1. Wear a Loose Fit

Wearing a looser fitting shirt dress is not only more flattering, but more comfortable as well. When I mean loose, I don’t mean oversized and baggy. Simply choose one in a more relaxed cut that allows room for movement. If your shirt dress has buttons down the front, a too-tight fit may cause them to pop, and that’s not flattering at all!

2. Hem Length Vs. Heel Height

When it comes to how to style a shirt dress I generally use the guide that the shorter the dress, the lower the heel. Especially during the day time. A knee length shirt dress worn with heels can look quite sophisticated, whereas a mini shirt dress worn with heels has the ability to look inappropriate. The same mini dress worn with flats, however, can look much more appropriate. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rules so this tip is only a starting point.

3. Cinch the Waist

Some styles of shirt dresses can be quite shapeless and swamp your figure. Overcome this by cinching in your waist with a belt or fabric tie. This will easily and effectively accentuate the appearance of a waistline. Add extra detail to your look by experimenting with interesting types of belts.

4. Try Fuller Skirts

The cut of some shirt dresses can be quite up-and-down. If you’re pear-shaped, this may result in the bottom half of the shirt dress clinging to your hips and thighs. Avoid this by choosing a shirt dress with a full skirt. This will be much more flattering to your lower half.

5. Pick a Print

A plain shirt dress is a smart and versatile option, but choosing one in a print or pattern can add that extra bit of oomph to your outfit. When it comes to how to style a shirt dress in a print, try styling with more neutral accessories or those in a similar colour palette.

6. Bolster with Accessories

Update a basic shirt dress with on-trend accessories. A statement necklace here, a chunky watch there - it can all make a difference. Add some metallic shoes for a bit of razzle dazzle, or maybe some comfortable kicks for a more relaxed look. It’s all about adding a bit of personality to your outfit.

7. Layer

Get creative with your layering when it comes to how to wear shirt dresses. Wear one unbuttoned over the top of another dress as a jacket, or add a bit more volume in the skirt by wearing a petticoat underneath. These are just a few ideas to help you get a bit more wear out of your shirt dress.

From getting the right fit to styling tips, these are just a few ideas for how to style a shirt dress. Do you own a shirt dress? What are your best tips for how to style shirt dresses?

Top Image Source: trendsforthemasses.com