As soon as there’s one nice day up in here in Michigan, winter clothes get the boot, and I’m basically trying to make summer start, RIGHT NOW. I’m out showing my legs (with a good, healthy layer of fake tanner on), and getting this spring wardrobe sorted — which can be tough in these early transitional days. That’s where the shirt dress comes in. I already think of shirt dresses as very versatile: they can be worn as a dress (obvi) with shorts, and with just about every different style of jeans.
But what if you just want to go the plain and simple way — pants-less? Then it becomes all about the shoes. And in that case, the shoes better be good. I found three totally different styles of shoes that I loved wearing with my shirt dress — each matching a particular vibe.
Sporty Does It: Shirt Dress with White Sneakers
Outfit Details
Shirt Dress (Similar)- One Line Day Stripe Shirt Dress by BB Dakota, Nordstrom. My dress has since sold out, but I’ve tried the BB Dakota version in store and it’s VERY similar to the one I’m wearing in the photos (and just as cute). Shirt dresses with a shorter, flirtier length like mine feel so much more versatile than other below-the-knee options. I’ve been known to rock mine with shorts and all styles of jeans, too. I also LOVE the lack of structure; it’s much more flowy and relaxed, and would even make a cute beach cover-up with the sleeves rolled.
Denim Jacket- Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket, Shopbop. This is the jacket I have and have had for years. It’s absolutely a staple in my wardrobe three out of four seasons of the year.
Sneakers – Chuck Taylor All Star ‘Shoreline’ Slip-On Sneakers, Nordstrom. I bought these last spring and lived in them until it started snowing. They’re so easy to pull on and off, and I have no idea how, but miraculously they stayed completely white. I’d order a half-size up though, I’m usually a 7.5, which is the size I have, but when I need a new pair, I’ll grab an 8. The elastic on the back of the heel is pretty tight in order to keep the shoe on, so it always takes me a few wears before the back of my heel toughens up.
More of My Favorite White Sneaks
Simple & Classic: Shirt Dress with Black Heeled Mules
Outfit Details
Shirt Dress (Similar)- One Line Day Stripe Shirt Dress by BB Dakota, Nordstrom. My dress has since sold out, but I’ve tried the BB Dakota version in store and it’s VERY similar to the one I’m wearing in the photos (and just as cute). Shirt dresses with a shorter, flirtier length like mine feel so much more versatile than other below-the-knee options. I’ve been known to rock mine with shorts and all styles of jeans, too. I also LOVE the lack of structure; it’s much more flowy and relaxed, and would even make a cute beach cover-up with the sleeves rolled.
Denim Jacket- Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket, Shopbop. This is the jacket I have and have had for years. It’s absolutely a staple in my wardrobe three out of four seasons of the year.
Mules – Shanna Mule by Botkier, 40% off at Nordstrom. A black heeled mule is a black heeled mule, right? Uh-uh, honey. lol. 😉 I admit, my heart did yearn for Frye’s Flynn Mule but then I saw the updated, chic style of the Shanna Mule and the discounted price (approximately 70% less than the Frye’s), and I just KNEW these were meant for me.
My Favorite Mules to Wear a Shirt Dress With
Kick It Cowgirl Style: Shirt Dress with Western Booties
Outfit Details
Shirt Dress (Similar)– One Line Day Stripe Shirt Dress by BB Dakota, Nordstrom. My dress has since sold out, but I’ve tried the BB Dakota version in store and it’s VERY similar to the one I’m wearing in the photos (and just as cute). Shirt dresses with a shorter, flirtier length like mine feel so much more versatile than other below-the-knee options. I’ve been known to rock mine with shorts and all styles of jeans, too. I also LOVE the lack of structure; it’s much more flowy and relaxed, and would even make a cute beach cover-up with the sleeves rolled.
Denim Jacket- Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket, Shopbop. This is the jacket I have and have had for years. It’s absolutely a staple in my wardrobe three out of four seasons of the year.
Booties – Jeffrey Campbell’s Travis Ankle Booties exclusively at Free People, If you’re a regular reader, you already know how much I LOOOOOVE these booties. When I’m in the mood for a Western/Boho look, these boots are my touchstone for just about every outfit I wear these days.
My Favorite Ever Western Booties
Cute Shirt Dresses To Shop Right Now
Happy April lovelies!! Follow me on IG at @jessbobess and on liketoknow.it for more style inspo!
xx,
Jess
12 Comments
Love all three looks! And the overall versatility of the shirt dress. Yours is particularly cute! Also, good job on the self tanner! Your legs look great! What brand do you use?
Maybe in another color, but to me that light blue just screams “man’s shirt thrown on first thing in the morning without pants”.
Thanks Elizabeth!! When I have time for several applications I really love St. Tropez’s Classic Bronzing Mousse at Ulta but for one time applications that wash off with soap, I actually really like Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs and you can pick it up at most stores.
I usually love all of your looks… but this one looks like you forgot your pants….I’ll take it belted over ripped skinny jeans though….
It’s a no for me dog. It is too short and between the length and light blue it looks like literally a man’s shirt (too short to wear as a dress)…or a pj top.
So just feedback on this– total miss. It doesn’t look like a shirt dress, it looks like just a shirt. It needs another few inches, less of a slit on the side, and probably a belt- especially for someone with a chest. Also, it doesn’t look good with that denim jacket– it’s too monochromatic.
Love the blue color; so versatile as a dress and/or long shirt over shorts/pants/leggings. Especially nice looking on you in any of those shoes‼️
Thanks for the suggestion Tamara, it seems the overall consensus is that pants are needed. LOL! 😉
Soooo…I totally disagree with the dissenters. Obviously, since I’ve always been a no-pants kinda girl, haha. I’m with Christy – the slit and length are so freaking cute – this totally looks like a dress to me. (And I’d rock the monochromatic look all. day. long.)
I can’t tell exactly where the slit hits but I think it looks hot. Now if it had been belted AND the slit was high that may be too much but the bagginess balances the shortness.
And I’m always looking for sneakers/casual dress looks. More please!
I agree, Christy! Great way of putting it. Looks so cute on Jess!
Totally agree with the “this needs pants” crowd. I have no idea how you sat down or moved in that dress! Too much side slit and middle buttons!