The shirt dresses every woman should own

Whether you want to go casual in denim or luxed-up in a to-die-for silky number

Shirt dresses are no longer limited to just workwear and this season, the long-time sartorial staple has had something of a cool-girl makeover and looks set to take centre stage in your wardrobe.

Maxi, midi, mini - any length goes when it comes to investing in your trans-seasonal hero.

We're favouring all things striped and boyish for everywhere from the weekend to the office, but should you fancy something really feminine and versatile, go for something printed or oversized that can be worn both on its own, and tucked neatly into your favourite new-season denim buys.

Styling-wise, those savvy street style stars have taught us a thing or two about making our shirt dresses really go the distance.Whether it's with heels and a printed clutch for the evenings or a denim jacket and boots for the weekend, there are endless styling possibilities with these wardrobe staples.

Take your cue from the runways, and particularly designers like Calvin Klein, Comme des Garçons and Vetements, and opt for a sporty spin by styling a midi dress with trainers. Another way to get maximum mileage out of this year-round favourite is to take your cue from the front rows and try layering with a pair of printed cigarette pants and heels: it's all about wearing dresses over trousers again after all.

Those feeling brave might want to try a crop top over a crisp white shirt (a look favoured by everyone form street style stars to catwalks supers), and make sure to mix and match prints and colour ways. Deck chair stripes are particularly big this season.

Or, keep your look classic and wear over some ankle-grazing jeans, pointed pumps and a bag as versatile as the dress - a cross-body bag.

Scroll down to shop our edit of the best shirt dresses that every woman should own - don't forget to give our Black Friday dresses deals edit a look if your wallet's a little tight.

STRIPED SHIRT-STYLE TUNIC

This season’s iconic deck chair stripes, best worn with red heels.

Shop now: STRIPED SHIRT-STYLE TUNIC for £39.99 from Zara

Linen-blend shirt dress

Tap into the utility trend.

Shop now: Linen-blend shirt dress for £59.99 from MANGO

W'S Shirt Dress

Orange is most definitely the new black as far as this shirt dress is concerned.

Shop now: W'S Shirt Dress for £79 from Woolrich

J.W.ANDERSON Butterfly-hem cotton-poplin dress

A classic with a twist.

Shop now: J.W.ANDERSON Butterfly-hem cotton-poplin dress for £450 from MATCHESFASHIONCOM

ROSETTA GETTY Blue & Ruby Striped Foldover Shirt Dress

Shop now: ROSETTA GETTY Blue & Ruby Striped Foldover Shirt Dress for £483 from Avenue 32

Gestuz Inesa Dress Frill Hem Shirt Dress

Team with normcore sandals.

Shop now: Gestuz Inesa Dress Frill Hem Shirt Dress for £57.50 from ASOS

TIE SIDE SHIRT DRESS

Experiment with colour for summer and team this with a nude wedge.

Shop now: TIE SIDE SHIRT DRESS for £39 from Warehouse

Magdalena dress

Tie the bow of extra glam points or leave loose for a more casual look.

Shop now: Magdalena dress for £85 from Levi’s

LA LIGNE Cotton-poplin shirt dress

Simple and understated. Wear with trainers or heels.

Shop now: LA LIGNE Cotton-poplin shirt dress for £177 from THE OUTNET

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI Asymmetric belted cotton-poplin dress

Put emphasis on your waist with the statement bow belt.

Shop now: BRUNELLO CUCINELLI Asymmetric belted cotton-poplin dress for £1,160 from Net-A-Porter

Blue Stripe Embroidered Trim Tie Waist Shirt Dress

Opt for statement sleeves with this frock.

Shop now: Blue Stripe Embroidered Trim Tie Waist Shirt Dress for £29.99 from New Look

Zoe shirt dress

Shirt dressing has never been so chic.

Shop now: Zoe shirt dress for £125 from RETAILER

LALA PALM MAXI SHIRT DRESS

A shirt dress doesn’t have to be boring. Team this with statement earrings.

Shop now: LALA PALM MAXI SHIRT DRESS for £84 from French Connection

Oversized Shirt Dress

Add a pop of colour to this shirt dress by teaming it with red sandals.

Shop now: Oversized Shirt Dress for £69 from & Other Stories

Sleeveless shirt dress

Add this to your summer workwear wardrobe.

Shop now: Sleeveless shirt dress for £24.99 from RETAILER

Paisley print dress

Team this with gold sandals for the chicest evening look.

Shop now: SRINAGAR PAISLEY PRINT DRESS for £95 from TOAST

Button Front Shirt Dress

Keep your workwear on point with this blush number.

Shop now: Button Front Shirt Dress for £62 from Littlewoods