Shirtdresses Don't Have to Be "Vanilla"—7 Ways to Make Them Spicier

It's officially dress season. While there's no shortage of types of dresses one can adopt into their warm-weather wardrobe, there's always one classic style that remains a pivotal part of fashion people's closets. Spoiler: It's the shirtdress. Admittedly, there are more exciting dress trends out there, but what makes the shirtdress so alluring season after season is its highly versatile nature—it comes in every length, cut, and color imaginable. Although this dress silhouette can seem, well, boring, the truth of the matter is that it all comes down to styling.

Knowing how to style a shirtdress can be the determining factor between making this style feel stale and serving a whole look. However, if you're unsure how to make this dress feel a bit more daring, you'll want to keep reading. Ahead, we've rounded up 10 shirtdress outfits that will show you how to make this tried-and-true staple feel more trend-forward. By including easy outfit formulas, styling tips, and shopping recommendations, we've shown that this "vanilla" staple can be spicy with some intentional styling.

Tip #1. Add Layers

What You'll Need: White Shirtdress + Waistcoat + Knee-High Riding Boots + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: If you want to make this staple feel a bit more signature to your own style, start by adding layers. Whether you add a waistcoat, moto jacket, or trench coat on top, the addition of a top layer will transform this dress in no time.

Tip #2. Layer a Shirtdress Over Jeans

What You'll Need: Striped Shirtdress + Straight-Leg Jeans + Strappy Sandals + Fringe Bag

Styling Notes: Why not get a bit more creative with your layering? Rather than adding outerwear on top of your shirtdress, consider styling it over a pair of jeans. It's the perfect way to reinvent the item. Plus it makes the piece more adaptable to colder temperatures.

Tip #3. Opt for a Matching Moment

What You'll Need: Striped Shirtdress + Matching Trousers + Slides + Earrings

Styling Notes: If you get overwhelmed when trying new styling combos, it's worth considering a matching set or getting matchy-matchy with it. Styling a long shirtdress over matching trousers is a safe way to give this staple a new life sans effort.

Tip #4. Layer a Minidress Over a Shirtdress

What You'll Need: Shirtdress + Strapless Minidress + Platform Mary Janes + Handbag

Styling Notes: Want to style this workwear staple for after-hours? Try adding a strapless black minidress over a shirtdress and platform heels. It's a day-to-night look that can be easily replicated for any occasion.

Tip #5. Play With Juxtapositions

What You'll Need: Frilly Shirtdress + Matching Shorts + Combat Boots + Handbag

Styling Notes: Another way to make this essential feel a bit edgier is to style it with unexpected items to create a visual juxtaposition. While there are a number of ways to do this, we personally love the idea of pairing this prim piece with shorts and combat boots.

Tip #6. Opt for Seasonal Accessories

What You'll Need: Linen Shirtdress + Collar Necklace + Strappy Sandals + Handbag

Styling Notes: One of the easiest ways to make this staple feel less "stale" is to style it with whatever accessories are trending that season. For example, in the springtime, you can pair it with sandals and jewelry, while in the fall, you can pair it with boots and outerwear. The most important thing is to choose accessories that tap into current trends to make this classic piece feel cooler.

Tip #7. Add a Belt

What You'll Need: Maxi Shirtdress + Belt + Raffia Clutch + Thong Sandals + Sunglasses

Styling Notes: Although it may seem like you have to over-accessorize in order to make this type of dress more appealing, that's far from the truth. When in doubt, all you need is a belt (yes, really). Styling a shirtdress with a statement belt is the simplest way to make this staple feel stylish again.

Tip #8. Opt for a Printed Shirtdress

What You'll Need: Printed Shirtdress + Wedges + Handbag + Hoops + Sunglasses

Styling Notes: Beyond layering and accessorizing, there's another foolproof way to make a shirtdress stand out: Opt for prints. Whether you invest in a classic striped button-down dress or an iteration of the season's biggest print trends, prints are the perfect way to make this piece pop.

Tip #9. Go for Color

What You'll Need: Colorful Shirtdress + Hoop Earrings + Socks + Mary Janes + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: Not into prints? The next best way to make this basic a bit bolder is by opting for a version in a bright color. No matter what color you go for, wearing shirtdresses in a non-neutral shade is sure to change the way you feel about this staple.

Tip #10. Go Monochrome

What You'll Need: Shirtdress + Matching Oversize Blazer + Matching Socks + Matching Sandals + Layered Jewelry

Styling Notes: Lastly, the final way you can make your shirtdress stand out a bit more is by embracing the simplicity of this staple. By styling this dress with matching monochrome items, such as an oversize blazer, socks, and sandals, you'll see why this item has staying power.