What Is a Shift Dress?
14 Nov 2023
Today we'll talk about the shift dress . Don't be frightened by the obscure name. "Shift" in English means "shift, move". And it reflects the essence as best as possible because, with these simple dresses, you can make a great variety of images. The dress itself comes from the 1960s. This model does not lose its relevance due to the brevity of the silhouette. Shift dress is a classic style of women's dresses, which is characterized by a simple cut without a waist and tight elements. This style became popular in the 1960s and is still relevant. The shift dress is often associated with minimalism and elegance, making it a popular choice for various events and everyday closets. The secret to its success is simple: the dress can be both stylish, elegant, and comfortable at the same time.
It is a full-cropped sundress, from the dress-fuller differs in freedom, width, and greater comfort. With the help of such a dress, you will be able to create a fresh and stylish image, hide fullness, and emphasize femininity. Universal dress – what can be better? Shift dress came into the fashion industry in the sixties of the last century and remains relevant until now. In modern conditions, it is very necessary to look dressy at work and modest at a party. Strict and laconic, but at the same time beautiful – such requirements meet the model shift. Shift dress is one of the most universal and popular models in the fashion world. Shift dress has a simple and elegant cut, which makes it an ideal option for any occasion, whether it is a business meeting, party, or wedding.
It is a full-cropped sundress, from the dress-fuller differs in freedom, width, and greater comfort. With the help of such a dress, you will be able to create a fresh and stylish image, hide fullness, and emphasize femininity. Universal dress – what can be better? Shift dress came into the fashion industry in the sixties of the last century and remains relevant until now. In modern conditions, it is very necessary to look dressy at work and modest at a party. Strict and laconic, but at the same time beautiful – such requirements meet the model shift. Shift dress is one of the most universal and popular models in the fashion world. Shift dress has a simple and elegant cut, which makes it an ideal option for any occasion, whether it is a business meeting, party, or wedding.
Characteristics
-Loose fit. Shift dress has a straight, almost rectangular shape, which allows you to create a loose and comfortable silhouette. It does not restrain movements and is suitable for any figure.
-Versatility. A shift dress is suitable for different events and seasons. It can be worn both in the office and at an evening event. In addition, it combines well with different accessories and shoes.
-Elegance and femininity. Shift dress gives the image of charm and romanticism, while not losing the strictness and classic style. It emphasizes femininity and yet remains quite restrained.
-Variability of styles. Shift dresses can be worn both independently and in combination with other closet items. For example, it can be complemented with a jacket or blazer for a business look, as well as boots and accessories to create an evening or casual style.
-Convenience and easy care. Shift dress does not require special care and ironing. It looks neat even without much effort.
-Trend relevance. Shift dress is a classic and eternal trend that is always relevant. Due to its unassuming and versatility, it does not go out of fashion and can serve as a basic closet item for a long time.
All this combination of features makes the shift dress a great choice for creating a stylish and elegant look at any event or in everyday life.
-Versatility. A shift dress is suitable for different events and seasons. It can be worn both in the office and at an evening event. In addition, it combines well with different accessories and shoes.
-Elegance and femininity. Shift dress gives the image of charm and romanticism, while not losing the strictness and classic style. It emphasizes femininity and yet remains quite restrained.
-Variability of styles. Shift dresses can be worn both independently and in combination with other closet items. For example, it can be complemented with a jacket or blazer for a business look, as well as boots and accessories to create an evening or casual style.
-Convenience and easy care. Shift dress does not require special care and ironing. It looks neat even without much effort.
-Trend relevance. Shift dress is a classic and eternal trend that is always relevant. Due to its unassuming and versatility, it does not go out of fashion and can serve as a basic closet item for a long time.
All this combination of features makes the shift dress a great choice for creating a stylish and elegant look at any event or in everyday life.
A Brief History of the Shift Dress
Shift dresses have accompanied women since antiquity: on the paintings of Ancient Egypt, Babylonian frescoes, and ancient Greek vases there are images of such clothes. Strictly speaking, they were not cut, but specially draped and fixed pieces of fabric, forming a straight silhouette garment. In the modern sense of the dress, the straight cut came into fashion a little less than a hundred years ago. It emphasized contrast with the adopted until the 1920s women's attire, which was based on a corset and puffy petticoats. The new dress was defiantly simple: a narrow trim edge, a fitted waist, and fabric that slid freely over the skin. The new style for several decades became a hallmark of feminist ideas and the struggle for women's rights.
By the middle of the "Roaring Twenties," shift dresses gained widespread popularity. They corresponded to the spirit of the emerging new era: swing and jazz, automobiles, and cinematography. The shift dress surprisingly combined the need for a new glamorous image and ideas about women's independence and equality, because it was luxurious and comfortable at the same time. At this time there were significant changes in the fashion world, associated with the liberation of women from corsets and the consolidation of the new role of women in society. The shift dress became a symbol of these changes and the embodiment of the new freedom and style. The fascination with straight silhouettes continued until the onset of the Great Depression followed by World War II. The image of the modest and gentle keeper of the hearth, devoted mother and wife did not allow frivolous independence, and in women's attire returned narrow waists and lush flared skirts. The 1960s restored the shift dress to its rights, with the silhouette influenced by the "bags" of the late 1950s becoming looser.
Originally, the shift dress was simple and strict, without unnecessary details and decorations. The main difference of this style was its loose and free from any imposed fullness of the silhouette. Thanks to its free form, the shift dress allowed a woman to move comfortably and without restrictions. During this period, shift dresses were decorated with various details such as voluminous sleeves, embroideries, and buttons. These new elements made shift dresses more stylish. Since then, the shift dress has become a classic and all-encompassing style that combines comfort and elegance. It has maintained its popularity due to its versatility and ability to emphasize a woman's natural beauty, regardless of her figure or age.
By the middle of the "Roaring Twenties," shift dresses gained widespread popularity. They corresponded to the spirit of the emerging new era: swing and jazz, automobiles, and cinematography. The shift dress surprisingly combined the need for a new glamorous image and ideas about women's independence and equality, because it was luxurious and comfortable at the same time. At this time there were significant changes in the fashion world, associated with the liberation of women from corsets and the consolidation of the new role of women in society. The shift dress became a symbol of these changes and the embodiment of the new freedom and style. The fascination with straight silhouettes continued until the onset of the Great Depression followed by World War II. The image of the modest and gentle keeper of the hearth, devoted mother and wife did not allow frivolous independence, and in women's attire returned narrow waists and lush flared skirts. The 1960s restored the shift dress to its rights, with the silhouette influenced by the "bags" of the late 1950s becoming looser.
Originally, the shift dress was simple and strict, without unnecessary details and decorations. The main difference of this style was its loose and free from any imposed fullness of the silhouette. Thanks to its free form, the shift dress allowed a woman to move comfortably and without restrictions. During this period, shift dresses were decorated with various details such as voluminous sleeves, embroideries, and buttons. These new elements made shift dresses more stylish. Since then, the shift dress has become a classic and all-encompassing style that combines comfort and elegance. It has maintained its popularity due to its versatility and ability to emphasize a woman's natural beauty, regardless of her figure or age.
What Is the Difference Between a Shift Dress and a Sheath Dress?
The shift dress is a fun style that has a more relaxed but structured feel. The dress hangs off the shoulders, and instead of coming in and tightening at the waist, it widens slightly towards the bottom. This style is not tight and snug, as it tends to offer more room and space at the hips. Although the silhouette of a trapeze dress can be embodied in many styles and lengths, it is usually a midi length with short sleeves like a flare dress. Sheath dresses are usually midi length or just above the knee but have a more fitted silhouette. While a sheath dress may not hug your curves tightly, it will emphasize your curves and accentuate your figure. The silhouette is usually straight, slightly tapered at the waist. There are many different styles of sheath dresses, but most commonly you will find styles with short and long sleeves.
Shift dresses and sheath dresses look very similar next to each other, but if you scrutinize the small details of each piece of clothing, you will see that they are quite different. One of the biggest differences between these styles is how they fit and lay on the body. While sheath dresses tend to be more figure-hugging throughout the piece, shift dresses are looser and don't hug your curves. Sheath dresses can get a little roomier towards the bottom, causing someone to easily mistake it for a loose dress, but a shift dress will always fit and taper at the waist, forcing the piece of clothing to fit snugly around your curves and emphasize.
Shift dresses and sheath dresses look very similar next to each other, but if you scrutinize the small details of each piece of clothing, you will see that they are quite different. One of the biggest differences between these styles is how they fit and lay on the body. While sheath dresses tend to be more figure-hugging throughout the piece, shift dresses are looser and don't hug your curves. Sheath dresses can get a little roomier towards the bottom, causing someone to easily mistake it for a loose dress, but a shift dress will always fit and taper at the waist, forcing the piece of clothing to fit snugly around your curves and emphasize.
How to Wear a Shift Dress?
In the warm season, there is no need to combine shift dresses with outerwear , but the onset of cold weather makes you think about how to achieve the unity of the image without losing the content. In the period of evening summer cold weather, it is enough to form a voluminous drapery of a shawl or stoles on the shoulders. You can also use a narrow-knitted poncho, repeating the basic idea of straight lines. With the onset of cold weather, it is better to look for a long overcoat oversize, hides the nuances of shapes. Tight belts in any case will be superfluous in the clothes because they will deform the dress on the waistline.
Thanks to the simple shape, dresses are perfectly combined with many things from a woman's closet. In cooler weather, put on a dense jacket, a light raincoat, or a knitted cardigan. To make the dress look dressy, you can add a light shawl, tied with an openwork pattern, or a silk stole. The main criterion for selecting shoes is convenience. Depending on the situation it can be ballet flats on a low walk, open sandals, model shoes, or soft boots with a low shank.
The choice of accessories should be based on the style features of the set. Shift dress styles belong to the category of classic clothing. They fit perfectly into the framework of business, office, and elegant image. A good addition to it is a handbag on a long strap, a miniature suitcase or a graceful clutch. Long earrings, pearl beads, and thin bracelets fill the ensemble with femininity and elegance.
A traditional black shift dress is perfect for going out every day. To make it not seem too gloomy, make a variety of necklines, change the shape of the sleeve, add a basque, and so on. Adding a little eye-catching jewelry (a string of pearls, intricate earrings, original belt, elegant clutch), it is easy to turn a small dark dress into a festive outfit.
A black shift dress serves as an excellent basis for creating a rock set. It can be a model of jersey, elastic, or cotton, necessarily short length. A stylish look is complemented by a leather jacket and lace-up boots. By choosing a floor-length dress for this entourage, we get a gothic image. Adding heeled boots and steel jewelry, we will see the image in the spirit of glam-rock. The work set is perfectly obtained from a shift dress with a length up to the middle of the knee. Colors are better to choose restrained and strict: gray, blue, brown, beige, dark green. Look business or office style requires, in addition, a short dense jacket, boat shoes on a comfortable heel, and a small bag-briefcase.
Every woman, looking into the closet, will find a shift dress. With what to wear, how to harmoniously combine and yet feel like a target for admiring glances - now this question is exhausted. An outfit with a straight silhouette should be mandatory in the closet of any woman.
Thanks to the simple shape, dresses are perfectly combined with many things from a woman's closet. In cooler weather, put on a dense jacket, a light raincoat, or a knitted cardigan. To make the dress look dressy, you can add a light shawl, tied with an openwork pattern, or a silk stole. The main criterion for selecting shoes is convenience. Depending on the situation it can be ballet flats on a low walk, open sandals, model shoes, or soft boots with a low shank.
The choice of accessories should be based on the style features of the set. Shift dress styles belong to the category of classic clothing. They fit perfectly into the framework of business, office, and elegant image. A good addition to it is a handbag on a long strap, a miniature suitcase or a graceful clutch. Long earrings, pearl beads, and thin bracelets fill the ensemble with femininity and elegance.
A traditional black shift dress is perfect for going out every day. To make it not seem too gloomy, make a variety of necklines, change the shape of the sleeve, add a basque, and so on. Adding a little eye-catching jewelry (a string of pearls, intricate earrings, original belt, elegant clutch), it is easy to turn a small dark dress into a festive outfit.
A black shift dress serves as an excellent basis for creating a rock set. It can be a model of jersey, elastic, or cotton, necessarily short length. A stylish look is complemented by a leather jacket and lace-up boots. By choosing a floor-length dress for this entourage, we get a gothic image. Adding heeled boots and steel jewelry, we will see the image in the spirit of glam-rock. The work set is perfectly obtained from a shift dress with a length up to the middle of the knee. Colors are better to choose restrained and strict: gray, blue, brown, beige, dark green. Look business or office style requires, in addition, a short dense jacket, boat shoes on a comfortable heel, and a small bag-briefcase.
Every woman, looking into the closet, will find a shift dress. With what to wear, how to harmoniously combine and yet feel like a target for admiring glances - now this question is exhausted. An outfit with a straight silhouette should be mandatory in the closet of any woman.
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