This past week, I made a rare impulse clothing purchase: a gorgeous, long belted shirt dress from Uli Herzner that I spotted at a Chelsea Market pop-up. I’ve admired her work ever since she made it to the S3 fashion show on Project Runway, and I’m so excited to get to “wear her” now. (Don’t I sound fancy?)
In the past week, I’ve already gotten so much use out of it, even in a khaki green, which is a big leap for me from my normal NYC uniform of black and gray. Mostly I’ve worn it belted over some black leggings, (that’s uh, Spanx leggings to be more specific) with my favorite chunky John Fluevog boots that I splurged on this past spring and never take off.
I’m a size 8 with plenty of what we used to call “child-bearing hips.” Cute right??
Also, I’m wearing my new Amber Poitier gold leather cuff. Love!
To change things up, I can wear the shirtdress open and unbuttoned, like a trench, over a simple tunic and skinny jeans or leggings. It’s a cool way to freshen up, literally, “jeans and a shirt.” And of course, if I pop on heels and massive sparkly earrings, I’ve got a date night outfit.
Plus it’s so comfortable. Like wearing a silky bathrobe, basically, which is a win in my book. Not to mention, it’s got pockets. YES, POCKETS. Which is all to say, I’m officially a shirtdress convert.
Are you feeling it? Then are some other fabulous long shirt dresses I love that are worth checking out for fall and winter. Prints are in this season — especially animal prints. But I found a great solid too at a steal.
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Related: My 5 little fashion secrets that help protect your clothes, save you time, save you money
6 great long, belted shirt dresses to help get your wardrobe up to date.
Long Belted Shirt Dress by Vince Camuto
Yep, my favorite shoe designer is also making some amazingly wearable dresses right now at very good prices. Hop on the leopard print trend easily with this dress (you can do it!) and don’t let that front slit scare you — leggings, right? Or, not. PS it also comes in plus-size, though I hate that you’ll pay more for it. ($139, Nordstrom or Vince Camuto)
Tip: If you’re wearing a long dress, you either want to wear a short leather jacket or a blazer over it, or wear an ankle-length coat. Don’t pair it with a midi/calf-length coat with your dress hanging out. You have to be a serious trendsetting style maven to pull that off, and even then…
Courtney Shirt Dress by Uli Herzner
While I’m not seeing the exact same dress that I’m wearing on Uli’s site right now (maybe email her through the contact form if you’re interested) I love everything about this Courtney dress: the print, the fabric, the versatility. The price isn’t like Zara cheap (though she has some good sale deals on her site if you look around) — but if you wear brands like Theory or Vince, you’ll think it’s a steal.
As for sizing, I’d say a small works if you’re anything under an 8. They’re blousy, and you don’t need the extra fabric — even if you think you’d be a large, you may be a M. ($240, Uli Herzner)
Utility Shirtdress by Topshop
What a score! If I want to get a dress similar to what I own only in black, this may be the way to go. Love the sleeves, the plungey neckline option if you keep an extra button open, and the calf-length may be more manageable for some than ankle-length. And wow, the price! ($85, Nordstrom)
Related: Hot trend alert: 9 platform sneakers we love for fall!
Maxi Shirtdress by Inc for Macy’s
Yes, again with the leopard. Or leopard-ish. (Can you tell I really really like this look?) I adore this flow, less boxy adaptation of a shirt dress from Inc that reminds me of DVF wrap dresses in the best way. Only, at like 1/4 the price. The black and white is fun, but there’s also a deep blue if you’re up for a little more color to brighten up your winter. Oh and hey…machine wash! Whoo! ($119.50, Macy’s)
Snake Print Belted Shirtdress by Lafayette 148
You want the huge make-an-impression splurge that you’ll wear for the next three seasons? I’m swooning over this stunner. The detailing in that belt is spectacular, and so is the dreamy snakeskin print. Thank goodness it’s 40% off right now. Because it’s still spendy at 40% off, but at least 40% less so. ($598 for a limited time, Bloomingdales)
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