How to Style a Shirt Dress for the Office: Best Styles for Every Body Shape & Top Brands (High Street & Designer)

A shirt dress is one of the most versatile, sophisticated, and work-appropriate pieces a woman can own. Effortlessly blending structure with femininity, it transitions easily from a 9am meeting to an after-hours dinner. But choosing the right style for your body shape—and knowing how to style it—is key to looking polished and feeling confident at work.

In this guide, we break down the best shirt dress styles for each body type, smart ways to accessorise for the office, and where to buy the best versions—whether you're shopping high street or designer.

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Why the Shirt Dress Works for Work

Shirt dresses offer the ideal balance of professional and relaxed:

• Structured collar and cuffs lend a tailored finish.

• Adjustable belts or ties provide waist definition.

• Straight or A-line silhouettes give modest coverage without sacrificing shape.

• Cotton, poplin, or crepe fabrics ensure breathability during long office hours.

The key is choosing the right cut and styling it to match your proportions.

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Best Shirt Dress Styles for Each Body Shape

1. Hourglass (Defined waist, proportionate bust and hips)

Best styles: Belted shirt dresses, wrap-style shirt dresses, or those with darts at the waist.

What to avoid: Straight cuts that hide your waist.

Tellar tip: Choose midi-length with a cinched middle to emphasise curves while maintaining structure.

2. Pear Shape (Narrow shoulders, wider hips and thighs)

Best styles: A-line or fit-and-flare shirt dresses, preferably with a structured upper body. Shoulder details (e.g. epaulettes) help balance proportions.

What to avoid: Tight-fitting hips or stiff straight cuts.

Tellar tip: Opt for vertical button plackets and collars to elongate the torso.

3. Apple Shape (Wider midsection, slimmer legs)

Best styles: Empire-waist shirt dresses or shift shirt dresses that skim the tummy but show off legs.

What to avoid: Thick waist belts or clingy fabrics.

Tellar tip: Choose lightweight materials like viscose blends and add a soft cardigan to streamline the upper body.

4. Rectangle (Balanced bust, waist and hips, minimal curves)

Best styles: Dresses with tie belts, pleats, or peplum elements to create the illusion of curves.

What to avoid: Oversized shirt dresses without definition.

Tellar tip: Use block colours or stripes to break up the silhouette and add shape.

5. Inverted Triangle (Broad shoulders, narrow hips)

Best styles: A-line or flared skirt shirt dresses with minimal shoulder detail.

What to avoid: Puff sleeves or shoulder pads.

Tellar tip: Printed or pleated skirts draw attention downwards, balancing the frame.

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Styling Your Shirt Dress for the Office

1. Add a Structured Blazer

   Throw on a cropped or classic tailored blazer for instant boardroom polish. Choose contrasting colours to break up the look.

2. Layer with a Knit

   For cooler days, wear a fine knit jumper over your shirt dress—pull the collar and hem out for a chic layered look.

3. Pair with a Waist Belt

   Even if the dress comes with one, swapping in a leather or structured belt elevates the outfit and reinforces waist definition.

4. Footwear Matters

• Loafers or block heels for classic smart-casual.

• Knee-high boots for autumn/winter.

• Slingbacks or pointed flats for summer polish.

1. Minimal Accessories

   Let the collar and button detailing speak for itself. Stick to stud earrings, a wristwatch, and a structured handbag.

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Best Shirt Dress Fabrics for Office Wear

• Poplin: Crisp, lightweight and structured—ideal for a smart look.

• Crepe: Elegant drape and movement without clinging.

• Cotton Twill: Slightly heavier, great for autumn styling.

• Lyocell/Tencel: Breathable and soft, perfect for all-day wear.

Avoid jersey or stretchy polyester blends—they can look too casual or cling in the wrong places.

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Best High Street Brands for Office-Ready Shirt Dresses

These brands offer stylish, work-appropriate options with excellent sizing consistency:

• COS – Modern, minimal shirt dresses in high-quality cotton and poplin.

• Arket – Clean tailoring with subtle feminine shapes, ideal for capsule wardrobes.

• Whistles – Belted styles with sleeve details and premium fabrics.

• Massimo Dutti – Sleek, neutral-toned designs perfect for corporate environments.

• M&S Autograph – Excellent value for professional looks with luxe finishes.

• Reiss – Fitted shirt dresses with strong tailoring and elegant detailing.

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Top Designer Brands for Elevated Shirt Dresses

Investing in a designer shirt dress means superior fabric, cut, and long-term wear:

• Victoria Beckham – Sleek cuts, sharp collars, and refined minimalism.

• The Row – Understated tailoring and clean luxury for timeless office wear.

• Joseph – Modern tailoring in crepe and satin blends, perfect for layering.

• Theory – New York-based brand known for office-ready shirt dresses in wrinkle-resistant fabrics.

• Lemaire – Known for architectural, softly draped styles with unique detail.

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Struggling to Find the Right Fit? Use Tellar.co.uk

Finding a shirt dress that fits your body properly across different brands is no easy feat. Sizing varies wildly between stores, fabrics, and even individual dress styles.

That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

How Tellar.co.uk Works:

• Match your exact body shape (bust, waist, hips) or known size in a brand.

• Get your precise size across 1,500+ brands instantly—no guesswork.

• Use the Store Size Lookup tool for instant results in COS, Reiss, Arket, Everlane & more.

• Works in-browser—no app or download required.

• Always free. Always independent. Always accurate.

Get started now:

➡️ Create your free profile

➡️ Use the Store Size Lookup tool

➡️ Download a free printable measuring tape

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Explore the Tellar Fashion Hub

Tellar isn’t just about sizing—it’s a fashion education library. Honest, unbiased, and updated daily by stylists, the Tellar Fashion Hub includes:

• Style advice by body shape

• Best brand lists across every fashion category

• Guides to every fabric, fit, trend, and product

Explore more here:

📏 The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide

📏 Finding Your Clothes Size: The Ultimate Guide

📏 UK vs USA vs European Clothing Sizes

📏 Smart Casual Blazers for Women’s Body Types

📏 The Ultimate Guide to Next Clothing Sizing

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Follow Tellar for Daily Tips & Officewear Inspiration

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Pinterest: TellarSizing

• Facebook: TellarSizing

• Twitter/X: @TellarSizing

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Final Thought:

The shirt dress is a timeless staple, but only when it fits and flatters your shape. With Tellar.co.uk, you can eliminate the sizing guesswork and finally shop with clarity and confidence—whether it's COS or The Row.

“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”