From Day to Night: How to Style the Perfect Summer Shirtdress

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A type of dress that resembles a shirt, typically with a collar, button-front closure, and sleeves, the shirtdress is the perfect summer dress.

It is usually made of lightweight fabric and can instantly transition from a daytime frock to a nighttime garb. Depending on how you style it, it can pull off a casual and professional look, making it a versatile, must-have piece in your wardrobe.

If you are looking for ways to style a shirtdress, make sure you check out these celebrities who made sure they look on-point in it:

1. Ali Larter’s All-White Shirtdress: A Fresh and Pristine Summer Look

Ali Larter looks effortlessly chic in a white shirtdress paired with slides and a black-and-white handbag while shopping in CaliforniaAli Larter looks effortlessly chic in a white shirtdress paired with slides and a black-and-white handbag while shopping in California on June 5, 2015 (Credit: WENN / Michael Wright / TNYF / Lexi Jones)

A white shirtdress will not fail you this summer. It looks and feels light and gives you a fresh appeal. Try what Ali Larter did and wear it with slides for a casual-modern panache.

2. Willow Shields’ Vintage-Inspired Shirtdress Style

Willow Shields embraces a vintage-inspired look with a blue shirtdress featuring black details, paired with Mary Jane shoes while heading to rehearsal for 'Dancing with the Stars' in CaliforniaWillow Shields embraces a vintage-inspired look with a blue shirtdress featuring black details, paired with Mary Jane shoes while heading to rehearsal for ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in California on March 27, 2015 (Credit: WENN / Michael Wright / TNYF / Lexi Jones)

The 15-year-old wore a lovely blue shirtdress with black details on the chest. She wore a pair of Mary Jane shoes that amped up the vintage flair of her shirtdress.

3. Emmy Rossum’s Chic Look: Sleeveless Printed Shirtdress and Pumps

Emmy Rossum donned a sleeveless Aqua gingham shirt dress paired with Paul Andrew 'Petra' raffia pumps and a stylish Betty Dumoulin 'Car' bagEmmy Rossum donned a sleeveless Aqua gingham shirt dress paired with Paul Andrew ‘Petra’ raffia pumps and a stylish Betty Dumoulin ‘Car’ bag on Melrose Place in California on May 27, 2015 (Credit: WENN / Michael Wright / TNYF / Lexi Jones)

We have yet to see the 28-year-old look frumpy when out and about in California. The Shameless star looks stellar in this sleeveless shirtdress and chic pumps styled with a quirky vehicle handbag from her childhood.

4. Stella McCartney’s Casual Elegance in a Denim Shirtdress

Stella McCartney rocks a casual yet stylish look in a denim shirtdress paired with white loafers while out in New York CityStella McCartney rocks a casual yet stylish look in a denim shirtdress paired with white loafers while out in New York City on June 8, 2015 (Credit: WENN / Michael Wright / TNYF / Lexi Jones)

The British fashion designer teamed it up with a pair of loafers. This couldn’t get any easier, could it?

5. Alice Eve’s Fit-and-Flare Lace Shirtdress: Monochrome Perfection

The popular actress took the monochrome meter up a notch by wearing it with a pair of white pumps.

Alice Eve looks lovely in a fit-and-flare white lace shirtdress paired with white pumps at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition VIP preview in LondonAlice Eve looks lovely in a fit-and-flare white lace shirtdress paired with white pumps at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition VIP preview in London on June 4, 2015 (Credit: WENN / Michael Wright / TNYF / Lexi Jones)

These outfits are the perfect inspiration for wearing shirtdresses more often, especially during summer. Versatile and stylish, shirtdresses offer a chic and comfortable option for any occasion.

In April 2024, Zendaya showcased her signature flair with a modern twist on the classic shirtdress at the Challengers Paris photocall. Styled by Law Roach, she wore a green-and-white checkered Louis Vuitton mini shirtdress, pairing it with white pumps and a 1960s-inspired headband, embodying retro charm with a chic, contemporary edge.

Previously, in November 2016, Zendaya attended the Glamour Women of the Year Awards in a Reem Acra shirtdress featuring floral-embellished organza sleeves, blending elegance with whimsical detailing. Each of these looks reflects her versatility in redefining the shirtdress style, from playful mod-inspired looks to sophisticated evening wear.