Drab to Fab Shirt Dress Styling | Thriftanista in the City

5.06.2013

Drab to Fab Shirt Dress Styling

Thrift rules work in retail too. If you like it, try it on. It may not suit your usual style or be your size but magic can happen if you just get it a try. For example, let's look at the shirt dress in my closet that hasn't been worn in 3+ years.

how to style a shirt-dress

When I saw this shirt dress at Macy’s, it seemed old-fashioned and matronly. I was looking for work appropriate attire and at the time it fit my vision of what corporate casual was. 

I tried it on with the sleeves down and the matching fabric belt. Boring.

shirt dress with leopard print belt

I pulled the sleeves up and added a different belt and it became much more interesting. It was one of my favorite workplace dresses. Easy and comfortable. No ironing required. Yeah, I was in this puppy every other week. 

styling a shirt dress with skinny leopard print belt

Today, I’m a little more adventurous in my dress so I kicked it up a notch by adding my thrifted and awesome skinny leopard print belt that goes with everything! I pushed the limits a bit more with the horse pendant necklace which appeals to my inner kooky. 

black white trend shirt dress

Magenta pumps complete the look because they are the most fabulous shoes I own. I’ve been wearing them to everything that requires a short walk to the car and sitting!

shirt dress styling techniques
THRIFT leopard print skinny belt - vintage Lee Sands horse pendant necklace GIFT gold tone bracelets - Katie Schloss orange hair tie bangle RETAIL Charter Club black / white shirtdress - Dolce Vita magenta pumps - L’eggs pantyhose

In other news, I am behind on real life. I had a great time at SoFabCon and plan on sharing my experience later in the week. Right now I have to get back on track with everything else.

***Linked up with Thrifters AnonymousMonday Mingle, and What I Wore Wednesday.***

21 comments

Silhouette de Femme said...

Beautiful dress & so love those killer heels!
Denise

Laila @OnlyLaila said...

Very cute! I've never worn a shirt dress before.

Terri Dailey said...

Love the shirt dress! Just bought one recently but haven't had a chance to rock it yet because of the weather. But I'm eager! Thanks for sharing! :)

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I think that dress is gorg. It looks perfect with the belt!

laniza said...

Girl, can we talk about your makeup for a moment... tutorial, please?! Secondly, the leopard and horse bring out the dress' fierceness or is it vice versa?

Maya Topadze Griggs said...

Wow, that little leopard print belt and colorful shoes make all the difference. Great styling!

maya

Fashion Pad said...

Great dress! I love transforming the look of a garment with fab accessories. HOT!

Chic Therapy said...

love, love that dress!you look so good in it.

Chandra said...

i love how you took this dress from corporate to chic! and your makeup...flawless;) have a great week!

Ally @ Fever Thrift said...

I apparently like your inner kooky because the first thing I noticed was that awesome necklace.

Sorry that sounded gross.

tashandtora said...

I love the pattern of that dress and shoes and belt are a really nice touch!

Kate M said...


Oh my goodness how gorgeous are you!
I absolutely adore your style <3
You really do have a lovely blog, just stumbled across it now

Would you like to follow each other via GFC, instagram, twitter and bloglovin’?
If so let me know and I’ll follow you right back

My blog is a fashion/lifestyle blog!

Speak soon,
Have a lovely day
Much Love,
Kate xo

www.and-kate.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/andkateblog
www.instagram.com/andkateblog

Priya said...

Fabulous Darling. Just Fab!

Alison in Arlington Heights said...

Gorgeous dress!

Rai of Swa-Rai said...

Yes! Love that dress! You look so chic!

Monique McCray-Alexander said...

The leopard belt and the pink heels really add to the outfit. I love the horse necklace! Nice. :-)

Mo
Who is that girl Mo?

Olivia Lane said...

YES!!!! Celebrate the inner kooky!

Shon said...

Hey girlie!! I love the new blog header!
This look is awesome and the inner kooky works!! Have fun with it.

dedivahdeals.com said...

Very very nice!

Jill said...

You look beautiful. Good call on the magenta!

Tori D. said...

Very Pretty T. Love the pics and the dress!!

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