how to style a shirtdress

this post brought to you by Marks and Spencer

if there’s one wardrobe staple i love to have on hand it has to be a shirtdress. versatile and stylish this hardworking classic looks fantastic on most body types under the sun due to its loose fit that relies on a belt for definition. to add a little personality to the outfit i exchange the self-tie belt with one from my collection. the dress is patterned after a men’s shirt with a button front, collar and cuffs. don’t be afraid to unbutton a few buttons at the bottom to show a little leg. whenever i find a shirtdress in cotton or silk, it has a 95% chance of coming home with me. so you can understand why this beautiful black silk shirtdress from Marks & Spencer ended up in my shopping cart.

here’s a little backstory on the shirtdress. Christian Dior launched this beauty into popularity as part of his ‘new look’ couture during the 1950’s. his original version came with a stiff crinoline skirt that made the ‘shirtwaist’ as it was called then feminine but fussy. thank goodness a style evolution came into play that discarded the fuller skirt in exchange for comfort. i don’t know about you, but i much prefer the simpler version that’s prevalent today. 

a shirtdress looks fabulous dressed up for work with the addition of heels.

but here’s how to style a shirtdress for the weekend. pop your shirtdress over a pair of denim, unbutton a few buttons, add a belt and voila – you are sporting a current trend with a classic wardrobe staple.

a big thank you to Marks & Spencer and Shopping Links for this sponsored post. and thank you lovely readers for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you fresh ideas.