How to Style a Black Shirt Dress?

Even if you own a shirt dress, you may not wear it frequently because it always carries a sense of seriousness and formality, making it too restrained and rigid for informal occasions. Not to mention that if the shirt dress is black, it will make it look particularly serious.

But actually, in many cases, our inherent knowledge about clothe matching has limited us. If we can break out of this mindset, choose black shirt dresses of more diverse styles and decorate them with right accessories, even this kind of serious-looking clothes can create a very fashionable effect. If you are interested in the black shirt dress outfit ideas, keep reading!

What Occasions Are Suitable for Wearing a Black Shirt Dress?

A black shirt dress is not just for formal occasions. It can even be said suitable for almost every occasion. But black shirt dresses with different styles are suitable for different occasions.

A simple slim or straight-cut black shirt dress is best suited for the workplace or business meetings. The lapels and mid-length will make it look even more formal, but to avoid looking too rigid, you can add a belt. In addition, you can also match it with a suit jacket in the similar color or dark color to add a sense of layering to the look.

The denim shirt dress is an all-time classic and a great solution for party, dates and even picnic. Such a black denim shirt dress can be paired with casual shoes, such as white shoes, loafers or flat sandals, to express a simple and comfortable style. You can add some accessories according to your personal preferences, such as baseball caps, cross body bags, etc., to create a different atmosphere.

Don't think that a black shirt dress should be insulated from dinner parties! If you are attending a dinner party, you can choose a black shirt dress made of silk, lace or other fabrics with good texture. These materials are more shiny and can show an elegant and charming temperament. In addition, you don't have to strictly button up every button of the shirt dress to attend a dinner party as if you are going to attend a meeting.

A black shirt dress is also suitable for some stylish relaxing activities such as the visitation to a museum, because it can create a literary and understated atmosphere. Similarly, a black shirt dress is also a great choice for coffee shops, libraries, and other similar occasions.

Some black shirt dresses with more gorgeous styles are even suitable for some very grand occasions such as wedding ceremonies or graduation ceremonies. As a guest to a wedding ceremony, you can choose a simple and elegant black shirt dress to avoid being too fancy or exaggerated. Pair it with some soft-toned accessories, such as a light pink scarf or a beige bag, and you will look decent at the same time of fitting in with the atmosphere of the wedding.

How to Choose a Black Shirt Dress?

⚫Most attention needs to be paid to the fabric of the black shirt dress. Cotton and linen are both very commonly seen and cost-effective materials. But if you want to fully show your uniqueness or create a cooler style, you can also choose a leather black shirt dress.

⚫Do not ignore the style of the black shirt dress. A straight midi black shirt dress without any embellishments will certainly look very serious, as it combines the characteristics of almost all serious clothing. So if you want to avoid this overly serious feeling, try not to stack these elements together when making choices. For example, you can choose an oversized black shirt dress and match it with a pair of sunglasses, which will make your overall look full of cyberpunk feeling.

⚫The length of the black shirt dresses is also worth noting. Generally speaking, the most suitable dress length for formal occasions is a midi one that reaches the calf. Taller ladies can also try ankle-length or even floor-length maxi dresses to show an elegant temperament. For casual occasions, a black mini shirt dress is also acceptable. Compared with a long dress, a short dress can show more vitality and is more friendly to petite ladies.

⚫Pay attention to the details of the black shirt dress. Even the most rigid black shirt dress can be lighten up with a few nifty details such as lace and ruffles. In addition, pick the type of sleeves that suits you best and that you like. Puff sleeves and lantern sleeves are more stylish and can add a sense of sweetness or retro, but they may not be suitable for people with thicker arms. So you also need to have a more accurate understanding of your own figure shape.

What Accessories to Wear with a Black Shirt Dress?

When choosing jewelry that match with a shirt dress, firstly consider the style of the shirt dress. If the shirt dress is in the classic or business style, you need to choose more conservative and elegant jewelry, such as thin necklaces with pendants, classic earrings or rings with precious stones. The color of the shirt dress should also be taken into consideration in theory. But since the shirt dresses we discuss today are in black , a neutral color, then you can choose jewelry of any color. Then, consider about the features of the decoration of the shirt dress. If the dress has embroidery, beads or buttons, it is better to choose jewelry that will complement these elements.

In the end do not forget your preferences. The choice of jewelry depends on your own style and preferences. You can choose ones that you particularly love and that you feel are appropriate for your overall look. Among the popular jewelry options with a shirt dress, thin necklaces with or without pendants, pendant earrings, inlaid rings, bracelets or watches are the most versatile ones that rarely go wrong. It is important to remember that the choice of jewelry should be harmonious and not overload the image.

If it is a cold season, then the black shirt dress should be worn with boots and thick coats or at least insulated sneakers. If the boots are high, then the shirt dress should be chosen above the knee. In spring and summer you can choose light sneakers, sandals, a pair of high heels or flat shoes. The length can be absolutely different. The combination of a pair of high heels and a mini length shirt dress visually lengthen legs, and sneakers will make the look more practical and comfortable.

If you choose a straight black shirt dress without a waist-hugging design, a belt is very important for you to show your figure. A thin black belt can emphasize the waistline and make the overall look more neat. You can also choose a colorful thin belt, such as red, brown, etc., to add highlights to the outfit.

There are many different hats that can be paired with a black shirt dress, but their combination will produce different styles and effects. For example, the combination of a beret and a black shirt dress can create a retro and romantic style, while a baseball cap as a representative item of casual sporty style can show youthful vitality.

For formal occasions, a black tote bag can be paired with a black shirt dress to create a unified overall style and look both neat and capable. For daily travel, you can choose a colorful cross body bag to add some bright colors to the overall look.

Best Black Shirt Dress Outfit Ideas for Different Seasons

In different seasons, we can create outfits of different styles by pairing a black shirt dress with other different items.

⚫In spring. For ladies in low latitude areas, a black shirt dress may be warm enough during the day. But at night, or for ladies in high latitude areas, a coat is still necessary. For a capable outfit, a trench coat is a good choice, while for an elegant look, you can wear a cardigan instead of the trench coat.

⚫In summer. Choose a light black shirt dress made of chiffon or linen for breathable and comfortable wear. A pair of sandals and a wide-brim hat is necessary to complete the outfit. This look is perfect for summer parties and picnics.

⚫In autumn. The combination of a gray or khaki blazer and a black shirt dress is a great way to create a fashionable office look in autumn. For a casual outfit, you can also wear a sweater over the shirt dress. When the temperature drops further, you can wear a pair of long boots to keep your legs and feet warm while modifying your leg lines.

⚫In winter. In the cold winter, a thick coat is a must-have item to keep warm. If the weather is very cold, a down jacket is a better choice. But since your shirt dress is already black, you can definitely choose a brightly colored coat or match it with some bright scarves and hats.