The 16 Best Shirtdresses to Wear With Everything

Refresh your wardrobe with a single item.

The 16 Best Shirtdresses to Wear With Everything
(Image credit: Getty)

Welcome to The Essentials, our weekly series highlighting a must-have classic, key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.

While inspired by a classic menswear piece, the shirtdress is, in fact, very feminine and ladylike. It's also the perfect dress for those days when you don't know what to wear and don't want to put together a tricky outfit. The best shirtdresses will always make you look polished, whether they're crisp and white, printed, or brightly colored. They're fantastic for work, but quickly transform into beach attire when styled over a bathing suit as a cover-up. That's versatility! We love seeing how different people style this closet staple (and pay special attention when Meghan Markle steps out in one as well). So pick your favorite, and get busy enjoying the most effortless dress look around.

Laura Lajiness Kaupke
Freelance Fashion and Beauty Writer

Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, fine jewelry, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel. You can see her work across various outlets, including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Glamour, Town&Country, InStyle, Esquire, Women’s Health, Brides, Refinery 29, Coveteur, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Byrdie, WWD, Footwear News, Well+Good, The Editorialist, among other titles and brands. Laura has worked in the fashion industry for over 11 years and held senior fashion editor positions at Popsugar and The Zoe Report, with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.