6 Ideas for Styling Shirtdresses

I love a shirtdress. They're versatile, come in a range of silhouettes, are classic, and are great for this time of year. Often made in breathable fabrics like linen and cotton, shirtdresses are a staple in my wardrobe three seasons of the year. I wanted to share some ideas for styling shirtdresses featuring some of my favorites in my closet!

6 Ideas for Styling Shirtdresses

I am focusing on two styles of shirtdresses that are available in both Misses and Plus sizes (and some also come in petite). All the garments styled with these dresses are also available in both Misses and Plus.

The fabrics are breathable and summer-friendly with accessories that are stylish but not trendy so you can enjoy them now and for summers to come. Shoes are comfortable but not frumpy, and I chose silhouettes that may already be in your closet to provide some inspiration as you delve into your spring to summer wardrobe.

A Belted Cotton Shirtdress from Talbots Styled 3 Ways

Over the years, Talbots has carried this same short-sleeved 100% cotton shirtdress. Each summer, it is available in different prints and I now own three of them from three different years. It is available in Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite, has pockets, and has been a trusty go-to for spring to summer occasions as well as travel.

Here, I styled the dress similarly to how I wore it when I visited Savannah last summer and how I would have modified the look if I had these items available then. I swore by my Thigh Society slip shorts for comfort in the heat (read my Thigh Society review and use WO215 for 15% off!)

The lip balm has SPF, so you can get a hint of color while staying protected while sightseeing outside. The face color is from Flyte.70, a favorite brand of ethical makeup specifically for us grown-ass women. “Look of Love” is like a blush and bronzer in one; I use it on my cheeks and nose as well as on my lids. You can use your fingers to blend; I also sometimes use this brush. It plays nice over sunscreen and looks great on friends that are a range of skintones. Use WOXYGEN15 for 15% off at Flyte.70.

While I wore my beloved comfy Birkenstock Bend sneakers, I would have been more comfortable in sandals like these, and it would have been easier to dress up the look. But this gives you the idea of how styling this shirtdress looks in real life.

This is the same dress, now styled for a spring-to-summer event. Graduation, retirement, baby shower, day wedding, work event… a cotton shirtdress in such a stunning print can dress up nicely and won't need a ton of accessories to feel festive.

This is me wearing this same exact print of the dress with a similar bag after a nice dinner at a restaurant. Gotta love a dress with pockets!

Who says a belted shirtdress has to be dressy? Especially now, in this transitional weather, it's nice to have layers and a denim jacket is a classic choice. I personally own these New Balance sneakers in the same color combo and find they go with so much. And if you don't yet know my love for Dagne Dover bags… well, try this crossbody and understand my feelings. I liked toning down the bright print of the dress with these more neutral pieces.

While I am not wearing sneakers in this photo (same dress, different print), I am wearing casual Birkenstocks, showing a shirtdress like this can be quite versatile!

A Midi Linen Shirtdress from Universal Standard Styled 3 Ways

Another dress I personally own is the Dune Linen Shirtdress from Universal Standard. Made from a stretch linen that resists wrinkles and can handle the dryer, this cap-sleeved dress is incredibly versatile and so comfy in the summer heat.

Since this shirtdress completely unbuttons, it makes for a chic duster to throw over another look. I have worn mine like this, over a simple white tank and denim cutoffs to add a bit of style and coverage.

I love Birkenstock sandals, and I love that they are back in style, offering comfort at the same time. This color is versatile, and the oversized gold buckles elevate the shoe. A Lands' End canvas tote is also a classic that is back in fashion. Lands' End has amazing colors to choose from this year and for just $8 you can personalize it with a word, name, monogram, and more (I'm carrying a Medium Lands' End tote in this post).

Since this shirtdress does not have a defined waist nor does it have high slits on the bottom, it can easily be belted. Adding black leather to linen makes it feel more formal and less beachy; the belts and sandals together can formalize a range of summer dresses all season long. This tote is highly rated and under $200. And I've written before about where to find rings larger than a size 8 and this one is available up to a size 12.

For this look, I was inspired by how I often wear my Dune linen shirtdress: with sneakers or super comfy sandals and a baseball or straw cap. I then can use bright accessories to add joy to the neutral color.

For this look, I went with my trusty Birkenstock Bend sneakers which are go-to shoes whether it's for travel or just traveling to the mall. As you see above, the dress also looks great with chunky sandals.

I hope this gave you some great inspiration for styling shirtdresses, showing their versatility and classic style!