How do you make a dress shirt look good?

Ever wish you had a piece in your wardrobe that could seamlessly go from a casual brunch with friends to a meeting with the boss, all while keeping you comfortable and looking fantastic? Meet the shirt dress: your new fashion BFF. This wardrobe hero isn’t just versatile—it’s practically magic. With just a few simple tweaks, it can transform to fit any occasion, whether you're keeping it laid-back or going for a more polished look. 

In this guide, we're diving into how to make the most of your shirt dress. From styling it for a relaxed weekend to dressing it up for the office, you'll find plenty of tips to help you get the most out of this timeless piece. So, if you're ready to elevate your style game and get creative with your outfits, let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of your shirt dress! 

Different ways to style a shirt dress: 

Add a Belt for Shape and Style 

Adding a belt makes it easy to transform your shirt dress style from basic to finished. A belt accentuates your waist and gives your outfit a more fitting look. Whether your shirt dress is rigid or flowing, a belt always accentuates a pleasing silhouette. 

Depending on the atmosphere you're trying for, you might select from thin, wide, or statement belts. A wide, colorful belt can add a fun and trendy look to your outfit. In contrast, a simple leather belt offers a stylish, minimalist touch. 

Pro Tip: 

Wearing a shirt dress with a belt for your business meeting can make it look more professional. This creates a modern and fresh business appearance. Pair it with classic pumps or knee-high boots for the best look. 

Pair with White Sneakers for a Casual Look 

Nothing compares to a laid-back, casual vibe when paired with a white shirt dress and white sneakers. Running errands, visiting friends for coffee, or shopping can all be better with this combination. It is both stylish and comfortable. White shoes look especially great with a white shirt dress or any neutral-toned dress since they accentuate a clean, fresh appearance. 

This dress is beautiful in simplicity. Just your preferred pair of white sneakers and a crossbody bag will help you pull it off. If the temperature is lower, layer with a denim jacket for more flair. 

Travel calls for this clothing as well. It is trendy enough to keep you looking put-together and comfortable, sufficient for extended walks. If you're pressed for time, you can quickly swap white sneakers for flats or sandals to vary your appearance. 

Dress It Up with Knee-High Boots 

Match your shirt dress to knee-high boots to elevate your ensemble. This look is particularly fantastic for cooler seasons like fall and winter. Knee-high boots accentuate your outfit's natural beauty and refinement right away. 

Wear a white shirt dress or a dark one, like black or navy, for a stylish look. Pair it with sleek knee-high boots for a polished finish. This combo performs nicely for more formal occasions like dinner dates, evening meetings, and laid-back functions. 

Wearing a shirt dress with boots keeps you warm and looks stylish. Knee-high boots give your shirt dress a chic and classy look. This works well for a night out or a business conference. 

Layer with a Denim or Leather Jacket 

Laying a shirt dress under a jacket will help it to look more fashionable. While a leather jacket radiates edgy and bold, a denim jacket offers a laid-back, casual attitude. 

Wear the classic, laid-back combo of a denim jacket and white sneakers for a daytime trip. It always looks great. For an edgy, stylish look, replace the denim with a leather jacket and toss some ankle boots or knee-high boots if you're out tonight in town. 

Wearing a vibrant shirt dress adds a pop of color. Pairing it with a jacket accentuates your appearance and keeps you warm in colder months. The dress's soft fabric against the rigid blazer also produces a visually appealing combination. 

Go for a Work-Ready Outfit 

How do you dress your shirt dress for a business environment? It's easy. For a work-appropriate style, stay with neutral colors like navy, black, or a classic white dress. These colors create a stylish and neat impression that fits any workplace. 

Adding a belt to squeeze the waist and give the dress more structural appeal would significantly improve its appearance. For a smart office-ready outfit, pair your dress with pumps or knee-high boots and layer with a tailored blazer. 

Consider wearing tights under your dress for more coverage or warmth. When unsure about what to wear under a shirt dress for business, neutral-colored tights in black or nude are ideal. This outfit is fashionable but also comfy and sensible for those long hours. 

Relaxed Weekend Vibes with Sandals 

Style a shirt dress with sandals for those laid-back weekend days when you want to keep everything relaxed. Perfect for casual events, flat or heeled sandals offer a simple and comfy style. 

If your shirt dress is loose or flowy, eliminate the belt for a relaxed, breezy look. To cap off the outfit, toss on a crossbody bag and some striking earrings. Beach walks, weekend brunches, or errands call for this attire. 

For a more assembled look, consider strapped sandals and a shirt dress in neutral tones like beige, olive, or navy. You may also change things by including interesting accessories like a sunhat or statement sunglasses. 

Try the Fitted Dress Look 

Not every shirt dress flows freely. Choose fitted dresses or ones with a built-in belt hugging your curves for a more fitting appearance. A fitting dress is ideal when you want to accentuate your form yet still have the laid-back, easy attitude of a shirt dress. 

For a trendy style, a fitting shirt dress accentuates traditional pumps, mules, or even high boots. To keep the outfit simple but classy, you can add light jewelry. Gold hoop earrings or a layered necklace work well. 

Accessorize to Finish Your Look 

The correct accessories will drastically change your shirt dress ensemble. Accessories like purses, jewelry, and hats can make your outfit fun. You can dress up for a night out or keep it casual for the weekend. 

Match your dress with modern sunglasses and a crossbody bag for a laid-back day trip. If you're leaving for the evening, replace the crossbody with a sleek purse and accentuate it with a strong necklace or earrings. 

Belts, caps, and scarves are also great ways to personalize your appearance. A printed scarf worn around your neck or perhaps as a belt will brighten a basic white shirt dress. For a little sophistication, put on a wide-brimmed hat and some strong lipstick. 

What to Wear Under a Shirt Dress? 

You might wonder what to wear under a shirt dress to make it more suitable or comfortable for a given event. A slip or nude camisole might provide additional coverage under simple or lightweight shirt dresses. 

Great choices for cooler days or when you want extra warmth are tights or leggings. Professionally, tights in neutral colors like black, grey, or nude work to accentuate your attire and give you a flattering silhouette. If you like a sportier look, choose stylish leggings or cycling shorts for casual events. 

Also Read: How To Style a Midi Dress for Every Season?

Try Different Shirt Dress Materials 

When styling a shirt dress, consider playing with several fabrics and materials. In summer, wear a white shirt dress made of cotton or linen. Choose a shirt dress in denim or thicker cotton in fall and winter. Belt-detail dresses typically have a range of fabrics, which can significantly alter the general mood of your ensemble. 

For a more laid-back style, choose a cotton or linen shirt dress teamed with sandals or sneakers. Choose a satin or silk shirt dress for a night out, then accentuate it with shoes and bold jewelry. 

Among the most flexible items in any wardrobe is the shirt dress. Whether your plans call for a formal occasion, a trip to work, or hanging out with friends, this item will always look great. The options are almost limitless, from how to dress casually for a weekend to how to style a shirt dress for work. 

Remember that the focus is on enjoying fashion. Try several outfits, dabble with accessories, and don't hesitate to venture outside your comfort zone. Your favorite shirt dress will travel anywhere with the correct styling ideas and techniques!

Also Read: 15 Must-Have Spring-Summer Dresses

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do you make a shirt dress stylish? 

You can make a shirt dress stylish by adding a belt to cinch the waist, pairing it with trendy shoes like sneakers or boots, and accessorizing with statement jewelry, scarves, or bags. Layering with jackets, such as denim or leather, also adds flair. 

What can you wear with a shirt dress? 

You can wear a shirt dress with a variety of items, such as belts, knee-high boots, white sneakers, sandals, or heels. For layering, try denim or leather jackets, and accessorize with crossbody bags, hats, or sunglasses.

Is a shirt dress formal? 

A shirt dress can be formal, depending on the fabric, color, and how it’s styled. For a formal look, choose structured fabrics like silk or satin, add a belt, and pair with heels and a blazer. 

What looks good over a dress shirt? 

Over a dress shirt, a fitted blazer, leather jacket, or denim jacket looks great. You can also opt for cardigans or even a structured vest for a more polished or trendy look.