Why every girl needs a shirt dress in her closet

everlane poplin shirt dress minimal outfit
everlane poplin shirt dress minimal outfit
everlane poplin shirt dress minimal outfit
everlane poplin shirt dress minimal outfit
everlane poplin shirt dress minimal outfit
everlane poplin shirt dress minimal outfit

Everlane cotton poplin shirt dress, 3.1 by Phillip Lim mini ‘pashli’ bag, Isabel Marant heels (these are a cute option and I also love these), Paul Hewitt watch

A balanced wardrobe is always founded on the basics, those essential workhorses which never really go out of style. So, whenever I’m looking at making a new wardrobe addition, there’s a few questions that typically come to mind; is this a classic piece? will this work with the rest of my wardrobe? can it do double duty for work and for play? and will I get my cost-per-wear from this purchase?

One of my most recent additions – which definitely fit the aforementioned criteria – is this crisp white shirt dress from Everlane. I’ve fallen head over heels for its simple cut, oversized silhouette, and the mandarin style collar, and it’s the kind of piece that I can easily see myself dressing up or down. My list of must-have wardrobe essentials has definitely grown over the last couple of years, with the shirt dress being the latest to make the cut. So.. why should you bother investing in one for your wardrobe?

it’s a layering piece
Worn on its own, or over a pair of leather leggings as a tunic, layered under a thigh length sweater, or finished off with a thick wool coat, it is the perfect transitional layering piece. I also love that you can wear it as a shirt, tucked into a pair of skirt or pair of trousers, or alternatively, as a cute skirt when worn with a chunky knit sweater belted at the waist. We’re right in the midst of one of Sydney’s famous heat waves, but as soon as it starts to cool down I’ll be wearing mine with a simple low heeled black pump and an oversized cardigan.

it can do double duty
I try to keep my wardrobe as tightly edited as possible, so anything that works for the office, and for the weekend is a winner in my books. A classic shirt dress definitely has double duty vibes, pairing nicely for the office with some simple court shoes and a blazer, or dressed down for the weekend with a pair of sneakers. I also think it makes the perfect outfit for a night out, worn with a strappy pair of heels (like I’ve got on, above – I personally love these).

it’s timeless
Depending on how modern the cut is, a shirt dress is the kind of thing that will see you continuing to reach for it over the years. It’s been so true of all my wardrobe staples (my Helmut Lang blazer being a prime example) and longevity is something I typically look for when investing a little extra on a new wardrobe addition.

I’ve rounded up a few of my current favourites that are available online – I’m currently eyeing up the cotton twill shirt dress from Everlane in black, which would be perfect in winter worn with some tights and a black skivvy layered underneath!

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4 Comments

  1. Karline
    January 17, 2017 / 10:43 pm

    I totally agree, shirt dresses have become a favorite of mine over the past few years. Its my go to when in doubt what to wear and I hardly ever feel over- or underdressed. My favorites are denim ones, others I wear with a belt because otherwise they tend to look like a nightgown on me.

  2. January 19, 2017 / 1:48 pm

    A shirt dress is the ultimate. It’s one of those ideal things to wear for occasions where, you honestly do not know what to wear. You know? My friend, years ago, declared that a shirt dress was the answer for a high school reunion. In that, it is just the safest, classic and elegant thing to wear. I’ve always been reminded of that since. Love this one. Everlane are just so good!

    Ps your hair is looking stunning! Love the highlights with the red lip!
    xx Jenelle
    http://www.inspiringwit.com/

  3. Jane
    May 4, 2017 / 11:12 am

    Hi Jamie-Lee,
    Can I ask what size you are wearing and is there any sheer action going on in this shirt dress? Is wearing nude underwear sufficient for coverage? I really like the poplin pajama tunic but that is slightly sheer and was wondering if the poplin fabric on this shirt dress was the same. Of course, since it’s a sleep garment, it’s ok. And I know you are planning on purchasing the wide leg crops…just wanted to let you know that while I liked the shape, I was disappointed by the construction. The pockets bunch up slightly at the bottom and after a few try-ons, I noticed that the seam was undone on the outer lower thigh so back it went. Apparently, other people have had the same issues although most love them! Just inspect the seams carefully! I won’t be trying them again as I don’t like the colors…I will instead pick up the Jesse Kamms at some point- those would look so awesome on you! Thanks!

    • jamie-lee
      Author
      May 5, 2017 / 8:05 am

      Hi Jane,

      I’m wearing this in the size 2 – it’s an oversized fit so I could have gone down to a 0 I think if I wanted but I’m happy with the size. I’m wearing nude underwear; I don’t feel that the fabric is see through, the poplin is quite thick (in my opinion) so I haven’t had any issues.
      Oh really? Even hearing your experience I’m still so tempted to give them a try when my size finally comes back in stock. I had a look at the Jesse Kamms and I really like the black ones, though for the style I think I need to figure out if the silhouette suits me before I’d be prepared to spend that much. They’re incredibly lovely though! 🙂

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