Shift dresses are suddenly all the rage, and it looks like everyone is in one!

But, what exactly is a shift dress?

Simple: A shift dress is an outfit you can quickly 'shift' from day to night, from corporate events to parties. In short, the perfect go-to dress for work and play. Its comfortable fit means you can get your chores done easily as you wear them, but when you're going out, it's stylish enough to make you look fabulous. 

Their versatility makes them one of the perfect dresses to invest in, but at the same time, they can get a bit intimidating. So knowing how to style them can help you a great deal.

Why Is It Called A Shift Dress?

The most defining characteristic of a shift dress is the loose fit- It hangs from the shoulder with clear, simple lines. Usually, they're sleeveless, but there are some variations with short sleeves or off shoulders. It's cut to fall above the knee, and overall, should hang loosely on the body without any fitted cut. 

Most importantly, they're easy to move in, and that's why they're called shift dresses. 

How to wear a shift dress?

A shift dress is probably the easiest to wear since it's a versatile piece, and you can style it any way you like. Consider a shift dress as a black canvas- ready for endless outfit possibilities. A piece you can dress up or down any which way you prefer. 

However, there's a popular misconception that shift dresses are only meant for slim, boyish figures. Don’t worry! There is so much variety in style that it can be easily worn by women of most body shapes and sizes. Here are a couple of easy ways on how to dress for office with a shift dress:

Business Formal Wear

When it comes to formal business attire, choose a shift dress that is straight cut and in its simplest form. There should only be a slight waist definition as it would be a distraction and not recommended for formal wear. 

The style you choose depends on your body shape, so if you're slim, you can do well with a straight cut, slim-fit dress. If not, when styling your shift dress for plus size, it's better to have a broader A-cut that will look good on a heavier waist and hip. 

It's also better to stick to formal colours like grey, brown and black and you would do well to choose a shift dress of a single colour when it's a highly formal atmosphere. 

Suppose your dress has contrasting colours in the upper and lower half; you can pair it with a jacket that's the same shade as the lower half of the dress. 

Business Casual Wear

Make sure to keep your shift dress to a knee-length, whether it's formal or casual wear. 

You can wear your shift dress with a pair of pumps and accessorize with a belt to give yourself some definition. You can add a simple necklace and a couple of hoops or simple studs. 

Opt for shades like beige that don't fall under the category of summer colours. If you do go for a two-colour piece, make sure that it's of a softer contrast. 

Styling your shift dress with a jacket

Pair your shift dress with a jacket or printed blazer in the colder months or fall.  

While a short jacket looks bright, a longer one speaks of elegance. Choose the appropriate jacket based on how comfortable you feel, your body shape and the occasion. For example, full-sleeved jackets are better for a full formal business day. 

Given that a shift dress is a great asset to your wardrobe, choose one carefully, and you can enjoy days of unrestricted independence at work. If you want to shop from a range of shift dresses, head to Power Sutra to find a signature look, customize it to your style and get ready to have everyone shift their gaze onto you when you make an entrance!