Hitting up all the outdoor restaurants on April 12th in style 😉.
It may sound silly but, when I think about what to wear during the Spring time I often get stuck. In my head, Spring and Autumn are classified as the transition seasons. You know, like transitioning into Summer or Winter. Like Summer and Winter are the extremes of cold or hot, and Spring and Autumn are just in-between.
Anyway, my point is I feel like it is too early to start wearing ‘barely-there’ clothes, such as super strappy camis, or the mini skirts and sandals. However, we thankfully have the shirt dress! It covers you up well whilst maintaining a perfect length. You’re probably thinking “okay so why not just wear a long sleeve mini dress”. You can have a long sleeve mini dress like this whilst wearing a shirt dress, and much more…
Firstly, it is a 2-in-1. The features from a dress and a shirt come together to create a lovely unique visual. The structured collars and cuffs in place contrasts nicely with the curves and flows at the end of the dress. It’s both smart and playful. Sort of like the phrase ‘party at the back, business at the front‘ – but we’re talking about shirt dresses here, not mullets!
The features from both enable it to be suitable for many different occasions. In times where you’d find yourself not being able to wear shirts to a casual event, or mini dresses to a more formal event, you can find yourself wearing a shirt dress comfortably to both. Needless to say not every shirt dress is the same; each style may be more suited for a particular occasion than the other.
The shirt dress I’m wearing here is from the Emma Ellingsen x Na-kd collection (get it here). For me, it gives off a very ‘dressy-formal’ vibe, but I know I can easily wear this out to a spring brunch.
And besides, who said being overdressed was a bad thing anyway?
The material of this dress copies the feel of a shirt; it is thick but far from being a sweltering thick. This is another reason why I think it’s perfect for spring!
I find this the most flattering and perfect material for a dress. Unlike body-con dresses, these shirt dresses retain a certain shape as it is structured better.
Dresses like these appear to more formal and dressy as it is usually such good quality, and it also mirrors the qualities of a smart suit shirt. Below, I’ve shared some dresses from Zara, Nasty Gal and River Island featuring similar characteristics!
XDF LOVES: SPRING FORMAL SHIRT DRESSES
For more casual shirt dresses, the material may be relaxed and less structured, also possibly featuring prints all over (like the one I am wearing). They can embrace the features of a dress more, being smooth and silky – creating flowy girlish silhouettes. On the other hand, they can be completely experimental, with some being made of denim or corduroy.
Below I’ve added in some from the brands Zara, Pieces and H&M.
XDF LOVES: SPRING CASUAL SHIRT DRESSES
Whether something is perceived as casual or formal largely depends on how you style it. In my look I have added more dressy jewellery, with a headband and heels. Also my side clutch bag adds to the formal vibes. Not to mention the makeup featuring polished brows.
To make this a more laid back look I can simply change my shoes to trainers, opt for a larger handbag, remove the headband and choose a light weight necklace too. And of course, the makeup is a useful way to help determine the overall vibe of your look.
Bag: Pull and Bear | Shoes: Public Desire | Headband: NA-KD | Necklace: ASOS | Rings: Dolls Kill
There are many versatile shirt dresses that are easy to dress up or down. Arguably, all of the ones I have linked and mentioned here are versatile; you can dress and style anything in any way you please!x
Below I’ve added in shirt dresses that cross over with formal and casual. Dresses from Zara, Na-kd and Pieces.
XDF LOVES: VERSATILE SPRING SHIRT DRESSES
Rooted from the creations of Christian Dior’s ‘New Look’ revolution, shirt dresses aren’t anything new. However, they are a timeless style of clothing and should be considered a staple item in everyone’s closets!
Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoyed! Xx
-XDESFAN
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