19 Best Shirt Dresses to Streamline Your Year-Round Wardrobe
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Year-round dressing is all about one-and-done pieces that exude ease and versatility — flowy dresses in the summer, linen dresses in the spring, layer-friendly dresses in the fall, and sweater dresses in the winter. However, there aren’t many frocks that can take you from everyday life to vacation to the office all in one, but the shirt dress is a real chameleon that can streamline your wardrobe with minimal effort and styling.
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“The shirt dress is such a tried-and-true staple, and as someone who loves to pack smart, it’s a piece I’m going to get a lot of wear out of on vacation,” says stylist Micaela Erlanger, whose dressed A-listers from Lupita Nyong’o to Meryl Streep. Whether you’re going for a classic menswear-inspired look or a full-length maxi, the stylist recommends looking for soft, breathable materials like cotton for hot temperatures and thicker fabrics like leather and silk for cool temperatures.
For warm-weather vacations, linen is a great fabric to opt for. “The beauty of linen is it can host a wrinkle — it’s supposed to have that look, so it’s not too precious, and I love that for holiday travel to warm destinations,” Erlanger says. “You also want to consider more neutral or earthier palettes because it is an organic material, so it’s going to get better with washing and aging, which responds better with more natural dyes.”
If you need some shirt dress inspiration for the office or your upcoming winter vacation, keep reading for the stylist’s favorite shirt dress outfit ideas, plus the best picks of the season to shop now.
Top Shirt Dresses of 2022
Best Cotton Dress: Marina Moscone T-Shirt Dress
Best Floral Print Dress: Soly Hux Floral Button-Down Dress
Best Classic White Button-Down Dress: Anine Bing Mika Shirt Cotton Poplin Dress
Also Consider for Classic White Button-Down Dress: Frank & Eileen Mary Woven Button Up Dress
Best Linen Dress: Magic Linen Julien Shirt Dress
Best Cutout Dress: Bardot Cutout Midi Shirtdress
Best Striped Dress: Jonathan Simkhai Alex Cutout Striped Maxi Shirt Dress
Best for Work: Tory Burch Pleated Geometric-Print Shirtdress
Best Long Dress: & Other Stories Shell Button Shirt Dress
Best Short Dress: Jonathan Simkhai Puff Shirt Dress in Black
Best Sleeveless Dress: Derek Lam 10 Crosby Satina Sleeveless Shirtdress
Best Plus-Size Dress: Bodycon4U’s Pleated Long Sleeve A-line Dress
Best Swimsuit Cover-Up: Summersalt Effortless Shirtdress Cover-Up
Best Vacation Dress: Frame Pleated Maxi Dress
Best Belted Dress: Everlane Oxford Shirt Dress
Best Denim Dress: Diesel Denim Shirt Dress
Best Colored Dress: The Attico Cotton Mini Shirt Dress
Best Faux Leather Dress: Nanushka Hallie Belted Dress
Also Consider for Vegan Leather Dress: Line & Dot Faux Leather Dress
Related:
The 25 Best Summer Pants to Keep You Cool All Season Long
20 Cute Summer Outfits That Will Make Dressing a Breeze
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Marina Moscone T-Shirt Dress
Best Cotton T-Shirt Dress
Sizes: XS-L
Colorways: White and black
Fabric: Made of eco-friendly organic cotton
There’s something effortlessly cool and laidback about the ease of a T-shirt dress. Marina Moscone is known for her elevated, modern basics, and this T-shirt dress design perfectly embodies that. The maxi silhouette is made of organic cotton, featuring a side slit at the hem and U-neckline. Style it with sneakers, clogs, or chunky sandals for a casual day look.
Marina Moscone T-Shirt Dress
Soly Hux Floral Button-Down Dress
Best Floral Print Shirt Dress
Sizes: XS-XL
Colorways: Available in 8 floral patterns
Fabric: Viscose
For print lovers, this retro-inspired shirt dress offers a low-key look that’s ideal when exploring your favorite European city. Available in eight different floral patterns, including navy, red and yellow, this boho style is versatile enough to dress up or down — from packing on vacation to wearing for your weekend plans or at the office. Reviewers love its airy, lightweight fabric and flattering fit, with many adding that it’s a great shirt dress for those with larger breasts.
What reviewers say: “I am never able to find dresses that button on top of the breasts that don’t pucker or pull on the buttons, and this dress doesn’t!!! It’s actually so flattering, I don’t have to worry about the gap in buttons, hits the waist just right.”
Soly Hux Floral Button-Down Dress
Anine Bing Mika Shirt Cotton Poplin Midi Dress
Best Classic White Button-Down Shirt Dress
Sizes: XS-L
Fabric: 100% Cotton
If you love Anine Bing’s Mika button-down, then you need the shirt dress version. It’s perfect for the office or for practically any daily edit. Elevate it with oversized sunnies and heeled sandals in the summer and tights and calf-high lug sole boots in the fall. Finish with a chain-link necklace or minimalist hoops for an added dose of elegance.
Anine Bing Mika Shirt Cotton Poplin Midi Dress
Frank & Eileen Mary Woven Button Up Dress
Also Consider for Classic White Button-Down Shirt Dress
Sizes: XS-L
Fabric: 100% cotton
An oversized, menswear-inspired button-down is the quintessential shirt dress look. This timeless style by Frank & Eileen features all the makings of a classic: a spread collar, cuffed sleeves you can easily roll up, and a hemline that falls just above the knee. The fabric is made from pure cotton, so you can expect a breathable fit that you can wear for any season.
Frank & Eileen Mary Woven Button Up Dress
Magic Linen Julien Shirt Dress
Best Linen Shirt Dress
Sizes: XS – XL
Colorways: White and sandy beige
Fabric: Made from sustainable Europeans flax and Oeko-Tex certified
Erlanger partnered with Magic Linen for the brand’s 2022 collection, and there’s a reason (actually, several) that this shirt dress is one of her favorites. “I wore this dress recently, I love it, and I got a lot of compliments on it,” the stylist says. “It’s a more feminine take on the shirt dress. It has a drawstring waist and pretty sleeves and hits at just the right length.” She suggests styling it with flat sandals and a hat. And it’s made from sustainable European flax for an eco-friendly linen fabric you’ll treasure for seasons to come.
Magic Linen Julien Shirt Dress
Price: $98
Buy Now
Bardot Cutout Midi Shirtdress
Best Cutout Shirt Dress
Sizes: 2-10
Fabric: 95% cotton, 5% elastane with 100% cotton lining
Tapping into this season’s cutout trend, this Bardot shirt dress brings a fresh twist to the classic shirt dress. With simple and classy high-waist cutouts, the sleek silhouette shows just a touch of skin. The cotton poplin fabric offers a crisp aesthetic, making the dress even airier, thanks to its elbow-length puff sleeves. With its A-line midi, this dress can be styled with various shoes — from flat sandals to heels, making it a flexible option for many occasions.
Bardot Cutout Midi Shirtdress
Bardot Cutout Midi Shirtdress
Jonathan Simkahi Alex Cutout Striped Maxi Shirt Dress
Best Striped Shirt Dress
Sizes: XS-L
Fabric: 60% cotton, 40% polyester; lining: 82% rayon, 18% nylon
Jonathan Simkhai is known and loved for its elevated wardrobe staples, and this striped shirt dress is no exception. The maxi silhouette features a classic blue and white stripe design, flared cuffs, a wrap-effect bodice and a pointed flat collar. This wardrobe staple is made of 100% cotton and can be dressed up for the office or paired with slides or sneakers for a more relaxed take.
Jonathan Simkahi Alex Cutout Striped Maxi Shirt Dress
Tory Burch Pleated Geometric-Print Shirtdress
Best Shirt Dress for Work
Sizes: 0-14
Fabric: Silk/Viscose
For an elevated shirt dress that means business, look no further than Tory Burch’s silk shirt dress. The luxe design features a modern gold and ivory print that’s perfect for more dressed-up days or meetings in the office. And thanks to its rich, silky fabric, it doesn’t look like your traditional shirt dress. The midi-length style also comes with a self-tie belt to accentuate the waist for a more polished look. Top it off with heels or loafers to complete the look.
Tory Burch Pleated Geometric-Print Shirtdress
& Other Stories Shell Button Shirt Dress
Best Long Shirt Dress
Sizes: 0-12
Fabric: Rayon 74%, Linen 26%
A midi-length shirt dress offers up a range of wearability — you can elevate the look with heeled sandals or keep it easygoing with slides or sneakers. This linen shirt dress by & Other Stories gets the style just right with dolman sleeves, a classic collar, shell buttons, and airy side slits. The lightweight fabric is ideal for wearing alone or for layering with a lightweight jacket.
& Other Stories Shell Button Shirt Dress
Jonathan Simkhai Puff Shirt Dress in Black
Best Mini Shirt Dress
Sizes: 0-14
Colorways: White and black
Fabric: 47% cotton/47% polyester/6% polyurethane
Jonathan Simkhai’s Cleo Puff Dress brings a little playful, feminine detail to the shirt dress look. With voluminous puff sleeves and front pleat detailing, the design is cinched at the waist with a slight flare out in the hips for a flattering fit across many body types. Available in black or white, this structured poplin mini dress is terrific for a special occasion but can also be worn to the office, too.
Jonathan Simkhai Puff Shirt Dress
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Satina Sleeveless Shirtdress
Best Sleeveless Shirt Dress
Sizes: 00-18
Fabric: 100% Cotton
A sleeveless shirt dress will come in handy for those extra hot days. This style from Derek Lam is made of 100% cotton voile that is so breathable it feels like nothing. The relaxed mini fit features a classic collar, dropped shoulders, a tiered skirt, and a smocked back for a more contemporary look.
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Satina Sleeveless Shirtdress
Bodycon4U Pleated Long Sleeve A-line Dress
Best Plus-Size Shirt Dress
Sizes: Medium to 4X
Colorways: White and Black
Fabric: Cotton and linen
Bodycon4U’s Pleated Long Sleeve A-line Dress is everything you could want in a wardrobe essential. It’s made of cotton and linen and offers a lapel collar, front pockets, and an elastic empire waist for a unique design element that accentuates the waist. Plus, its A-line midi length can be styled for a multitude of events. Available in sizes medium-4X in both white and black colors, it’s sure to be on your rotation from weekend getaways to meetings and drinks.
What reviewers say: “This dress in black is stunning on and comfortable and has a beautiful full skirt on it. The fabric is not cheap feeling and thin either. I can’t wait to wear it with a pretty scarf or statement necklace and belt and heels or my boots.”
Bodycon4U Pleated Long Sleeve A-line Dress
Summersalt Effortless Shirtdress Cover-Up
Best Shirt Dress Swimsuit Cover-Up
Sizes: XS-2X
Colorways: White, rainbow stripe, black, and leopard
Special features: Sustainably made from recycled plastic bottles and certified using the Global Recycled Standard
We can’t ignore one of summer’s most important shirt dresses: the cover-up. Swim brand Summersalt unsurprisingly mastered this staple with its Short Effortless Shirtdress Cover-Up. Available in four different colorways (classic white, rainbow stripe, black, and leopard print), this shirt dress is sustainably made using 100% recycled polyester that’s wrinkle resistant, silky, quick-drying (ideal for beach days), and featherweight. It’s complete with a stand collar and sleeves with tabs that can easily be cuffed or rolled up.
Summersalt Effortless Shirtdress Cover-Up
Frame Pleated Maxi Dress
Best Vacation Shirt Dress
Sizes: XS-XL
Fabric: 100% ramie
Sometimes you just want a dress that screams “out-of-office,” and this Frame Maxi Dress is exactly that. Made of an ultra-lightweight ramie, this maxi is designed to keep you cool and stylish on vacation. The caftan-inspired aesthetic features an open collar and subtly puffed sleeves for a modernized ‘70s look. And the bright yellow hue brings all the sunshine — whether you’re wearing this on the beach or not.
Frame Pleated Maxi Dress
Price: $500 $250
Buy Now
Everlane Oxford Shirt Dress
Best Belted Shirt Dress
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colorways: Black/white stripe, black, light blue
Fabric: Made with 100% organic cotton
It doesn’t get more effortless than this shirt dress you can simply throw on and go. Complete with a built-in adjustable belt that clasps at the side, Everlane’s Oxford Shirt Dress is perfect for office days. Made of 100% organic cotton, it has double-chest pockets and an oversized silhouette with a high-low hemline. Whether styled with sneakers or sandals, this is an elevated essential that looks instantly pulled together.
What reviewers say: “Love the fit, looks great even on petites! The material is quite thick, in a way it’s good as it holds its shape and doesn’t crease easily. But I wouldn’t wear it on hot summer days, would definitely wear it when it’s slightly colder.”
Everlane Oxford Shirtdress
Diesel Denim Shirt Dress
Best Denim Shirt Dress
Sizes: XXS-XL
Fabric: 100% Cotton
A denim shirt dress is always a fail-proof solution to getting dressed. This above-the-knee option by Diesel offers a classic collar, long sleeves, high-low hem, and buttons down the front for a sleek look. Made of 100% cotton, it’s an ideal transitional dress that can be worn with sneakers or boots.
Diesel Denim Shirt Dress
The Attico Cotton Mini Shirt Dress
Best Colored Shirt Dress
Sizes: 00-12
Fabric: 100% Cotton
When it comes to fall and winter dressing, don’t be afraid to reach for bold-colored garments. The Attico’s Cotton Mini Shirt Dress is the perfect example. It has a perfectly-pink hue that plays into the Barbiecore trend, so you know it’s a safe bet. It also features padded shoulders and an embroidered logo detail.
What reviewers say: “Love this dress, I would recommend to the right body figure!”
The Attico Cotton Mini Shirt Dress
The Attico Cotton Mini Shirt Dress
The Attico Cotton Mini Shirt Dress
Nanushka Halli Belted Dress
Best Faux Leather Shirt Dress
Sizes: XS-XL
Fabric: Polyester 65%, Polyurethane 35%
Nanushka’s Halli Belted dress incorporates the brand’s tried-and-true vegan leather for a supple and stylish look and feel. It features a mini-length silhouette with a concealed front fastening, a belted waist, short sleeves, and a straight hem. his polished dress is the epitome of modern sophistication and the one to invest in if you choose just one.
Nanushka Halli Belted Dress
Line & Dot Noa Faux Leather Dress
Also Consider for Best Vegan Leather Shirt Dress
Sizes: XS-L
Fabric: 50% polyurethane, 50% polyester
Think of this dress as an edgier and luxe update to your little black dress. This evening dress delivers sophistication and style. It features a front button closure, front fringe and toggle detail, and side seam pockets. Pair it with elegant extras like pumps and pared-back jewels.
Line & Dot Noa Faux Leather Dress
How to Wear a Shirt Dress 2022
Just add accessories: The beauty of the shirt dress is that it’s pulled together enough to just throw it on and wear as is. Erlanger suggests elevating the wardrobe essential with must-have accessories, including a bucket or oversized hat, tote bag, sunglasses, and shoes from espadrilles and designer sneakers to knee-high boots.
Belt it: Belted shirt dresses popped up on the recent runways from Ulla Johnson to The Row. “Don’t be afraid of the power of a waist. Find yourself a beautiful brown leather or raffia belt to belt the dress,” Erlanger recommends. Add a pair of designer hoops, and you can wear the look from day to night.
As a swimsuit cover-up: Layering a shirt dress over your bathing suit makes the perfect beach outfit. Opt for an airy linen fabric or lightweight cotton for a more laid-back vibe, and top it off with a beach bag and cute sandals.
Open with shorts or pants: For a more unexpected look, Erlander suggests wearing a shirt dress open with shorts or pants and a camisole underneath. It’s a solid option for weekend plans and getaways, plus you can style the shirt dress just like you’d style a button-down.
The maxi shirt dress: Maxi dress silhouettes took over the 2022 runways — from Valentino to Chanel. The trend translates perfectly to shirt dresses, with long, caftan-inspired designs to wear from January to December. Erlanger recommends pairing it with a loafer or a block-heeled boot to elevate the look even more.
The mini shirt dress: On the opposite end of the spectrum, mini dresses and skirts staged a comeback on runways like Miu Miu and Jacquemus. “For a mini, especially if it’s a more simple silhouette, you can really amp up the accessories and layer on the jewelry — it’s kind of like a blank canvas so it lends itself easily to be accessorized,” Erlanger advises.
Meet the Expert
Micaela Erlanger is a celebrity fashion stylist based in New York. Named one of the “Most Powerful Stylists,” by The Hollywood Reporter, her A-list clients include Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong’o, Common, Diane Kruger, Sigourney Weaver, Lucy Hale, Amanda Hearst, and Shailene Woodley.
Meet the Authors
Lauren Alexis Fisher is an editor, writer, and consultant with over eight years of experience in the fashion industry. After spending six years as a digital market editor at Harper’s Bazaar and a lifetime scrolling the internet, she’s well-versed in shopping all the best trends and pieces online – from shirt dresses to vacation essentials and beyond. This shirt dress story was initially written by Fisher.
Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits stories on the latest clothing and shoe trends. She is at the forefront of all consumer trends with a keen eye for the latest, greatest, and classics of what people wear, buy and love. With the change of season in New York City, Chwatt is always searching for the best new shirt dresses to layer with on cooler days. and wear alone on warmer days. This shirt dress story was updated by Chwatt.
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