How to Style a Shirt Dress

Shirt dresses have been a popular style choice for decades and have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. This comes as no surprise due to the versatility of the shirt dress and the wide range of styles, patterns and fits available. Dressed up or down, a shirt dress offers the most flattering, on-trend fit for any occasion. 

Here at Bombshell, it’s our goal to make sure you feel like your most confident self in whatever you wear, that’s why we have put together a curated collection of stylish shirt dresses that are guaranteed to make you feel fabulous! Keep reading as we dive into the best ways to style a shirt dress so that you can strut into any occasion in style. 

Are shirt dresses flattering?

One of the biggest advantages of shirt dresses is how widely versatile they are for all body types. The shape of a shirt dress typically has a wide-collared neckline and cinches in at the waist to then flare out into a full skirt for an hourglass shape, or skim your body into a more streamlined silhouette. Some of them have tie belts you can adjust for comfort, or wear in multiple ways for different looks. Whether you dress it up for an evening event or down for a sophisticated everyday look, a shirt dress has endless styling possibilities to achieve a flattering fit every time! 

Shirt dresses are not only effortlessly flattering but are also incredibly comfortable and, when made from the right materials, can be the perfect dress you find yourself reaching for in all seasons. Typically made from lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen, these shirt dresses are ideal for hot summer days when you need something breathable and easy to wear but can also easily be styled for a variety of occasions in colder climates.

Shirt dresses come in a variety of designs so there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer a knee-length, a long sleeve, an a-line shape or a short sleeve look, there’s a shirt dress style out there that will flatter your figure perfectly!

How do you make a shirt dress look good?

Shirt dresses are incredibly easy to style, no matter what occasion you’re dressing for; all you need are a few simple accessories and your favourite pair of shoes and you’re good to go! The key is to find accessories that complement the colours of the shirt dress and are also suitable for the occasion.

If you opt for a patterned, colourful shirt dress, we suggest keeping the accessories simple so that you don’t take away from the elegance of the dress. Stick to delicate jewellery, plain belts and understated scarves. Alternatively, if you find yourself gravitating towards a plain shirt dress style, then you can get creative with the styling! Pair your uncomplicated shirt dress with bold necklaces, glam earrings, show-stopping shoes and stylish hair accessories to elevate the look.

Below we have put together a few of our favourite shirt dresses from Bombshell and detailed the various ways in which you can style them to create an effortlessly on-trend look.

 

If you’re looking for a show-stopping shirt dress that is guaranteed to turn heads in the best way possible then this For The Love of Pockets Dress made from stunning Liberty fabric is the one for you. Combining all of the magical parts of our practical pockets dress with this unique retro parrot print, this midi-length shirt dress is made to impress. Crafted from lightweight Liberty Tana Lawn™ cotton that offers a luxurious silk-like feel, the bodice of this dress has been designed to skim your curves and accommodate your bust. Pair with simple sandals for a casual daytime look or add jewellery and a pair of gold heels for an elegant evening outfit with a unique twist!

Shirt dresses can be an excellent choice for achieving the formal black-tie event look that differs from a classic floor-length gown. This Helen Maxi Shirt Dress offers a glamorous and timeless take on old Hollywood glamour. Inspired by Dame Helen Mirren, this dramatic pale gold dress boasts a mid-weight jacquard fabric with woven metallic gold roses. Featuring a sash belt that cinches in the waist to create a flattering hourglass figure and a floor-sweeping length, this dress holds all of the attention and should be styled with simple gold accessories and a pair of nude heels (or flats for comfort).

 

Every woman needs a little black dress in their wardrobe, and what better option than this elegant Cinch Shirt Dress? A sophisticated and sleek version of our Grace dress, this black shirt dress boasts a classic 50s-inspired midaxi full skirt with a stand-up revere collar and flattering sash belt to complement the natural curvature of the waist. This dress is sure to become one of the most loved items in your wardrobe due to its versatility and timeless style. For a casual daytime look, we recommend utilising accessories that add a splash of colour to the dress, such as a statement necklace or patterned handbag. If you want to keep things classy for an enchanting evening look, we suggest adding a pair of heels and a matching bag with dainty jewellery.

If you love the style of this dress but would like something more colourful, the Cinch Shirt Dress in Evergreen is perfect. Made from Lux Tana Lawn cotton, this wrap shirt dress offers a silk-like feel and sophisticated silhouette that can take you from day to night with ease. With a long sash belt and an elegant midaxi length, this shirt dress helps to create a stunning hourglass shape that flatters all body types. The deep green hue of this dress would pair perfectly with gold accents in your jewellery and heels to create a regal look or you can choose to keep it simple with black sandals and a scarf for a more casual ensemble.

 

Take your shirt dress style to the next level with this glamorous Grace Dress in Emerald Silk Dupion. Inspired by the iconic Grace Kelly, this shirt dress boasts a beautiful jewel-toned emerald green hue that complements all. With a silk tie belt that brings in the waist and a netted underskirt that flares out to balance your shape, this shirt dress is made to flatter all figures. Perfect for formal occasions like weddings and Ladies’ Day, add your favourite pair of heels and a stunning fascinator to complete this elegant look.  

Our fabulous Grace dress also comes in this timeless Navy Polka Dot fabric that pays homage to the 1950s vintage style dresses. Made from a navy stretch cotton fabric with white polka dots, this pattern is made for summer. Featuring carefully constructed princess lines to raise the bust and a tie waist belt, this shirt dress is designed to flatter all body shapes. Taking you from day to night, pair this shirt dress with a red lip and matching red accessories to achieve a vintage look.

Find the perfect shirt dress style at Bombshell

Browse through our shirt dress collection for more inspiration on how to style this elegant clothing must-have. If you’re looking for more classic dress styles to try out, head on over to our full range of luxury dresses to discover a variety of flattering, stylish fits for all occasions. 

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