Why a Shirtdress Is the Answer to Your Summer Fashion Woes

If shirtdresses make you think of June Cleaver, Alice Kramden or Lucy Ricardo, think again. Yes, they were a favorite uniform for ’50s sitcom wives, but to this day, there are few clothing items as versatile, flattering and comfortable as shirtdresses. You can live in them all summer long!

Here are my top five reasons to love a shirtdress:

Left to right: COS Eyelet Shirt Dress in White ($175, cos.com); Walker & Wade Periwinkle Ikat Print Dress ($158, halsbrook.com); English Factory Classic Collar Shirtdress in Pink ($80, nordstrom.com)

COS; Halsbrook; Nordstrom

1. It keeps you cool.

When the temperature soars, there is no better or easier option than an unbelted shirtdress made of linen or cotton. Above-the-knee lengths allow air to circulate freely. Open up the collar and pair your shirtdress with flats, sandals or low heels.

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Left to right: Banana Republic Factory Trench-Back Shirtdress ($52, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com); J.McLaughlin Miranda Linen Shirtdress in Indigo ($150, jmclaughlin.com); Talbots Poplin Fit & Flare Dress in Clover Stripe ($105, talbots.com)

Banana Republic Factory; J.McLaughlin; Talbots

2. It’s work appropriate.

Now that many people are returning to the office or interacting with clients, they don’t want to give up the comfort they got used to when working remotely. A shirtdress is the perfect out-the-door-in-10 minutes solution. The collared neckline and button front convey competence, much in the way men’s dress shirts used to. For a business lunch, a meeting or an interview, add a square silk scarf tied at the neck, a shoulder bag and a stacked-heel shoe for extra polish.

Left to right: Ann Taylor Cap Sleeve Pocket Shirtdress in Jazzy Pink ($96, anntaylor.com); Lauren Ralph Lauren Tie Front Shirt Dress in Olive Fern ($185, bloomingdales.com); Asos Design Curve Smock Button-Through Gathered Detail Mini Shirt Dress in Black ($36, asos.com/us)

Ann Taylor; Bloomingdale's; ASOS

3. It can go from day to night.

Shirtdresses with a feminine flourish, such as full sleeves, a sash-tie waist or a color like hot pink, can be worn around the clock. For date night or dinner with friends, unbutton the neckline a bit and add a sexy lariat necklace or dangling earrings. Trade in your casual flats for strappy sandals or wedge heels, and replace your tote with a clutch or wristlet.

Left to right: Zara Striped Linen Blend Shirtdress ($70, zara.com/us); Boden Relaxed Cotton Shirt Dress in Rich Emerald and Ivory ($160, bodenusa.com); J.Crew Long Beach Shirt in Striped Linen-Cotton Blend in Faded Blue ($128, jcrew.com)

Zara; Boden; J.Crew

4. It packs well and can be worn many different ways.

When I escape for a long summer weekend, I always pack a shirtdress that I can toss over a swimsuit as a cover-up or wear to lunch, a museum or a farmers market. I can even blouse it over a belt and wear it as a tunic with slim jeans or capris. Stripes are a personal favorite.

5. It’s a good investment piece.

A classic shirtdress never goes out of style — and this is the perfect time of year to shop for one. Some from the spring and summer collections are on sale at a deep discount, and others are arriving for the transition to early fall. They are currently available in an array of colors, sizes, patterns and prices, so do yourself a favor and grab one while you can. Then check back with me in a couple of years when you’ve calculated the cost-per-wear ratio. I guarantee you, it will have been money well-spent.