The original shirtwaist was borrowed from the boys. It started as a button-down blouse tucked into a skirt for working women at the turn of the century. Over the decades, many embellishments have been added and “the shirtwaist” is actually a shirt dress. It combines elements of a dress and a shirt. It often has a collar and buttons up the entire front. It can be worn belted or loose. This style is comfortable, but also lengthens the figure to make it slimmer. Shirtwaist dresses are great to hide a belly.
Shirt dresses come in numerous fabrics and every length from mini to maxi. Find your best style of a shirtwaist and make it your own.
Details to embrace for spring 2022:
•The classic – khaki or olive green, belted, poplin, knee-length
•Edgy – reinvented in leather, shirt tail hem – instead of black, important in bone for spring
•The midi – every designer from Lilly Pulitzer to Joseph Ribkoff featured a mid-calf shirtwaist in florals
•Denim – great to “throw and go,” add tennis shoes for an effortless uniform
•Tiered – the teardrop dress continues – this works short or long
•Sleeveless – the ultimate in summer cool – linen sherbet stripes
•Combined with pants – don’t wear dresses? No problem – unbutton bottom buttons and put over your trousers
The shirtwaist dress is a timeless, versatile piece that belongs in every woman’s closet. Let Pappagallo’s knowledgeable staff help you find your spring look today.
-by Nicki Smith
About the Author: Nicki Smith has been in the fashion industry for 36 years. She is the owner of and buyer for Pappagallo, located at 2020 Scottsville Road in Bowling Green (The Pines Shopping Center, next to Chico’s).
