It's smart, it's feminine

The shirt dress is universally flattering and with the right accessories wearable day or night, writes Saba Vasim.

You already know dresses are key for special events and after-five, but this season you'll want to turn to dresses for everything from work to weekend wear.

Leading the dress pack is the shirt dress, an easy way to look smart and trendy. The collar and button-front draw attention to your face, the belted waist gives you shape and the balance hides a heavy lower body.

The shirt dress has endured because it always looks crisp for day or evening. It borrows details from a man's shirt - a collar, a button front or cuffed sleeves. These styles are frequently made up in crisp fabrics like cotton and its forgiving fit make this a flattering on most bodies.

HOW TO WEAR IT

Wear this retro dress over leggings/jeans for a casual look or dress up with a low-slung belt and wedges for effortless style.

SHIRT DRESS - DAY WEAR

Cotton plain shirt dress
A cotton poplin plain shirt dress in any neutral shade is comfortable and natural in asymmetric style. This dress looks good with slight puff sleeves and wooden buttons. Pair with a big belt, footless tights and heels or flats for a crisp look.

Cotton floral shirt dress
Flower print all over the dress with panels for movement gives a vintage look. Choose pocket detailing over bust with brass-effect buttons. A gorgeous flower print dress will add a chic vintage style teamed with heels and a vintage style mini bag

Cotton striped shirt dress
Try on a white or a black background with pin-stripes in fitted style to get a slimming effect. Team it with sassy wedges for a ultra-feminine look

Cotton plaid/checked shirt dress
This style should be in slim fit with a button down front and pockets. It'll look fab with tights and closed shoes or boots in cooler weather!

Cotton polka dot shirt dress
Polka dots gives an innocent look to this style. To get the style right, choose puffy sleeves, empire waist and bow-tied neckline. Select thin cotton-like voile with small polka dots.

SHIRT DRESS FOR THE EVENING

Chiffon ruffled shirt dress
Ruffles look best when strategically placed: stand-up ruffles around the neckline to accent the face, a vertical ruffled placket to make you look taller and slimmer or tiny layers of ruffles. Look for fabrics that have a floaty feeling Natural colours ruled the runway. The softly muted palette is a great way to show off pretty details and tailoring.

Chiffon floral print
It gives a soft feel; a round collar gives a feminine look. Add a little bit of structure with the belt around the waist. Add heels and a smart bag for evening wear.

Silk shirt dress
Try a lightweight silk dress with gold or silver accessories. Heels and a clutch bag for a chic evening look.

- The correspondent is an international AICI certifiedimage consultant and stylist.