer they’re all I want to wear, and the ones I reach for most often are shirtdresses, because they are such a simple, one-and-done way of looking put together. I especially like how clean and crisp a white one looks, and this one from J. Crew is pretty perfect.
I think the terra cotta hue on this Alex Mill dress is quite sophisticated, and I dig the band collar too.
This animal print number is slightly snugger-fitting than your average shirtdress, but I like that about it. And the color combination is just so fun.
Lavender stripes are so sweet and summery.
And I like this red and white striped poplin specimen too: it just looks so easy.
This one is a slightly more feminine take on the silhouette, and the lace panels are a cool touch.
Here’s a denim dress with a nice amount of stretch to keep things comfy.
I like the slightly fuller skirt here.
This flared dress is just desperately cute, and would be perfect and cool on a really hot day.
This three-quarter sleeve dress also comes in white, and I’m having a really tough time deciding which I like better.
A pretty lattice floral against a rich red background: sublime.
This one from Rag & Bone looks like it’s on the shorter side, but I think that might just be because of the model’s height. I am crazy for the stripe combination: blue and black, my favorite.
The subtle pinstripes on this maxi-ish dress are a nice touch.
A light chambray dress that I’d wear with some layered necklaces.
I like the khaki hue of this tie-front dress, and the fact that it dips slightly lower in the back.
This babydoll silhouette reminds me of something I might have worn in around 1989 and purchased at Street Life on lower Broadway.
A gauze dress that’s probably sheer enough to require a slip. Or it could make a great beach cover-up.
Blue gingham with a little flounce at the hem is just a touch of fun.
Excellent selection! I saw a couple of the best shirt dresses today at Henry Lehr (one Nili Lotan and the other, Hartford?) and I was so, so tempted, but I’m in the process of losing weight and I don’t want to spend significant (or really ANY!) money on clothes when my size is in-flux. But when I get to where I want to be…I’m splurging!
what a fresh set of choices!
i’m very fond of that flared number (creamy colors!) & the babydoll (although i prefer to call it a drop waist 🙂 )dress – I’ve never seen a shirt front with a seam like that dividing top & bottom (with..ruching?) – i wonder why they did that…
If I get to go back East this summer I will have to drive (no more emotional support dogs/animals on airlines unless they fit under the seat––Betty doesn’t)––for a long car drive dresses or skirts work best so this posting is right up my truly-do-need alley. And, while I’ve never felt my body type benefited from a shirt dress, they all look so darn comfortable. The lavender stripes and the Rag and Bone are calling to me!
You mean I can’t bring my support peacock anymore?
It was the support peacock that pushed the airlines over the edge. Unfortunately for me and those like me, my fear of flying is very real. I know three people who have died in plane crashes and I have had three close calls. I followed all the rules carefully and even bought extra seats (the whole row on JetBlue––the airline we used to fly) so that no one would be disturbed by my sleeping dog. The situation for me is devastating.
cw, I am so sorry about the whole flying thing! I can relate quite a bit. I think it is okay to not fly if you don’t want to. I know quite a few people who have this fear.
Just bought that fun animal print Nordy’s number. Now gazing at the Rag&Bone. Great roundup!
Thank you, Kim! I feel like I just got an injection of sunshine. I’m not eyeing four of these.
The black one is gorgeous, I wish it came in petites – looking at the measurements, it is as long as I am tall, which takes it firmly out of the midi category and past maxi. That model must be about 5’10”.
I didn’t think I wanted new clothes for spring & summer, and now I do! Will I wear them working from home, though? Maybe! Two comments:
I remember Street Life! I bought so much from there when I got my first non-cooking job and needed actual real clothes.
Also? Is it me, or does that J Crew model in the first dress up top look like she’s HAD IT, get the damn shot already, she’s ready to go home. lol
Kim, with the belted ones do you wear the included belt or something different? I could swear I remember advice from Lucky to wear something more substantial, but having to figure out a separate appropriate belt has always stopped me.
I generally don’t belt them at all, but when I do I do so with a thick-ish leather belt.
Thank you!
I’m not a huge shirt dress fan (but might have given the flared one a shot if not for the price tag) but did finally take the plunge and ordered an Alex Mill jumpsuit in a color similar to their shirt dress – and actually used your link to do so (sometimes I forget – sorry!) . Not sure if the short people (27 inch) inseam will be enough to not make me look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man goes to work in a factory, but “hope springs” and all that….
I’m short and have this. generally love it except wish the torso was a bit shorter so the butt area isn’t so very baggy.
Love a good shirtdress although I have a beef with stingy button placement on some causing gapping. I just bought a double layer gauze one from 5117 by Szeki which may be my all time favorite garment. I just discovered the brand and will be going back for more. Thanks for the post Kim.
They’ve got some very neat-o things – thanks.
Spring has sprung! I love the crispy, fresh look of a white dress. And, that black dress is so pretty! Kim, you found a LoveShackFancy number that does not have superfluous ruffles or punch you in the face w/ flowers. How is this possible? I had a dropped waist dress on yesterday and even with a heavy, droopy cardie my ummm.. bottom… was chilly. Next time I’ll wear thin leggings underneath. I can’t bring myself to wear tights in LA unless it’s January.
Love that pink and khaki one, so prepster-cool. But I am sorry I cannot let pass the labelling of the mustard/burnt yellow/verging on tobacco dress “terracotta.” Terracotta has to have a hint of pink or red in it! It must!
Is this one of those screen colors may vary depending on your screen things?!?!