Shirt dresses for women are frequently regarded to be a recent fashion phenomenon, with giant t-shirt dresses and the boyfriend shirt look emerging alongside them. However, shirt dresses have a far longer history than you may think; we explore some of the history and some of the variation available below.
The Origins of Women’s Shirt Dresses
The earliest shirt dresses, known as shirtwaist dresses (a development of what we now know as a blouse), can be found in the Victorian era, with modern ladies of the day yearning for less extravagant apparel and something more akin to their male counterparts. In practice, a dress that buttoned down the front rather than the back meant that no assistance was required to dress oneself, allowing for a more autonomous lifestyle. However, the shirt dress for women really came into its own during WWI, when women required practical garments that were quick to change into but still looked like ‘womenswear.’ Throughout the 1940s, the shirt dress was known as a home coat or house dress and was worn on a daily basis by women from all walks of life. The shirt dress evolved over the years, from a longer, more feminine skirt in the fifties to the distinctive shoulder pads and long sleeves of the seventies.
Shirt Dresses for Today’s Wardrobe
Shirt dresses have grown to include a wide spectrum of designs, from the giant t-shirt dress to the boyfriend shirt. Whether you want a feminine, flowing line in your clothing or prefer power dressing, there is a shirt dress for you out there. Some of our current alternatives are as follows:
Our white lace midi dress has all the movement of a shirt dress, but with a bias cut to flatter your figure. The lace design makes this great for both hot summer days and cocktails on the terrace.
White Lace Midi Dress
Our palm pattern smock blouse is ideal for channeling your inner hippy while staying comfortable when the weather heats up. With a button-down front and long sleeves, this shirt dress would look wonderful worn over skinny jeans or simply with a pair of strappy sandals for a paddle on a warm day, and the tropical print is right on trend for the season.
Large Shirt with Blue and Pink Stripes
Our blue and pink striped large shirt will definitely bring out your inner tomboy. Wear with jeans and chunky loafers to the office, or with strappy heels for a contrasting look. The contrasting pastel colours are a must-have for your wardrobe this season, and what better way to wear them than as a shirt dress?
If you’re looking for shirt dresses for women, there are a plethora of alternatives available; browse our collections of dresses, shirts, and oversized tops to get just the right look to make you feel comfortable but cool as you follow generations of women who have chosen a shirt dress.
Goddiva
Shirt dresses for ladies are the ideal day-to-night ensemble. They’re the best option for getting you from the office to the bar. These elegant designs are a must-have for any wardrobe and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Shop traditional blue or white midi dresses for a simple, classy style. Change things up with beautiful flower or polka dot designs. Oversized denim dresses and long shirt dresses are great for layering over jeans or leggings on idle days. With these fashion-forward styles, buttoning up does not have to be boring. Goddiva offers a wide variety of styles from top brands.
