25 of the best shirt dresses

The shirt dress has always been synonymous with powerful women. It experienced its first surge in popularity during the 1940s, when the war effort first gave women a chance to enter the workforce. Since then, it’s been a sartorial byword for office-appropriate attire. But while this closet cornerstone might be hardworking, it’s rarely something we’ve given much thought to, valuing it above all for its throw-on-and-go ease. But right now, fashion powerhouses are breathing new life into this humble piece, turning it into something truly special. From accentuating its fundamental simplicity to adding playful elements, this new breed is covetable without sacrificing on the utility and simplicity that made it a game-changer in the first place. This is how to make your shirt dress work hard for you…

Make the desk-to-dinner dilemma a thing of the past by investing in a classic shirt dress with a twist. Whether you opt for ASCENO’s two-tone silk maxi dress or statement floral prints by Erdem, when it’s time to clock off, add some modern pearl earrings, a slick of red lipstick and a pair of slingback kitten heels for a look that will take you from the office to wherever the night takes you.

A great shirt dress will have an integral place in your weekend and getaway wardrobe, too. Neutral-colored versions work for all occasions, making them an indispensable addition to your weekend carry-on. Anna Quan’s beige shirt dress is pleated at the waist, lending femininity to its fluid silhouette. When paired with flat sandals, it exudes laidback cool for a day of gallery-hopping. To further accentuate its minimalist overtones, finish with pearls for an elegantly understated look.