Want to know the best thing about a shift dress? You can easily shift it from day to night, from corporate environments to out on the town, from dressed up to down. (See what I did there?)
You guys know I’m a lover of versatility, and these dresses are it in terms of ways you can wear them, especially for when you want to bring more of a professional, chic element to your look. They’re classic and timeless, and a go-to for when you want to look the part. (No matter what part that is, mind you!) They just work, and they have for decades. I don’t see them stopping any time soon, which is why they’re the perfect dress to invest in.
Buuuuut I also know they can be a bit intimidating. So, for that reason, let’s dive in to a few easy tips on how to wear them.
What’s A Shift Dress?
Visually, I always think of shift as a dress that falls straight down and is minimalistic. I also think of Jackie O or Twiggy when I think of this style, because it was all the craze in the 60s. But, what actually defines one? Our friends at Who, What, Wear describe a shift dress perfectly: “Simply put, a shift dress refers to a short dress that hangs straight down from the shoulders with clean, simple lines. Typically, a shift dress is sleeveless, though some styles have short sleeves or off-the-shoulder variations. Above all, a shift dress should hang loosely from the body without a fitted cut.”
They did a much better job than I, no? Let’s move on.
Flattering Shift Dresses
While I love me a great shift, I know there’s questions about what body types they work on, and how to make them look good.
Before I go into the below, I want to note that I’m a firm believer that if you feel good, that’s all that matters. And, typically, if you feel good you also look good. That said, I also do believe that shift dresses are universally flattering. Here’s why.
Because of the straight lines that define them, shift dresses are typically shaped with more of a “boxy” silhouette. To which I totally get how they can be intimidating to style! But really, that boxy silhouette is a styling advantage. Whereas other dress styles can tend to hug and define the waist, a shift takes that pressure off and instead highlights your legs.
For example, when I worked in corporate, I actually wore shift dresses a lot to work prior to announcing I was pregnant when I was trying to hide my baby belly. See where I’m going here? The absence of definition around your waist and boxy shape is a good thing.
I also think they are the perfect canvas for getting creative! Their shape lends itself to lots of great options. Which leads me to…
Easy Tips On How To Wear A Shift Dress
Styling a shift dress all depends on the vibe you want.
For a more professional look, pair your shift with high heels or flats. Wear your shift with leggings, or simple black or nude tights, to amp up the professionalism. Wear your shift dress with a blazer, especially if your shift is like mine and doesn’t have sleeves. Add a belt if you’d like for your waistline to be more defined.
To amp up the chicness of your shift, pair your shift dress with boots. Go for knee-high or over the knee bootes in cooler months. Booties look great as well; especially if they’re a fun print such as leopard they bring a great element to your look. Throw on a scarf or a cute beret to add more pops of femininity.
For a casual, hip look, consider wearing your shift dress with platform shoes or even sneakers. Grab a leather coat to throw over your shoulders, or even layer something like a casual t-shirt over the shift to dress the look down even further.
Shift Dress Outfits
Want to see some of these looks in action? Here’s where I show and tell! Below are 8 fresh (and super easy!) ways that I styled a shift dress.
Shift Dress With A Turtleneck and Beret
I love this look because it’s so comfortable and also embraces accessorizing like a pro! It’s effortlessly chic. This option is a more style-forward look, and is perfect for anyone like me who loves a great opportunity to channel our inner Parisian!
Shift Dress With A Button Up and Booties
On the hierarchy list, this is my second favorite look after layering with a turtleneck, because it’s again simple yet looks fashion-forward. The pop of leopard makes it fresh, while the button up makes it professional.
Shift Dress With Boots and a Button Up
A modification of the first shift dress + button down look, swapping over the knee boots for short booties. This is a great option for cooler temperatures. Again, it’s professional yet fashion-forward! I added a silk scarf here for an added pop of personality.
Shift Dress With A Belt and Over The Knee Boots
Want to define your waist a bit more? Add a belt! This quick solve immediately brings accentuation to your figure. Paired with heels, this is a sexy silhouette version option to style your shift. Over the knee booties will still provide shape while keeping your legs warmer in cooler temperatures. Another great solve is to add black tights, which would look adorable!
Shift Dress With A Blazer and Heels
If you’re in a work environment where showing your shoulders is a no-no, simply add a blazer to your shift dress. This provides coverage and also brings a pulled together, professional look. I opted for a blush blazer, because color on color is always fun, but a classic black blazer would look great, too! Pair this with classic heels to amp up the professionalism even further.
Shift Dress With A Leather Jacket and Trendy Shoes
Oh hey, cool girl! A leather jacket immediately brings a hip factor to this look. A moto jacket would also look super cool! When paired with trendy shoes such as flatform sneakers, you’ve got yourself a combination that’ll turn heads.
Shift Dress Solo with Trendy Shoes
Sometimes simple is best! There are so many great ways to wear a shift dress, but don’t forget that wearing it solo is an option, too! They’re classic dresses that shine on their own. While I love them with heels, I do feel that heels bring a more professional or dressed up look, so I typically opt for a trendy shoe option to give it a little unexpected pizzaz. Spirit fingers, if you will.
Shift Dress With Sneakers and a T-Shirt
Casual shift dress style at its finest! An easy and quick way to dress anything down while also pulling in a fresh vibe is to add sneakers to the outfit. Here, I put a simple striped t-shirt over my shift, and threw on my leather jacket, for a look that is fun and approachable!
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Here are some timeless shift dress options to consider investing in!
The Everlane Everyday Tank Dress or Long Weekend Tank Dress. (These both look so comfortable!)
Halogen Sleeveless Shift Dress.
Nordstrom always has really great options + Anthropologie has fun ones, too! (I got the dress featured in this post from Anthropolgie.)
What other ways do you like to wear your shift dress? Would love to hear in the comments below!
PS – How To Style A Slip Dress + An Easy Way To Style Sneakers + Skirts
