Mix And Match Magic: Pairing Shirt Under Dress For Every Season

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, the trend of wearing a shirt under dress has emerged as a stylish and versatile way to add flair to any outfit. This unique combination allows for endless creativity, enabling fashion enthusiasts to blend casual with chic, and simplicity with sophistication. Whether it’s a crisp white button-down under a summer slip dress or a cozy turtleneck beneath a classic pinafore, the ‘shirt under dress’ style offers a playful yet polished look suitable for various occasions.

In this guide, we will explore the art of perfectly pairing shirt under dress, providing tips and inspiration to transform your wardrobe with this trendsetting approach.

Shirt Under Dress: An Ultimate Guide

Pair a striped shirt with a plain black slip-dress

Embracing the shirt-under-dress trend can be as simple yet striking as pairing a striped shirt with a plain black slip dress. The key to this look is in the choice of fabric for the dress. Opt for a slip dress with a thinner, more fluid fabric to enhance the overall appearance. 

The addition of a striped shirt underneath is not just a functional layer but a style statement. Stripes add a dynamic contrast and texture, elevating the outfit from basic to captivating. This combination brings a balance of sophistication and playfulness, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.

Turn your slip dress into a casual daytime outfit

Transforming a slip dress into a casual daytime ensemble is easier than you might think. The secret lies in layering a shirt underneath. This simple addition can take a slip dress, often seen as a piece for evening wear, into the realm of daytime chic. 

The cut of the dress, no matter how alluring, becomes surprisingly versatile with this approach. To complete the look, pair it with high-ankle boots, adding an edgy twist perfect for a day out. This style tip opens up new possibilities for your favorite slip dress, making it a staple for both night and day.

Aim for Preppy

For a look that’s more on the preppy side (while still maintaining a stylish edge), consider stepping away from the typical plain-colored shirt. Instead, opt for a chambray shirt. When paired with a black dress, this combination exudes a quintessential preppy vibe, elevating you to the status of a preppy fashion queen. 

To transition the outfit from casual to work-ready, accessorize with a few statement jewelry pieces. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also brings an extra layer of sophistication to your ensemble, perfectly blending preppy and professional.

Swap Your Shirt for a Long Sleeve Button-Down During Winter

Winter fashion doesn’t mean sacrificing style for warmth. Instead of reaching for a short-sleeve dress, choose a long-sleeve button-down shirt as your base layer. This swap ensures you stay warm and cozy throughout the colder months. 

To brighten up those dreary winter days, don a brightly colored or printed dress over your long-sleeve shirt. This adds a cheerful pop of color to your outfit and breaks the monotony of typical winter attire, all while keeping you comfortably stylish.

Wear a Shirt Under Your Boho Dress

Boho dresses, known for their long, flowy silhouettes, are perfect for beach outings but might seem a bit out of place in the more structured urban environment. 

To add a touch of city chic to your boho dress, layer a shirt underneath it. This simple addition injects structure and a new dimension into the outfit, making it more suitable for city wear. It’s a smart way to adapt the free-spirited boho style to fit more structured, urban fashion sensibilities.

Shirt Under Dress: The Top Outfits Of The Day For You

Sandy Liang

The Sandy Liang collection brought a fresh perspective on layering with an off-the-shoulder dress over a sheer printed top. This unexpected pairing is a delightful blend of sweet and sexy, thanks to the dress’s cutout design. 

The ensemble showcases a perfect balance between revealing and concealing, offering a unique and trendy look. It’s interesting to note that Dean DiCriscio, known for styling Bella Hadid, played a role in styling these designs. This innovative combination is a testament to the endless possibilities in fashion styling.

Anna Sui

Anna Sui’s recent collection revisited the early aughts with a strapless fit-and-flare dress layered over a graphic shirt. This look not only evokes nostalgia for prom nights past but also embraces the ongoing resurgence of Y2K trends. 

The addition of the shirt under the dress gives it a more laid-back, casual feel, proving that even the most intricate pieces can be adapted for everyday wear.

Kenneth Ize

Kenneth Ize’s approach to styling metallics breaks conventional fashion rules. Instead of the usual subtle hints of metallic, this collection embraces a full-on shiny and sparkly aesthetic. This bold combination is perfect for the holidays, despite being part of the spring ’22 collection. 

It challenges the typical fashion norms about metallics, suggesting a more-is-more approach for those daring to stand out.

Start Small and Simple

A look spotted during Milan Fashion Week made a compelling case for the simple yet classic combination of a plain white tee under a black dress. 

This style is perfect for transitioning into colder weather, especially when complemented with chunky boots. It’s an effortlessly chic look that proves sometimes the simplest outfits can be the most striking.

Color Coordinate

Embrace a fall-inspired color palette by pairing denim with shades of brown. To keep the look modern and fresh, incorporate trendy elements like cowboy boots. This approach to color coordination and style blending ensures your outfit is both seasonally appropriate and fashion-forward.

Break Out the Classics

In 2021, fashion trends saw the white button-down shirt being reinvented as a substitute for a jacket. However, its potential as an underlayer should not be underestimated. 

When paired under a loud print dress, the solid, neutral color of a white button-down can provide a perfect backdrop, allowing the print to truly stand out.

Make Some Smart Swaps

As winter approaches and temperatures drop, it’s wise to adapt your layering strategy. Instead of mesh tops or T-shirts, consider layering a thin sweater or turtleneck under sleeveless dresses. This not only adds a stylish layer to your outfit but also provides essential warmth for the colder months.

Shirt Under Dress: Don’t And Do Tips

Wearing a shirt under a dress can be a stylish and versatile way to create different looks, but it’s important to do it right to achieve a cohesive and fashionable outfit. Here are some “Don’ts” and “Do’s” for wearing a shirt under a dress:

Don’ts

Avoid Bulky Fabrics: Don’t choose shirts made from bulky or thick fabrics as they can add unwanted bulk under the dress and create a lumpy silhouette.
Mismatched Styles: Avoid pairing a casual shirt with a formal dress or vice versa. It can create a disjointed look.
Overpowering Patterns: If your dress has a busy pattern, don’t wear a shirt with an equally loud pattern. It can be overwhelming and clash.
Wrong Proportions: Avoid shirts with long tails or uneven hemlines that can peek out awkwardly from under the dress.
Ignoring Necklines: Don’t wear a shirt with a neckline that clashes with the dress’s neckline. For example, a high-neck shirt under a low V-neck dress might not look harmonious.

Do’s

Complementary Colors: Choose a shirt in a color that complements or elegantly contrasts with your dress. Neutral colors are usually a safe choice.
Fitting Fabric: Opt for shirts made from smooth, lightweight fabrics to avoid adding bulk and to ensure a sleek look.
Right Silhouette: Select a shirt that matches the silhouette of your dress. For example, a fitted shirt works well under a fitted dress.
Suitable Sleeves: If your dress has short sleeves or is sleeveless, consider a shirt with interesting sleeves like bell sleeves or lace for added style.
Layering for Seasons: Use this style to adapt your dresses for different seasons. A turtleneck under a summer dress can make it suitable for cooler weather.
Collared Shirts for a Chic Look: A collared shirt under a strapless or spaghetti strap dress can create a sophisticated and trendy look.
Accessorize Wisely: Pair your outfit with suitable accessories to tie the look together. For instance, a belt can define your waist when layering.

Shirt Under Dress: How Do KOLs Wear It?

Gitta Banko at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin

At the Mercedes-Benz Berlin Fashion Week Spring 2018, Germany-based fashion blogger Gitta Banko turned heads with her interpretation of the T-shirt-under-dress trend. 

She paired a white statement T-shirt from the Lookabe x Blondwalk collection with a ruffled piece by Dawid Tomaszewski. Banko exemplified the classic version of this trend, keeping her accessories minimal and sophisticated, with a final touch of a Boy Chanel bag to complete her look.

Junya Watanabe Spring 2019

Junya Watanabe, the Japanese fashion designer known for challenging gender norms, presented a striking T-shirt-under-dress look at the Paris Fashion Week Spring 2019. 

The collection, which drew inspiration from alternative culture, featured an ensemble perfect for the upcoming season: a basic white tee under a denim semi-dress and trousers. This look not only stood out as a street style favorite but also as a must-have addition for summer wardrobes.

Halsey Wearing Balmain in 2017

Halsey’s outfit at the opening of Balmain’s first Los Angeles boutique in 2017 is a testament to the T-shirt-under-dress look’s party wear potential. 

The singer sported a sequined bustier mini dress from Balmain, paired effortlessly with a casual black tee. This ensemble proves that the T-shirt-under-dress trend can be both glamorous and edgy, and in Halsey’s case, there’s absolutely nothing we would change.

Elina Halimi at Paris Fashion Week

Fashion consultant and stylist Elina Halimi showcased her flair for fashion at the Haider Ackermann show in Paris. She opted for a white tee under a sharply tailored black dress, paired with knee-high boots. 

Her ensemble highlighted the versatility and sophistication of the T-shirt-under-dress trend, blending casual and chic elements seamlessly.

DROMe Spring 2019

Italian fashion brand DROMe’s Paris Fashion Week Spring 2019 show featured an innovative T-shirt-under-dress look. 

The ensemble combined a white tee with a crumpled latex dress, showcasing a clever and stylish way to incorporate latex into everyday fashion, winning over even the most critical of fashion enthusiasts.

Sofya Benzakour of La Couleur Du Moment

Fashion blogger Sofya Benzakour demonstrated the art of layering with her dress-over-tee ensemble. Her look, suitable for fall or winter, included a negligee-inspired dress over a white tee by ASOS, complemented with a Zara jacket and boots. 

This outfit serves as a perfect example of how the T-shirt-under-dress trend can be adapted for cooler seasons with the right layering.

A.Niemeyer Spring 2019

Brazilian holiday wear label A.Niemeyer included a boho-style ensemble in its Spring 2019 collection. The look, characterized by a relaxed and easy color palette, perfectly captured the essence of laid-back chic. 

The attention to silhouette and the harmonious blend of colors and textures made this ensemble a standout piece in the collection.

FAQs

What types of shirts work best under a dress?

The best shirts to wear under a dress are typically lightweight and fitted. Classic choices include plain white tees, striped shirts, and button-downs. For a more formal look, a blouse or a turtleneck can also work well. The key is to choose a shirt that complements the dress without adding bulk.

Can I wear a shirt under any style of dress?

Yes, you can wear a shirt under almost any style of dress, but some combinations work better than others. For instance, a fitted tee pairs well with slip dresses, while a button-down shirt looks great under a pinafore or shift dress. 

The trick is to balance the silhouette and ensure the shirt doesn’t clash with the dress style.

How do I style a shirt under dress for a formal occasion?

For a formal occasion, opt for a sleek, fitted shirt like a turtleneck or a silky blouse. Choose a shirt in a solid color that complements your dress. 

Keep accessories minimal and elegant to maintain a sophisticated look. A shirt under dress can add an unexpected twist to formal wear while keeping it classy.

What are some tips for layering a shirt under dress in winter?

In winter, layer a long-sleeve shirt, like a turtleneck or a slim-fit button-down, under your dress for added warmth. Choose shirts in thicker fabrics like cotton or wool. 

You can also add tights and boots to complete the winter look. The key is to layer without adding too much bulk.

Can I wear a patterned shirt under dress?

Absolutely! A patterned shirt under a solid-color dress can add a fun and playful element to your outfit. However, if your dress is also patterned, be careful to choose a shirt with a complementary pattern to avoid clashing. 

Stripes and polka dots are safe choices that usually pair well with various dress patterns.

Shirt Under Dress: Conclusion

In conclusion, the shirt under-dress trend is a testament to the ever-evolving and innovative nature of fashion. Far from being just a fleeting fad, it offers a versatile and stylish approach to dressing, allowing for personal expression through layering. 

So, whether you’re aiming for a casual daytime look, a professional ensemble, or a daring party outfit, the “shirt under dress” trend is a creative and chic way to enhance your wardrobe, making it clear that in the world of fashion, the possibilities are truly endless.