Help me Fabbers - substitute for shirt dress?

Hey there, I was showing my sister my summer capsule wardrobe and she pointed out that my navy shirt-dress, well, looks like crap. It was an online buy I think last summer or the summer before, and when it arrived it wasn't quite right - the fabric a bit too stiff, the collar a bit too closed, the belt a bit too high on the waist ... but I kept it because I was replacing a loved-until-worn-out similar dress and was determined to make it work.

Well it didn't, and leave it to sisters to tell you the truth!

So - any thoughts as to a replacement? I have not seen any shirt-dresses that I have loved. I am trying not to buy too many cheap-and-cheerful pieces, but I did see a heathered navy maxi skirt at Joe Fresh that I thought might mix nicely in with my ink tops and tanks, per Angie's motg formula. It might be more versatile that a dress given its mix-and-matchability and my limited number of wardrobe pieces? Another option might be a striped knee-length skirt.

What do you think? Thanks

8 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Are you thinking denim? or some other fabric?
I got a dark denim one earlier this year from BR and I love it. I wouldn't say it could be replaced by a maxi skirt, as it's an outfit all by itself, quite different than a skirt. Which makes it both more and less versatile

PS, mine is MUCH longer than the pic!

Banana Republic

Chambray Shirtdress

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cjh

(website)

Not sure what your ideal of a shirt dress looks like, but here is one.

http://www.landsend.com/produc...../id_287347

Daria

Active Member

Here is what I have in my finds - all denim/chambray though; not sure it's what you are after..

Women's Chambray Shirt Dresses

Thistle

Would a wrap dress work? Or a long enough fit and flare?

Here is a shirt dress in dark navy http://www.talbots.com/online/.....alog20002))

Lenni A

It may have too much pattern for your purpose, but I recently bought this Boden blue striped shirt dress and I really like the fit and the fabric texture.

http://m.bodenusa.com/en-US/Wo.....HwodnqIAvg

Helena

Thanks everyone! Thistle, a wrap would work great too, if it had short sleeves

Firecracker (Sharan)

I think a shirtdress would be great to have, and more versatile than a maxi skirt, for the reason Elizabeth gives. Sometimes I find it a relief to just put on a dress and have an instant outfit in one piece.

Alassë

To me, a shirtdress and a maxi skirt are different outfit niches. That said, I could see you in a casual maxi like the one you posted.

Yes, I think I need to decide what the main purpose of this dress will be ... I think it's more for being a little smarter-looking since I have plenty of shorts and tee options for park and gardening days ... thanks all for checking my impulse! I'll keep my eyes open for a suitable shirt dress or similar ... I actually just spotted a cute wrap dress in a blue print that might do the trick. W

I *love* wrap dresses!

Thistle, this is the one that caught my eye - there is something shirt-dressish about it (still sort of crisp), but with the more flattering (for me) wrap shape. It's a little pricier than I would like for a summer dress but I might run to the Bay tomorrow and give it a go What do you think?

I don't see a link....

Oops, thanks Alasse, I suppose that would help!

http://www.thebay.com/webapp/w.....ral-stripe...

Anonymous

...that link doesn't work, TorontoGirl.

karymk

Well you can't go wrong at Joe Fresh for style and price. Do you order online or do you have one near you? I got my favorite dress last summer on sale at JF for 19.00 and I absolutely hope it lasts forever!