The Underrated Workwear Piece You Should Always Have on Hand

We talk a lot about hero pieces. You know the ones; they singlehandedly make any outfit a seriously good one and they never fail to make you feel at your best, even when you just happen to throw them on and go. For us, shirtdresses are the one-and-done answer to our 9-to-5 lives. We count on them constantly to make us look polished (even when we don't feel it) and professional (even when we'd rather be wearing jeans). They can be the simplest to style, whether with pumps or over pants for a more forward take. What about shirt dresses for winter? You'll find a few inventive layering tricks in here, too.

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(Image credit: @iambeauticurve)

With a bright handbag and a fun pair of mules, this look is proving the shirtdress can go much, much farther than the office.

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(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

As we mused before, the power of a shirtdress lies in its versatility. This look couldn't illustrate better the simplicity in wearing it by itself.

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(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

If you work in a more casual office setting or a creative role, this look is for you. The dress makes her denim duster feel polished and her white shoes freshen up the whole outfit.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Try layering your sweaterdresses over your shirt dresses this winter for some extra warmth.

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(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

The street style set is teaching us all sorts of lessons on making the dress the coolest thing in your closet. Hint: It involves bold accessories and the fashion-favorite dress-over-pants combo.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Simple never has to mean lackluster. When you have really solid classic pieces, a shirtdress achieves an elevated look.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

This winter, everyone seems to be layering their plain turtlenecks underneath more summery items, and we're actually so into the "nerdy" styling trick.

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(Image credit: Sandra Semburg)

In some instances, wearing a shirtdress over jeans really can be too casual. In this case, try opting for tailored trousers or fashion leggings with the work staple.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Or do wear them with jeans, but let your shoes and bag be the polished pieces that tie the look together.

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(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

Contemporary designers are re-thinking the traditional shirtdress, testing out wrap dress styles and deconstructed tailoring. Wear over crisp trousers for a forward look.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Ground a flowing shirtdress in the winter months with a puffer coat and your go-to denim.

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(Image credit: @girlwithcurves)

This look is all the proof we need that a simple pair of heels can finish off a shirtdress outfit.

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(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

Try this outfit next time you need to freshen up your warm-weather dresses: a dress over jeans with pretty slides.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Swap out your classic pumps for a sultry lace-up pair and voilà, you're ready for date night.

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.