How To Wear A Shirtdress: Lessons For A Modern-Day Lady (PHOTOS)

HuffPost Social Reading

In a new Stylelist series called "Lessons For A Modern-Day Lady," we're exploring ways to update your wardrobe and achieve that ladylike look that was so prevalent on the spring 2012 runways. This season calls for more demure, prim and proper attire that harkens back to the '50s and early '60s when longer hemlines, pastel peplum, lace, feathers and mule heels were de rigueur. To master this cool, yet elegant trend, we'll be dispensing some helpful tips for looking chic, sophisticated and fabulously feminine.

This week, we're starting off with a classic shirtdress: a timeless piece worn by everyone from style icons like Katherine Hepburn and Jackie O. to new generation fashion muses like Carey Mulligan and Alexa Chung. Whether dressed up or dressed down, a shirtdress is both functional and versatile: try it with a pair of loafers and a brightly colored satchel for an updated preppy twist. Or, add a statement necklace under the collar and pointed-toe mules with metallic detailing for a hint of sleek edge. Another plus? Belted or tied at the waist, a shirtdress will always compliment your body-type and give you a flattering shape. No matter how you wear it, this is one springtime staple you'll want to invest in now.

Click through the slideshow below to shop our favorite updated shirtdresses.

GoRunway/Getty, Art by Bobby Doherty

FASHION RELATED LINKS YOU MAY LOVE:

Find The Perfect Pair Of Jeans In Three Easy Steps - FabSugar

The Spring Shoe You Need Now - Glamour

Gotta Love A Bold Belt - The Frisky

DVF's Latest Collab: Denim For Current/Elliot - Racked

30 Cute Sweaters under $50 - iVillage

 
  • Comments
  • 6
  • Pending Comments
  • 0
  • View FAQ
Post Comment Preview Comment
To reply to a Comment: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to.
View All
Favorites
Recency  | 
Popularity
photo
allyson notally
More right than left but more left than right.
01:18 PM on 02/24/2012
The shirt-dress is probably the hardest look to pull off for me personally. I agree with the previous posters, there needs to be more reasonable price options, and Katharine Hepburn is the most divine of the ladies shown. You don't mess with the Hepburns!
11:41 AM on 02/23/2012
I haven't worn shirtdresses in many years since I was a junior in high school. The guy behind me unknowingly tied the back belt to my chair and when the teacher called me to the board to diagram a sentence in English class, the dress pulled off leaving me standing in my underwear before the captain of the football team and two of his jock buddies - so I no longer wear anything that buttons completely down the front
07:12 PM on 02/22/2012
Some of those shirt dresses are just shirts.
04:54 PM on 02/22/2012
If you see me wearing that stuff, please smack me upside the head.
04:49 PM on 02/22/2012
Yeah, like I'm going to pay $295 for a piece of fabric and a belt.
03:17 PM on 02/22/2012
Katheryn Hepburn is the most elegant and stylish among them and that pic is 50 years old!

Bloggers

 
 
Paulina Porizkova , Supermodel

The after-party was filled by the most stunning costumes and getups I had ever seen assembled in the same space:...

Read Post | Comments
Suki Kramer , Beauty expert; Founder of Suki skincare products

Here are just a few cosmetic trends. Some have come and gone, some have stuck around -- maybe you've tried...

Read Post | Comments
Rochelle Behrens , Founder and CEO of The Shirt

I hope it will remain widely understood that 'Made in NYC,' when it comes to apparel, emphasizes a clear values...

Read Post | Comments
Jill Donenfeld , Founder, The Culinistas

Jessica Barensfeld is a jewelry designer working out of her studio with six lovely interns in Brooklyn, N.Y. That's the...

Read Post | Comments
Matthew David Hopkins , Creative Director, 360 Design Events

Want to throw the party of the season, but feel fresh out of ideas? With Memorial Day this weekend and...

Read Post | Comments
Maria Tettamanti , Author, The Wordy Girl

If I had a quarter for every time I heard, "Miami girls are so tacky," I would be rich. Not...

Read Post | Comments
Franca Sozzani , Editor in chief, Vogue Italia

Each one of us can support this continent without showing exaggerated pity, but believing in the resources of the young...

Read Post | Comments
Mary Kincaid , Founder and Chief Vintage Crusader of Zuburbia.com

This week's selections include pieces Catalina, Christian Lacroix and Pierre Cardin. Be sure not to miss the gorgeous 1950s illusion...

Read Post | Comments
Glenn D. Braunstein, M.D. , Chairman of the Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai

While I offer no moral nor aesthetic judgment to would-be piercers, they should just be aware that today's trendy practices...

Read Post | Comments
Blue Carreon , Fashion writer

Reed Krakoff is a very busy man. Aside from his creative responsibilities at Coach, he also looks after his eponymous...

Read Post | Comments
Felice Shapiro , Founder/Publisher www.betterafter50.com

It's important for us to go public with our outrage when women are not appropriately recognized for our accomplishments. Let's...

Read Post | Comments
Dr. Susan Taylor , Dermatologist, Clinical Researcher, and Expert on Treating Skin of Color

There have been several recent reports in the media of intravenous infusions of different solution or fluids used to enhance...

Read Post | Comments
Soyon An , Stylist, 'American Idol'

I love working with artists that know what they like because you can really explore other options within the same...

Read Post | Comments
Women & Co , Personal finance source for women

You can have it all without spending a small fortune. If you plan ahead, you don't need to splurge every...

Read Post | Comments

Stylelist TV