If you are looking for a dress that is a timeless classic that never goes truly out of style then the shift dress is your answer. It is simple, yet at the same time elegant. Nobody can argue against the classic style of the shift dress as worn by former first lady Jaqueline Kennedy and Coco Chanel.
A shift dress hangs straight from the shoulders to a hemline usually between mid-thigh and knee. Shift dresses are perfect for rectangle body shapes, though a shift dress that flares from the hips looks good on inverted triangle body shapes. It is the dress made famous by Coco Chanel and Jackie O.
Now that you know the classy pedigree of the shift dress, let’s look closer at how it evolved and how to style it for yourself.
What Are The Significant Features Of A Shift Dress?
A shift dress is a dress that is quite straight in appearance starting from the shoulders all the way down to the hem. Shift dresses come in different lengths but tend to sit between the mid-thigh and knee areas. They are typically sleeveless and have a wide, high neckline called a boat neck. And they are super comfortable and loose so you’ll be able to move around freely.
In the past you’d find shift dresses in mostly plain colors, however, the dress has evolved over the years so you can now buy shift dresses featuring patterns and you can find ones with longer sleeves, different necklines, and flared skirts!
What Are The Origins Of The Shift Dress?
It all started in the 1920s when young women called “flappers” wore straight, loose, sleeveless dresses that were comfortable and looked great when they danced. These young women wanted to live life in a different way and they certainly didn’t want to feel restricted in their clothing!
Coco Chanel was a huge influence in fashion during this time as she offered liberating styles and beautiful, embellished dresses that were a hit with the flappers. But when the U.S. stock market crashed and the great depression began in 1929, women began to dress more conservatively and so, it was time to say goodbye to the flapper era and their dresses too!
The shift dress as we know it today was wildly popular in the 60s. This was because it represented a new attitude, youthfulness, and freedom. Shift dresses were everywhere – the First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, wore them, celebrities wore them and it was designers such as Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Mary Quant, and Lilly Pulitzer that played a role in making the shift dress fashionable at the time!
What Figure/Body Shape Is Best Suited To A Shift Dress?
Rectangle body shapes are best suited to the shift dress as it follows the natural lines of the body and sits well. Inverted triangle, hourglass, and apple body shapes can also look great in this dress but may want to go for a flared version to balance out the body. And this dress is particularly great for apples as it can hand the stomach area very well.
However, pear body shapes and those with larger busts and bottoms may struggle to get this dress to hang well and provide the silhouette that a shift dress is meant to give – but if you do wear one then choose your shift dress carefully!
Etiquette: When Can You Wear/Not Wear Your Shift Dress?
As there are many types of shift dresses available today, it really depends on where you are going. For work, a plain and tailored shift dress with sleeves looks great or you can pair a sleeveless dress with a cardigan or jacket.
Shift dresses can also be worn when out shopping/running errands, hitting the beach, or going on lunch dates with friends, for example. And there are even lace, cap sleeve shift dresses, and other designs that are perfectly suitable for a wedding. But you wouldn’t wear a short, floral shift dress to an important meeting at work and you wouldn’t wear a tailored, pinstriped shift dress to a barbeque or nightclub – basically, the dress needs to match the occasion!
What Shoes/Bag Works Best With A Shift Dress?
There is a long list of shoes that could go with the shift dress as it is so versatile but for work, court shoes are always a good choice. Chunky-heeled mules or sandals will look fab outside of work, as will heeled ankle boots and knee-highs during autumn/winter. And for those looking for options without a heel, flat sandals or ballet flats will work well.
When it comes to bags, a simple clutch or one with a chain strap suits most occasions. A structured tote bag is the go-to for work and when you want to be hands-free choose a crossbody bag for your essentials.
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