A big shout out to Summer's hero staple...
The classic shirt-dress has carved out a solid place for itself this summer. It's not just collared, crisp and clean but makes a sartorial comeback in myriad prints, shapes and fabrics, which add to its functional adaptability. Besides with minor tweaks here and there, it can take you from a day meeting to a night out to even your bedroom. The classic is a feminine extension of the mannish shirt, which is versatile enough to make you stand out at a business lunch and also be your potential ally at the nearest watering hole.
Depending on your personal style, you can dial down the femininity or amp up the masculinity. Raey’s reinterpreted them in a short-sleeved black style and Balenciaga’s striped version with button-back 'tails' is traffic-stopping. Loewe’s recontextualised them with a sash-tied waist and Sonia Rykiel has presented them with balloon sleeves.
Biggest hit this summer
Anaita Shroff Adajania, Fashion Director, Vogue India says, "The shirt-dress is the biggest hit this summer. It's airy, cool and works for every body-type. It's got a good street cred and one can mix it with either sneakers or a pair of kolhapuris or even rubber flip-flops. One can embrace the beachy look teamed with a bikini, statement gold jewellery and flats."
She sees the versatile staple as a convenient work to party look.
Ideal for heat
Designer Arpita Mehta sees the garment as the ultimate closet chameleon. She suggests, "You can wear it loose and oversized for day and make it a stylish garment teamed with a high-waist belt and heels for night."
Allows breathe-ability
Designer Payal Singhal, who's flirted with the staple in printed crepe, observes that it works on most body types and allows breathability, can be made in all kinds of fabrics..
"You can both dress it up and dress it down. It can be worn in an executive kind of environment and also be a fun silhouette," she says.
Great investment
Stylist Divyak D'Souza sees it as a great investment. "Marks & Spencer has done it in a more formal, tailored style in subdued tones while an Indie label like The Jodi Life has toyed with it in block prints and punchy colours. Infused with an element of tailoring, it adds a certain edge."
Divyak also sees shirtdresses getting popular among B-Town beauties. "Anushka Sharma wears it a lot and her unfussy, effortless style complements it," he adds.
Stylist Anisha Jain who wears a lot of shirt-dresses sees them as the best bet to beat the heat. She suggests "Belt it up or leave it loose and add accessories to it. Tie your hair into a top knot and you're good to go."
Cinch it
Designer Kresha Bajaj of label Koëcsh observes that with Indian women who are a little more bottom-heavy, it sometimes feels intimidating and boxy. "I would suggest to cinch the dress at the waist with a vintage belt that would highlight the narrowest part of the body or even with a fun lightweight denim shirt or jacket to knot around. To take this look to night, it can be layered with a bunch of really fun pieces. Transparent tulle skirts are coming back into fashion and people always struggle to find a way to wear this trend. The best way is to layer it over a shirtdress with a fun pair of heels and a layered Choker to take it into an edgy night look!"
One can either opt for a shorter or a longer one and team with different separates thus creating new looks.
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