Wear a shirt dress with matching (or contrasting) tights and ballet flats for a casual, yet sophisticated, day look. Layer on a few varying length strands of colored beads and carry a large tote bag or slouchy purse. This is a great outfit for shopping, a lunch date or going to visit art galleries or a museum.

Step 2:

Use a thin leather belt to play up the shirt dress' structure for a more tailored look for work or a corporate function. Opt for nude stockings and low pumps and wear a shorter chunky necklace or tie a scarf at the neck to accent the collar line.

Step 3:

Leave the first few top buttons of the dress open and show off a pretty lace-trimmed camisole or tank top underneath for dinner out or a cocktail party. Keep your legs nude or wear sheer or shimmery stockings, put on strappy high heels or sandals and wear some pearls or gold or silver chains to dress up the look. Carry a dressy clutch purse to complete the evening look.

Step 4:

Wear a long cardigan or blazer buttoned to completely change the look of a shirt dress, so your dress will look like a matching top and skirt set. For a job interview, this can work well with classic pumps, pearls and a nice briefcase or handbag.

Step 5:

Wear your shirt dress with a thick patent leather belt and try shoes in a contrasting color to add a dash of polish any time.

Step 6;

Mix things up by wearing a shirt dress open with a pair of skinny jeans or slim-fitting pants and a turtleneck or t-shirt so it serves as a long cardigan or jacket.

Step 7:

Consider buying shirt dresses in a few different weights and patterns so you can have a variety of options to choose from all year. Then try experimenting with unexpected choices. You can wear a sleeveless sweater knit shirt dress over a thin long-sleeve T or blouse to add another layer of interest.

by Lisa Ellis

Fashion268.net