shirtdress wear it now and later

timeless classics serve a purpose. first, they are fashionable. second, classics go beyond trends. third, their cost-per-wear can turn any classic item into investment pieces. one such timeless classic that makes my top ten list time after time is the mighty shirt dress. there’s never a better time to wear a shirtdress than spring. most shirtdresses have long sleeves, which can be rolled or cuffed. typically, they’re cut without a seam at the waist, relying on a self-tie belt to define the waist. but i love to exchange the self-tie belt for a leather belt. belts are a fantastic accessory that lasts for years and infuses personality into an outfit. whenever i shop, i always head to the belt department to see if anything catches my eye. Ralph Lauren is by far my favorite designer for belts, but they can be pricey.

let’s take a look at the classic shirtdress that’s perfect for a nine-to-five look. add a statement handbag and key accessories to a simple neutral shirtdress, and you’re on your way to the office in style. the beauty of a dress is it’s one and done. no fuss, no muss. but don’t forget a shirtdress is versatile. it’s a timeless classic for a reason. you can count on this hard-working closet staple for a sophisticated weekend look too. simply add a jean jacket and hat for a casual chic outfit perfect for friday, saturday, and Sunday. or a shirtdress can easily convert into a duster that can be casually worn over blue jeans and a tee. didn’t i say your wardrobe needs to work hard?

shirtdress wear it now, and later

some of you might remember i have an ongoing series; wear it now and later. all of us want our wardrobes to work hard for us day in and day out. so what’s better than having wardrobe staples that help us do just that? last winter, i wore this shirtdress (limited sizes similar here, here, and here) from Banana Republic with boots and a tissue turtleneck. read the post here. this spring, i ditched the turtleneck, grabbed wedge sandals (old, similar here, here, and here), a straw handbag from the Scoop collection at Walmart, and a black belt (old, similar here and here). voila! a shirt dress to wear now and later.

shirtdress (limited sizes similar here, here, and here) | sandals (old, similar here, here, and here) | handbag | necklace (old, similar here, here, and here) | belt (old, similar here and here) | earrings

shirtdress (limited sizes similar here, here, and here) | sandals (old, similar here, here, and here) | handbag | necklace (old, similar here, here, and here) | belt (old, similar here and here) | earrings

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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