Fashion Clothing This Is Why We Continue to Love the Always Versatile Shirtdress By Cindy Weber-Cleary Updated on August 10, 2016 @ 01:00PM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: Courtesy There are few items as useful, flattering, and comfortable as a shirtdress. Currently, I have three: 1) a casual, blue-and-white striped cotton one, 2) an olive cotton-canvas safari style, and 3) a slinky, wine silk crepe-de-chine. I wear them to death! And a classic shirtdress never goes out of style. Mine are slightly loose-fitting, which makes them great options to wear right now while the weather is still hot. I often throw the striped one over a swimsuit, but it's also a great everyday option for work when paired with a printed silk scarf, a shoulder bag, and a block-heel sandal. Later on, I can belt it to tunic-length and wear it with jeans and leggings, or layered under a sleeveless jacket or long cardigan sweater. The safari number is in a dirt-defying color and does double-duty: belted, as a dress, or, unbelted, as a light-weight coat over separates. It has a sash made of the same fabric, but I like to change it up by adding a chunky brown leather belt with a gold buckle and grommets. The burgundy silk one is a bit dressier and looks polished for day with sling-backs and a structured shoulder bag—but it also dresses up beautifully for evening, when worn, collar open, with a fine gold lariat necklace, a strappy sandal, and a small-ish clutch. In the fall months, I sometimes pair it with knee-high boots and a fur vest for a slightly '70s vibe. This is the perfect time of year to shop for a shirtdress. Some from spring/summer collections are on sale at a deep discount and new ones are arriving for early fall deliveries. They are currently available in an array of colors and patterns and at a wide range of prices. So do yourself a favor and grab one while you can—and check back with me in a couple of years when you calculate the cost-per-wear ratio. I guarantee you, it's money well spent. 01 of 11 RAQUEL ALLEGRA Courtesy Buy Now 02 of 11 Rails Courtesy Buy Now 03 of 11 Asos Courtesy Buy Now 04 of 11 Equipment Courtesy Buy Now 05 of 11 Adam Lippes Courtesy Buy Now 06 of 11 Topshop Courtesy Buy Now 07 of 11 Closed Courtesy Buy Now 08 of 11 Tomas Maier Courtesy Buy Now 09 of 11 Banana Republic Courtesy Buy Now 10 of 11 Atea Oceanie Courtesy Buy Now 11 of 11 Topshop Courtesy Buy Now