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Has there ever been a more practical summer ensemble than the shirtdress? The best shirtdresses offer a refined look without feeling stuffy. Aside from looking chic, it’s one of the few breezy pieces you can wear from brunch by the beach to the office in Manhattan. The concept is simple: the top half is cut like a button-down shirt, and the bottom half extends out in an A-line skirt. The style comes in varying lengths, patterns, and materials, offering tons of versatility on a seemingly simple piece.
Because many summer dresses come with skimpy straps or too-short hemlines, they’re best reserved for weekends and travel. The shirtdress, on the other hand, is the foolproof way to get through summer in tasteful elegance, no matter what’s on the itinerary. Below, I found the best ones for every occasion, varying in sleeve lengths, colors, and styles.
The best shirtdresses, at a glance
- Best for Work: J. Crew Elena Shirtdress in Cotton Poplin, $143
- Best for Travel: Tuckernuck Navy Blue Toile Tate Dress, $158
- Best for Petites: Tobie Button-Front Pleated Shirt Dress by Exquise, $198
- Best Plus-Size: Ralph Lauren Tie-Front Linen Shirtdress, $185
- Best Linen: J. Crew Tunic Shirtdress in Linen, $143
Best for Work: Elena Shirtdress in Cotton Poplin
1/12Elena Shirtdress in Cotton Poplin
- Pros: It has pockets
- Cons: Some reviewers claim it’s slightly see-through
The J.Crew Elena cotton shirtdress is a quintessential work dress. The crisp white shirtdress has a drawstring waistband that ties into a cute bow. The top portion can be buttoned up all the way to the collar or opened up for a more casual look. Thanks to the midiskirt, collar, and covered shoulders, you can easily breeze into the office in a polished look. Bonus points: It has large pockets.
Sizes: Classic, petite, tall, XXS–4XL | Length: 50" | Fabric: Regenagri-certified cotton
Best for Petites: The Tobie Button-Front Pleated Shirt Dress by Exquise
2/12The Tobie Shirt Dress by Exquise
- Pros: Tons of color and pattern options
- Cons: It only lists the hemline length for the standard size
Anthropologie deserves praise for all the color, size, and length options it offers. Take this pleated number, for example—the pinstripe dress appeals to a number of people and they can all find a size that’s suitable for them, from standard to petite and plus. The buttons go all the way down the front of the dress and there’s cinching around the waist. As much as I appreciate the various sizing, the site only lists the dimensions for the standard size.
Sizes: Standard, petite, plus, XXS–3XL | Length: 52" | Fabric: Cotton, polyester, elastane
Best Mini: Madewell Bubble-Hem Mini Shirtdress in Pinstripe Poplin
3/12Madewell Bubble-Hem Mini Shirtdress in Pinstripe Poplin
- Pros: The drop waist feels very trendy
- Cons: It doesn’t have pockets
This option combines a bubble dress and a T-shirt dress into one. Although it has long sleeves, they can easily be rolled up for a more summer-friendly feel. As one of Madewell’s best-selling pieces, it’s loved for its casual yet sophisticated appeal. Dress it down with strappy sandals or up with black pumps for a coffee meeting. I personally love the classic pinstripe design—it never goes out of style.
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Length: 35.5" | Fabric: Cotton
Best Midi: Madewell Janis Stripe Long Sleeve Cotton Poplin Shirtdress
4/12Madewell Janis Stripe Long Sleeve Cotton Poplin Shirtdress
- Pros: It has pockets
- Cons: The waist tie is removable, so make sure not to lose it
The perfect midi shirtdress, this striped number won a spot on the roundup for its dainty waist bow and collarless neckline. Unlike the previous Madewell option, this dress does have pockets. Thanks to its 100% cotton makeup, it feels breezy and soft, keeping you cool despite the long sleeves and skirt. It’s the kind of dress you wear to the office on casual Fridays (is that still a thing?) particularly with a chic black tote and a cardigan draped over your shoulders.
Sizes: 00–14 | Length: 52" | Fabric: Cotton
Best Cotton: Banana Republic Cotton Poplin Bubble-Hem Mini Dress
5/12Banana Republic Cotton Poplin Bubble-Hem Mini Dress
- Pros: It’s a unique take on a trendy style
- Cons: The length is not listed
A shirt dress with a balloon skirt and puff short sleeves? Yes, please. The darling little ensemble has much to love, like a cinched-in waist that can be tightened via a back tie and crisp cotton poplin that feels like a soft embrace. Available in three different sophisticated shades, the dress strikes a balance between mature and flirty—the perfect summer dress for a baby shower or a garden party.
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Length: Not listed | Fabric: Cotton poplin
Best Denim: Free People Remino Denim Minidress
6/12Free People Remino Denim Minidress
- Pros: It’s made out of quality cotton and won’t stretch out easily
- Cons: It runs large, so size down
For something a little more casual, opt for this denim shirtdress. It’s made out of 100% cotton, which if you’re unfamiliar with denim means it won’t stretch out or lose its shape easily. Instead, it has a heavyweight, structured appeal that will last forever. Perhaps it may be too hot for the height of summer, but the boxy fit and buttons around the neckline allow you to invite some breeze to the body. A fair warning, though, is that the reviews claim it runs quite large—I recommend sizing down.
Sizes: XS–L | Length: 32.5" | Fabric: Cotton
Best Linen: J.Crew Tunic Shirtdress in Linen
7/12J. Crew Tunic Shirtdress in Linen
- Pros: The white version comes with a removable slip lining
- Cons: The black version doesn’t
Keep it airy and breezy in this linen tunic dress. It’s not quite like the previous options, as it doesn’t come with any waist-cinching details. What it does have, on the other hand, is a removable slip lining. When worn together, the linen dress doesn’t look as see-through and is ideal for casual outings. Without the slip, the tunic works as a swimsuit cover-up. To change things up, add a slim belt for a waist-defining look. As you can see, there are plenty of styling options with this dress.
Sizes: XXS–3XL | Length: 48.75" | Fabric: Linen
Best for Travel: Tuckernuck Navy Blue Toile Tate Dress
8/12Tuckernuck Navy Blue Toile Tate Dress
- Pros: The pleated skirt and ruffled collar is unique
- Cons: It’s hand wash only
Tuckernuck is your destination for coastal fashion (a summer 2025 fashion trend), which means if you’re in need of a perfect vacation dress, here is where to look. The Crepe Tate Dress is a long-sleeve shirtdress with a pleated skirt and short hemline. Ruffle details can be found on the collar and button-down, too, which visually draw people into the preppy ensemble. The boxy fit allows for good air circulation, keeping you cool by the Mediterranean sea.
Sizes: XXS–XXXXL | Length: Not listed | Fabric: Polyester, spandex
Best Casual: Splits59 Polo Airweight Dress
9/12Splits59 Polo Airweight Dress
- Pros: There’s a built-in shelf bra
- Cons: It’s too short for any rigorous exercises
Gearing slightly away from the traditional shirtdress is this polo option from Splits59. A polo is, after all, still a T-shirt, and when combined with a longer hem it can turn into this sweet and casual look. The white collar starkly contrasts the rest of the black dress, giving it a nice clean-cut appeal. You’d be pleased to learn there’s a hidden built-in shelf bra as well, so feel free to wear it on the golf course for some light exercise. I promise the jersey fabric, made up of nylon and spandex, is fit to keep you cool and comfortable through athletic activities.
Sizes: XS–XL | Length: 29.25" | Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Printed: Boden Mia Tiered Shirt Dress
10/12Boden Mia Tiered Shirt Dress
- Pros: A petite version is available
- Cons: Some reviews claim the dress is too vibrant
The stunning print on this dress is reminiscent of the tiles you walk over in Greece. The blue vines and florals interlace each other and create an engaging mural. Similar to the previous options, you find a waist tie and button-downs at the front of the maxi shirtdress. The long sleeves can be rolled up to your liking, and there’s even a petite version for our friends five foot four and under. And for anyone wondering, yes, it has pockets. The color is quite vibrant, so it’s great for special occasions.
Sizes: 0–22 | Length: Not listed | Fabric: Cotton
Best Long Sleeve: Zara Belted Striped Midi Dress
11/12Zara Belted Striped Midi Dress
- Pros: The buttons go down the entire length of the dress
- Cons: The dress runs small
If the previous option was too punchy for you, perhaps this muted print is more your style. A classic stripe pattern, the olive green number catches your attention without putting in a ton of effort. Instead of a tie-waist, it’s a belted shirtdress. A lapel collar adds a touch of professionalism, too, making it appropriate for work as well. What I love about this number is that the buttons go down the entire midi length of the dress, so you can open and close as much as you desire.
Sizes: XS–XL | Length: 48.6" | Fabric: Polyester, cotton
Best Plus Size: Ralph Lauren Tie-Front Linen Shirtdress
12/12Ralph Lauren Tie-Front Linen Shirtdress
- Pros: Linen keeps you cool in unbearable heat
- Cons: Could potentially be a little see-through
Leave it to Ralph Lauren to design a draw-droppingly gorgeous short-sleeve shirtdress, fit for anything from travel to brunch and post-work drinks. It’s made completely out of linen, which, as the quintessential summer fabric, will keep you as cool as the sunset breeze on the beach you wear it to. Two strong features stand out on this dress: the tie waist, which cinches in the middle for an hourglass appearance, and two side pockets. Just make sure you don’t throw it in the dryer as linen is notorious for shrinking in high heat.
Sizes: 14–22 | Length: 42.5" | Fabric: Linen

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