Do you want a dress that you can throw on and run out the door looking great? Meet fashion’s most effortless shape — the shift dress. A shift dress is a short, loose-fitting silhouette that hangs from the shoulders and features straight lines that don’t cinch the waist or hug the curves.
The origins of the style can be traced back to the flapper fashions of the 1920s, which moved away from the corset in favor of looser shapes, exposed arms and legs and very little waist definition. Showing up in fashion through the decades, this silhouette is most closely identified with the “mod” look of the 1960s when it was worn by cultural icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy.
Today, this versatile dress has become a wardrobe hero and is suitable for just about any environment, whether it’s at the office or on the town.
The Dress: We love the lattice-print hemline, neckline and cuffs, as well as the floral motif on this shift dress from Donna Morgan. It’s perfect for running errands or even attending Sunday brunch.
The Rest: Grab the Jet Set Monogram East-West Tote Bag to carry all your errand-running essentials and elevate your look with these Calvin Klein Vivian platform sandals. Add sparkle with some stud earrings and a tri-tone bangle set. Brightening Finishing Powder illuminates your face and pairs well with this complexion-friendly dress.
Shop the Look: Donna Morgan Floral Shift Dress, MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Monogram East-West Tote Bag, Calvin Klein Vivian Platform Sandals, Michael Kors Sparkle Stud earrings, R.J. Graziano Tri-Tone Bangle Set, Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder
The Dress: Running out of wardrobe ideas for the office? This jewelneck shift dress is sure to spice up your work wear.
The Rest: Make a statement when you pair this dress with a satchel and give your look some loft with these iridescent pumps. Wake up the color of your lips with this stand-out Pure Color long-lasting lipstick and create a little flair with these mini bow stud earrings.
Shop the Look: Jones New York Collection Jewelneck Shift Dress, Gianni Bini Libby Satchel Bag, Vince Camuto Harty Iridescent Pumps, Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick, kate spade new york Skinny Mini Bow Stud Earrings
The Dress: Looking for some going-out style? The Vince Camuto Embellished Shift Dress won’t disappoint. This fresh and flirty shift dress is the best way to show off your legs without showing too much.
The Rest: Keep it sweet with a pair of stone-detail flats and a large black bedford bowl satchel for a sophisticated edge. Accessorize the look with a Bead Fireball stretch bracelet, which mirrors the embellishment in the dress’ neckline. Add some extra mystery to your ensemble with the Caviar & Oyster Collection nail polish and accentuate your eyes with this 3D lash mascara.
Shop the Look: Vince Camuto Embellished Shift Dress, Steve Madden Vegass Stone-Detail Flats, MICHAEL Michael Kors Large Bedford Bowl Satchel, Michael Kors Bead Fireball Stretch Bracelet, Bobbi Brown Caviar & Oyster Collection Nail Polish, MAC In Extreme Dimension 3D Lash Mascara
What’s your favorite shift dress? Tell us about it in the comments.
