The Underrated Workwear Piece You Should Always Have on Hand

by Anna LaPlaca

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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@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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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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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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Collage Vintage

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

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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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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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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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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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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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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.