It’s safe to say we’ve cycled through just about every dress in our summer wardrobe rotation at this point in July, but one dress we’ve shamefully been sleeping on is the humble shirt dress.
A shirt dress may just be one of the hardest-working dresses in your collection. With a crisp collar and button-down front borrowed from traditional tailoring, it reads “smart” for workwear and professional occasions, yet effortlessly steps into summer settings from park picnics to holiday getaways. Opt for a swishy A-line midi skirt complete with a waist-cinching belt if you want a figure-flattering look, or try a more relaxed mini for something a bit cooler and more fashion-forward.
As many styles are quite minimal in design, they provide the perfect blank canvas for accessorising. Add or switch out the existing belt for a satin scarf, throw on a chunky beaded necklace or long rope pendant – the options are endless. A pair of woven ballet flats or sandals on your feet, and you’re good to go.
And you don’t need to break the bank to get in on the look. The high street is full of on-trend shirt dresses that look far more expensive than their affordable price tags suggest. Below, find our round-up of the best shirt dresses to shop on the high street right now.
10 best shirt dresses to shop on the high street
M&S Pure Cotton Pintuck Midi Shirt Dress
Marks & Spencer
£30.00
Marks & Spencer
This M&S design is as classic as they come. Pintuck detailing at the bust and waist brings a touch of elegant texture, alongside the rich chocolate hue elevating this design, but its real selling point is the fact it’s got pockets! We need say no more.
Boden Ruffle Bodice Shirt Dress
Boden
£189.00
Boden
Broderie anglaise is a summer staple, but this pretty Boden number takes it a step further with eye-catching drama in the form of layered shoulder ruffles. The result is something quite magical, almost whimsical. Brown leather sandals are all you need to finish this look perfectly.
ASOS DESIGN Shirt Mini Dress with Puff Sleeve and Tie Detail
ASOS
£40.00
ASOS
What this ASOS mini lacks in hem length, it more than makes up for in the most voluminous puff-sleeve shoulders. The gathered detailing and rope belt tick off two more trends and serve to make this design look way more expensive than its £40 price tag.
Cos Cotton-Poplin Short-Sleeved Shirt Dress
Cos
£85.00
Cos
This Cos structured shirt dress provides instant polish. Understated yet refined, you could also style it by unrolling the sleeves and knotting a satin scarf around your waist by way of a belt.
& Other Stories Wrap Shirt Mini Dress
& Other Stories
£97.00
& Other Stories
& Other Stories is here to prove you can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks with this fresh take on the shirt dress that features an asymmetric, wrap silhouette for added interest.
Arket Cotton Shirt Dress
Arket
£67.90
Arket
Consider this Arket design the perfect holiday beach dress. Loose and flowy, it’s ideal for throwing on over still soggy bikinis and can also be dressed up with the simple addition of a belt, statement earrings and kitten heels for sunset dinners.
Next Yellow/Blue Stripe Short Sleeve Tie Waist Shirt Dress
Next
£46.00
Next
This 100% cotton Next number is exactly what we mean when we say ‘easy-to-wear.’ It’s fun and flirty with a pretty yellow and blue striped design and flippy hem. The tie waist allows you to cinch the silhouette, making it an effortless choice for breezy summer days.
Jigsaw Linen Midi Shirt Dress
Jigsaw
£165.00
Jigsaw
In case you’ve missed it, green is a huge colour to know – and wear – this season. This Jigsaw shirt dress perfectly nails the trend with its vibrant, lawn green hue. Plus, the breathable linen fabric will keep you feeling fresh on even the hottest summer days.
Reiss Morgan Cotton Cheesecloth Belted Shirt Dress
Reiss
£130.00
Reiss
Speaking of fabric, cheesecloth dresses are another summer saviour. As well as being lightweight, they have a natural, relaxed and crinkled texture, making them the perfect throw-on-and-go design at home, or to pull out of your holiday suitcase. The low-maintenance of this sleeveless Reiss design in a soft shade of ivory doesn’t stop it looking chic AF too.
New Look Blue Crinkle Texture Striped Long Sleeve Midi Shirt Dress
New Look
£33.99
New Look
Colourful stripes have been decorating everything this summer, from wide-leg trousers to tote bags. Now, they’ve taken to adorning shirt dresses, and we’re not mad about it! Especially after seeing this stripy blue and brown New Look number.