A shirtwaist dress, like a button-down shirt, can be quite versatile. Even a black shirt dress, which might feel a bit somber to many of you, can be worn in multiple ways. And since black is how I roll, here it is, I went ahead and styled my black linen Tomigaya Shirt Dress six different ways to give you ideas for styling your own. Just think how much more versatile it could be in a softer color…
First, just the basic dress with slingbacks added. Easy and quick to get dressed.
Next, adding a belt and changing to strappy sandals, which expose a little skin and make the long dress feel less conservative.
Now let’s add a sweater for cool weather. I love that you can layer a pullover with this style, just as you would with a button-down shirt. The trick here is to keep the sweater cinched at the waist to give a little shape. I did a half’tuck with a belt, which you can’t see.
Now with a jacket and loafers for work. I like the slightly oversized feeling of this blazer, which somehow lengthens the look without feeling too overwhelming. (This jacket was a gift from a friend who commissioned it from a tailor when she was traveling and then didn’t like it for herself. I love it!)
And with a shorter, fancy Yanaka Jacket and party shoes for the opera. I’m half temped to belt this jacket as well, which might be interesting. The sash from our Terrace Dress would be especially appropriate here, I think.
And then adding a contrast belt and tall boots for fall or winter. A sweater would work here, too. Or a cardigan, maybe, even better! I could have also added my Prado Trench Coat to this look!
I’m on the hunt for the perfect fuzzy black cardigan right now. Mohair, similar to our Melville Cardigan but a bit oversized and very furry, because I know the texture would work so well with the rest of my clothing, including this dress. Much as I’d love to make that cardigan, it’s not going to fit into my schedule this year. Or next. So if you see one, tell me and I’ll add that to the styling list for this dress!
You can get our Tomigaya Shirt Dress in paper or in digital format. I hope you’ll tag us #lieslandco and #tomigayashirtdress so we can see what you do with this pattern.