Ashirtdress is a style of women'sdress that borrows details from a man'sshirt. These can include acollar, abuttonfront, orcuffedsleeves. Often, these dresses are made up in crisp fabrics includingcotton orsilk, much like a men'sdress shirt would be. As they are typically cut without aseam at the waist, these dresses often have a looser fit, usually relying on abelt to define the waist. Button fronts and a forgiving fit make this a flattering look for mostbody types.
Shirtdresses were sometimes called "shirtwaist dresses" when they were fashionable during the 1950s. The 1950s version of the shirtdress was launched as part ofChristian Dior's post–World War II "New Look" couture designs, with a full skirt held up by wearing acrinoline.[1] They often featured a notched collar, and elbow-length sleeves with cuffs. More informal versions of the shirtdress, made of cotton, but retaining the full skirt and collar, became a staple part of many women's wardrobes during the 1950s, with designers such asAnne Fogarty becoming known for their versions of this style.[2] A 1957 issue ofLife magazine includes a photo of a typical cotton shirtdress selling for $25 in New York City.[3]
A variation of the original shirtdress is the "T-shirt dress". T-shirt dresses began being produced in the 1960s, and are simply an elongated version of aT-shirt.[4]
Media related toShirtdress at Wikimedia Commons
