Fashion Friday--The Shirt Waister

Also known as the shirt dress, of course. This is a classic style of dress that goes way back and seemingly will never go out of style. You know the one: collar, buttons up the front, but then might have a long, full, straight, or short skirt attached. The waist might be fitted and/ or belted or might hang comfortably loose. Fabric? These dresses can be made with ANY fabric at all, and can even be formal. What's not to love?

The web site Textural has a great look at the style, showing the subtle changes through the years to a style that really stays comfortably recognizable. And as Made by Monet points out, any devotee of classic television knows that all the classic moms always wore a shirt dress. Why? Because they're comfortable and flattering to any shape or size. And... They're timeless fashion. The Metropolitan Museum of Art even has a shirt dress in their collections: This ultra suede Halston.

If you'd like to add one or ten to your collection, the beauty is even the most vintage shirt dress will look modern with modern accessories... And the most modern shirt dress will look vintage with vintage accessories. You really can't go wrong!

I have these available in my Etsy shop.

This is a 1950s Candy Jrs.

This is a 1960s Lillian Russell

This is a 1970s Lady Wrangler with tie belt.

 

This is a 1970s wool Pendleton.

 

Donna Reed and Harriet Nelson can't be wrong! I'll be back Monday with a movie... Have a great weekend!