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.

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 63, 5’8, and size 8.

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