Designer Shirt Dresses

Midi, maxi and mini shirt dresses

The belted midi is the classic shirt dress: it works for the office, lunch and a weekend away with a change of shoes. A maxi shirt dress doubles as a beach cover-up, and a mini suits sneakers and boots. Read our guide to the best designer shirt dresses, and browse midi dresses, maxi dresses and mini dresses.

Linen, cotton and denim shirt dresses

Linen and cotton poplin are the summer fabrics, crisp and breathable; denim is the year-round casual choice. See our guides to linen shirt dresses and how to style a denim dress, and shop denim dresses and day and casual dresses.

White and black shirt dresses

A white shirt dress in cotton poplin is the summer staple, and a black shirt dress in silk and wool works from the office to dinner. Browse every shade in white dresses and black dresses.

T-shirt dresses

The T-shirt dress is the relaxed cousin of the shirt dress: soft jersey, cotton and fine knit, from oversized minis to twisted and draped maxis. Wear it with sneakers and a denim jacket for day, and dress it up with leather and a heel. See more easy styles in day and casual dresses.

Shirt dresses by designer

For designer-by-designer ideas, see our edits of Alémais shirts and shirtdresses, Viktor & Rolf shirt dresses, Maison Margiela dresses and Aje denim dresses.

Shirt dresses: FAQs

What is a shirt dress?

A shirt dress is a dress cut like a long shirt, with a collar, a buttoned placket and usually cuffs. Most are belted at the waist, and lengths run from mini to maxi.

What shoes go with a shirt dress?

Loafers, ballet flats and clean sneakers keep a shirt dress relaxed for day; slingbacks and heeled sandals dress it up, and knee boots carry a midi into autumn.

How do you wear a shirt dress with a belt?

Belt it at the natural waist to give a loose shirt dress shape: a slim leather belt for cotton and denim, a self-tie sash for silk. Unbelted, it falls straight and relaxed.

Can you wear a shirt dress to work?

Yes. A midi shirt dress in cotton poplin, silk and fine wool is one of the easiest office dresses; add a blazer and loafers. Browse midi dresses for more.

Can you wear a shirt dress to a wedding?

For a daytime and garden wedding, a silk and printed shirt dress with heels works well; avoid white and ivory, and choose a gown for black tie. See wedding guest dresses.

What is the difference between a shirt dress and a shirtwaist dress?

A shirt dress buttons all the way down like a shirt. A shirtwaist dress has a shirt-style bodice with a fitted waist and a fuller skirt, often with buttons only to the waist.

How do you wear a shirt dress in winter?

Choose wool, cashmere and corduroy, layer a fine knit over the top, add opaque tights and knee boots, and finish with a long coat.

Which shirt dress fabric is best for summer?

Linen and cotton poplin breathe best, and both can be worn open over swimwear as a cover-up. See our guide to linen shirt dresses.

What is a T-shirt dress?

A T-shirt dress is a dress cut like a long tee, in jersey, cotton and knit, with no collar and no buttons. Wear it with sneakers for day and a heeled sandal with a belt for dinner.