Why it’s always the summer of the shirtdress
Photos. Neil Mackenzie Matthews
This year’s search for a new summer frock has been disappointing. Hunting around online and -in-store, I have felt quite uninspired, and not that interested in what’s on offer. Particularly if it’s called a ‘midaxi’; no idea who invented this abomination of a phrase but M&S needs to stop using it. The dreaded fashion portmanteau strikes again. Anyhow. Ever the tomboy, I have tried various styles – scooped neck, tiered, voluminous, wrap – but I always come back to the shirt dress. Simplicity is the way to go in summer. This is the style I feel most comfortable in and most like myself. Less fuss, less faffing, and definitely no flouncing.
Also, let’s hear it for summer neutrals. This khaki frock (and khaki is a great, year-round neutral) was one of my Weekend Max Mara sale bargains, style stalked on Matchesfashion.com (RIP), a few years ago. The fabric is quite a heavy cotton, perfect for summer in the UK – apart from the annual three-day heatwave, which is obviously when we shot this photo. The Law of Sod. But, because the fabric is so substantial, the overall effect of this midi style can feel a little stiff. So I set to loosening it up with an array of necklaces, my favourite sandals and a jute tote bag (this one is from Maison Bengal). And now I feel like Veruschka in Yves Saint Laurent, minus the rifle, of course.
The best dress might just be the one you already own, but in case it isn’t (!) here’s a selection of khaki (and a smattering of white) shirt dresses:
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STYLE NOTES
Shirt dress (as above); similar HERE and HERE. My leather sandals are from Ancient Greek Sandals. The green bead necklace is vintage, the long chain necklace is very old and the wooden bead necklace is from Cardomon Lifestyle.
Discussion (19 Comments)
Anne FB says:
Why do so many shirts and shirt dresses have pockets on the chest? Very unflattering for those of us who’re well endowed and not very practical.
Zoe says:
I totally agree with you Anne. I just love a pocket sitting right on top of my prominent features! Why do designers not think about for whom they are designing their garments?
caroline says:
Ahh…. I sympathize. But to those of us who are not so endowed that chest pocket is the perfect spot for a pair of sunglasses or a shopping list!
Debs C says:
I remove all the pockets from blouses / shirts and dresses, as most are simply sewn on and removing a couple of stitches shows very easily if the fabric will or will not be damaged. I also remove lower pockets on some jackets too, where they have no use / design merit and seem to be plonked on for effect. Save the pockets just in case a repair is needed on the item. Oh, and I’d recommend a good quality, small pair of fine tip dressmaking scissors for the job!
Jayne says:
I’m very glad to know that I am not alone in failing to find a new summer dress this year. At 80 I still want to enjoy my clothes but not to flounce around in frills and I do need at least elbow length sleeves! Thank you for doing some research for me, I have ordered one of your suggestions and look forward to trying the dress on. Thanks!
Ellie Cockerill says:
Shirtdress obssessive here! Mostly I make mine to the same two patterns, 1 long,and 1 short,and they ALWAYS have either side seam pockets,or patch pockets on the skirt (absolutely agree about chest pockets,too cluttering whatever your shape). Please why don’t manufacturers understand about pockets? Obviously they put a few once on the make costs,but think how many sales they lose because of it…..
nb,just got a very nice denim one in M&S sale,below knee,and patch pockets with flaps on the skirt-when they get it right,they really do!Nicola says:
Gosh – I do envy you being able to make clothes. I can only make curtains which will never be high fashion! I think clothing designers are finally coming around to pockets – and working out that the extra cost and labour is outweighed by increased sales. It will often be the clincher for me – the absence of a pocket where a pocket should be being the ultimate annoyance. Although there’s no excuse for breast pockets though – they should use that fabric for a nice invisible pocket in the skirt seam.
Mrs Tonia says:
Great photo here and great selection of dresses and accessories shown here. This is totally my look. Yesterday I wore a golden oldie olive linen button through shirt dress. A sale purchase from Whistles in a rail terminus years back. Short sleeved with a tie belt it’s the perfect summer dress which can be spruced up with a number of accessories such as metallic sandals and lots of silver bangles and necklaces. For me it’s a neutral with many possibilities. I’ve got a range of shirt dresses which I enjoy wearing. Very versatile garments.
Vancouver Barbara says:
You look spectacular in that perfect dress. I love everything about it. Deeply inspiring. I’ll be getting out the sewing machine any minute now to make one…or more.
Debs C says:
I just bought a shirt dress, from M&S. Purchased in one of their larger stores, in the sale, it is 100% cotton and lovely to wear. I needed to size up, due to the front dart, but it is the first shirt dress I’ve purchased in many a year – it was this one
https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-tie-waist-midi-shirt-dress/p/clp60678184#intid=pid_pg1pip19g4r4c4I’ve cut off the belt loops, as they sit too high, but tend to do this on all items to stop the belt pulling the fabric/ putting strain on the seams and solves the shoulder to waist issue, as can belt where it needs to sit on me, yeah!
Clars says:
I love dresses, don’t have to worry about trying to match with anything but shoes and accessories., what stores have the clothing you are wearing
Patrish says:
That has to be THE BEST look ever. You look fabulous and the jewelry is just right not to mention the fab sandals and bag. Not a speck of fussy to it. Summer in the city. Lovely.
Gill says:
I agree with you that midaxi is a completely irritating ‘word’. Love a shirt dress, preferably without a belt to avoid looking like a badly wrapped parcel (that’s just me – Alison loks very chic with a belted dress).
Deborah Bainbridge says:
Love the khaki and tan. I bought a preloved beige linen shirtdress recently. Having a large bust, wearing it loose works best or open over linen trousers and a vest top. I’m not keen on the chest pockets so might see if they’re removable – great tip!
DebfromVancouver says:
I just had to say hello to you. My grandmothers name was Deborah Beverley Bainbridge, she was born in Lincolnshire and came to Canada in 1914..
Vicky says:
I have to be very choosy when it comes to shirt dresses, as I don’t have much of a waist. If they are too slim-cut I look like a pillow that’s been tied around the middle. Far better for me to have a dress which is shaped but not belted, or has a little structure. But that’s a lovely selection, and khaki is the perfect colour.
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I love a shirt dress. They can be dressed up or down and work for the office, lunch with friends or shopping. I have to watch waistbands as they can come up too high on me ( some brands – Boden I’m looking at you- seem to think that ‘long’ simply means bunging a couple of inches on the length without changing any other proportions). But a nicely fitted one always looks so right, whatever the occasion.