A shift dress is one of those go-to dresses in your closet. There’s a shift dress for every season, and a lot of them are versatile enough to wear in more than one season. So, I put together a roundup of ways to wear a shift dress throughout the year and for different occasions.
How to Style A Shift Dress
First, let’s look at what a shift dress is and a few style thoughts!
What Is A Shift Dress, What Does A Shift Dress Look Like, And Are Shift Dresses In Style?
A shift dress has a straight cut to it, and it is typically not too form fitting. I think most shift dresses are thought of as the above the knee style, but I’m going to include midi length dresses that are cut in the same way as well. They’re a popular style of dress, and I love to wear them myself!
Shift dresses are definitely in style, and I don’t think they’ll ever go out of style. I don’t know the exact history of the shift dress, but this style of dress always makes me think of Jackie O and her style popularity in the 1960s.
How To Wear A Shift Dress
There are different ways to style a shift dress, and it all depends on where you’re going and what the weather’s like! You can wear a shift dress to work, but you might also have a favorite shift dress for a summer date night. Plus, what does your shift dress look like? Does it have short sleeves, long sleeves, a boat neckline? You get the point. Below are just a few ideas I have for how to wear a shift dress.
Perfect for Petites
A shift dress is a great option for petite women. They’re never too much fabric, and they aren’t overwhelming in general.
Style With Kitten Heels
Kitten heels or low sandals are the perfect shoe to wear with a classic shift dress that hits above the knee. These will be easy to walk in and they’ll keep your outfit feeling classic.
Shift Dress Outfit Ideas
Linen Shift Dress For Summer
This style of shift dress feels very Audrey Hepburn or Jackie O. I love how a shift dress is ever so slightly loose fitting, so they aren’t too clingy on those hot summer days.
Denim Shift Dress For Warm Days
Denim dresses are on trend right now, and for good reason. They’re so cute and so versatile – a win win! This look is styled for a warm day, but you can easily wear this dress all year. For the winter, layer with a turtleneck underneath the dress, and add tights and boots! This dress feels like the definition of a wardrobe staple.
Denim Shift Dress With Pocket Details
The details on this denim dress add a fun and unique detail to set it apart from a typical shift dress. I love how you can wear this in the fall and spring with slingbacks too.
Work Shift Dress
A shift dress and a sheath dress are often what I think of for a classic work look in a formal office. I used to wear these when I worked in a formal dress code myself. You can wear a shift dress to work with or without tights, and they look nice with ballet flats or heels – whatever you’re most comfortable wearing.
Casual Shift Dress
This cute shift dress has pockets, and it comes in lots of colors! I It’s a cotton blend, so you can wear it with pretty much any style of shoes you want. This is a perfect, versatile shift dress!
Midi Shift Dress
A midi shift dress is perfect to wear throughout warm weather seasons, but it’s also a staple when it starts to get chilly. You can wear this with a button up, a denim shirt, a shirt jacket, and a cardigan to bring it into the new season.
This midi shift dress has been my go-to dress for so many summers and early fall seasons now. I wear it by itself and I layer it. I dress it up, and I wear it casually. When you find a shift dress that works for you, you’ll truly wear it all the time.
My exact dress is old from Everlane, but I recreated my outfit with a similar looking dress!
Special Occasion Shift Dress
Okay, this midi shift dress is gorgeous and so fun. The gold medallions on the side make it feel unique, but it’s still a classic that doesn’t feel trendy. You can wear this with any type of heels or sandals for your special event! I’d wear gold jewelry with it.
Did you find a shift dress outfit idea you love? Let me know what you think!
