A Twist on the Work-Shift

The shift dress term comes from the idea that it’s easy to "shift" in a shift-dress. It’s about ease of movement. I also suspect it’s derived from the idea that women need a comfortable dress they can move around in, in case they survive a full "shift" at work.

comfortable shift dress

Which is why I believe it's imperative for every working woman to have a neutral shift-dress in her closet that can be her go-to outfit. In a morning rush?  Forget the hassle of matching blouse to skirt to jacket. Throw on a simple, yet elegant dress and you’re good to go.

This dress by Gerard Darel fits the bill.  Plus, the inset belt-tie adds some shape and brings the shift into the 21st century.

summer shift dress

Mix it up week to week by varying your accessories. Here, I’ve added a Prada purse and black peep-toe slingbacks as well as a Kate Spade bracelet that emphasizes the classic cut of the dress.

wearing a shift dress

I love how the dress is not only effortless, but can be worn year-round as well.  While I find it perfect for these hot summer months, I can also wear it into fall by adding tights, boots, and a great blazer.  Come to think of it, perhaps the real meaning behind the term shift-dress is that it can shift from season-to-season. Ah, ha!


Photography credit: Erica Hampton


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RESPONSES

  • Arianne says:

    That is so cool! A very practical way to get dressed and still look spiffy and cool 🙂

  • Desiree says:

    I haven’t actually heard about shift dress before.. This is nice.. Thanks for the share, Heidi!

  • Carrie Ann says:

    I remember my mom telling me about shift dresses being the trend during her prime and now she’s seeing a lot other women still wearing them these days. I guess that’s one thing great about shift dress, it never gets out of style.

  • Raiza Shane says:

    That inset-belt tie sure does the trick! I like the shift dress you’re wearing. I guess I’ll be buying one for myself soon!

  • Raiza Shane says:

    yes, that is indeed a very fins shift dress, I like it, too!

  • Marielle says:

    it’s a great concept dress, really. you can never go wrong when you wear a shift dress, on any occasion.

  • Shauna says:

    Yes, ease of movement is what I always wanted to achieve whenever I wear my clothes. And shift dress is something that helps me move with ease in my cubicle at the office.

  • Jenni says:

    I own at least 3 different shift dresses and I’m so thankful to have bought these because not only are these easy to wear, these also give me peace of mind, not at least giving me worries as to what to pair them with..

  • Matilda JOnes says:

    Haven’t worn this. But I think I bought one two months ago. Thanks for the tips!

  • Aaliyah Jane says:

    I’ve seen a lot of shift dresses being worn these days, even in my office. My colleagues told me it feels comfortable and hassle-free wearing that outfit.

  • I think shift dresses come in handy. I liked it and prefer to use it in the office because it also never comes out of style

  • Tina says:

    Wow, this is so cool! I think I’m gonna be a fan…

  • Susan Armstrong says:

    That Gerard Darel dress you’re wearing is really nice, I like the inset belt-tie detail, it made the whole shift dress look more interesting and not boring 🙂

  • Erin says:

    I actually like that shift dress you’re wearing, Heidi, looks very chic and sophisticated and classy 🙂

  • Myca says:

    Oh, that was some kind of twist! I like it. I might as well try to purchase one and see it for myself. Thanks!

  • Foxxy Shadow says:

    can’t say I’ve worn a shift dress before, but I do remember owning a couple which I inherited from my mother. Shift dresses are great to wear because these can be worn whenever, wherever.

  • kylie rachel says:

    I actually like the 60’s vibe coming from wearing shift dresses, especially the ones with long sleeves. Yes! A shift dress with long sleeves is the perfect transitional piece to add to your wardrobe. They’re so cool and funky!

  • Lady Casper says:

    that shift dress you’re wearing looks exceptionally stylish! I like it very much 🙂

  • Krissy says:

    I guess this is really the trend this days.. I been seeing a lot of ladies wearing shift dresses too. Time for me to join the wagon, I guess 🙂

  • Whena says:

    Nope, I haven’t worn any shift dress before, but I like the one you’re wearing. I guess there’s a first time for everything, so I wouldn’t be surprised when I finally got myself a shift dress in the next coming days.

  • Wena says:

    I’m just about to wear a shift dress, I bought myself this outfit a month ago, and now I’m finally going to wear one. So cool!

  • Blue says:

    Wow, I haven’t really heard about shift dress. I think it’s a great outfit, I’d love to shop for one for office use.

  • Blue says:

    I never had the chance to wear a shift dress and I would like to start doing that right now. Thanks for sharing this.

  • Rainey says:

    hmm, haven’t worn one yet, but it wont hurt if i try now, would it? i like the one you’re wearing on the pic, so cute!

  • Margaret says:

    Aren’t these clothes supposedly look like short dresses that lacks detailed shaping? I see some Hollywood actresses shifting to shift dress when attending parties. While it looks good on them, I don’t think I have the guts to wear one, given that my own body is frump and shapeless 🙁 But it’s a good option for future events, once I shed some weight.

  • Michelle Kearns says:

    I’ll choose a tummy-flattering shift dress if there’s any. I want to hide the bumps and bulges in front of me. My sister actually suggested wearing control pants or shapewear to also help improve the silhouette.

  • Gabbie says:

    That’s totally rad! I have to shift into this kind of dress so I can be ready whenever, wherever 🙂

  • Monique says:

    What a twist! I need clothes like this so I won’t have difficulty choosing clothes whenever, wherever.

  • I think this is great, not much of a hassle and can be worn anytime, without worrying much about the season. Thanks for this info.

  • Helga K. says:

    Now that’s some kind of a twist! I love this idea, thank you!

  • Ashley says:

    I also think this kind of dress is a must have for every lady. Great idea, Heidi!

  • Kathryn says:

    Oh, so that’s the shift dress. Thanks for this informative post.

  • Carlene Humphries says:

    I like this idea. That’s the kind of shift that I want 🙂

  • Pamela says:

    THis is a real cool idea! Love the shift dress.

  • Janna says:

    That’s really a great dress idea. Would love to put a twist on my work shift too.

  • Marie Stellar says:

    Love that dress, Heidi! So neat and elegant and so chic!

  • Keanna says:

    A shift dress must be cozy and comfortable to wear, so no matter where you are and whatever you would be doing, there’d be no hassle nor stress involved. I’ve got a lost of shift dresses that I often use in the office.

Comments are closed.