The notorious shift dress and where it came from
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| Image courtesy of Pacific Landing |
From
the beginning of time, women’s fashion has shifted from practicality to style.
Today, women’s fashion choices are unlimited. Want to wear sweats? That’s fine.
Suits are in and it is more than acceptable to sport some biker shorts and an
oversized t-shirt for almost any non-professional summer occasion. But where do
our choices stem from?
- Glad you asked, because in this article we’re going to discuss:
- The evolution of women’s dresses
- How to wear a shift dress
- Where to buy a shift dress
The Evolution of Women’s Dresses
How did we get to the popular
shift dresses?
Alt text: A picture of the painting “Birth of Venus”
Caption: The
history of women’s fashion generated from the birth of florals and silk.
B.C.
The femme fatale archetype, Egyptian queen Cleopatra was not only influential to
the development of Roman politics, but greatly coerced the development of
women’s clothing. Linen and sheer clothing covered in gold and stones were what
her main outfits consisted of. Soft, flowy designs were taken advantage of in
ancient Greece where clothing was designed for the blistering heat and
smoldering temperatures. Silk and linen sheet-like dresses served as a feathery,
light fashion statement.
15th-19th centuries Europe
Clothing started to show off
wealth in the thirteenth century. Heavy fabric was layered in medieval times,
velvet as the main material utilized. Square necklines and high-waisted
silhouettes emphasized the chest and the waste and showcased any jewelry worn.
Women’s fashion altered in later times, highlighting the airy designs like in
Greece. High necklines and ruffles complimented the light layers. Full skirts
and ruffled sleeves with large floral embroidery became popularized for a more
conservative look. Corsets and ruffles showcased a woman’s waist.
Twentieth
century
In the early twentieth century, Hemlines rose as fabric became heavier.
Then, the 1920s flowy and fun flapper dress made sleeveless gowns flourish.
After the Great Depression, women’s dresses loosened in fabric and structure,
became less formal, often paired with a belt and buttons up the front.
Accessories became the forefront of plain dresses, fitted to silhouettes but
relaxed with fabric. The sheath dress (aka the shift dress), became widely
popularized when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis styled her high hemlined, silhouette
with tight-fitting sleeveless shift dresses in the 60s.
How to Wear a Shift
Dress
What works best with a shift dress?
Alt text: Jackie Kennedy wears a
magenta sheath
Caption: Jackie Kennedy showcases her pink shift dress at a
public function.
Jackie Kennedy increased the popularity of this liberated,
relaxed dress. This versatile, knee length, boxy dress is normally made from
soft, casual fabrics like cotton. Usually styled sleeveless and short, these
dresses are great for a warm weather day with a touch of professional nature. To
achieve a 60s look, accessories look great with this neutral dress. Scarves,
hats, gloves and belts can be styled with this dress.
Shift dresses work great
with heels or platform shoes to give a boost of height to complete the
high-hemline leggy look. For an elegant fall look, pair an autumn shift dress
with a collar and a belt.
For a sleek summer look, pairing a brightly colored,
vibrant shift dress with light silver or gold jewelry. Paired with sandals and a
light jacket, this can be a great summer barbeque outfit.
Why “Shift Dress?”
How
did the shift dress get its name?
The shift dress got its name originally from
the Middle Eastern word “schift” which means to move or change direction. This
loose, boxy dress moved to the shape of your body, making it ideal for any
semi-professional occasion.
My grandma, a young woman during the 60s, said she
and her girlfriends used to call the notorious dress simply a “shift” normally
wearing them to work with high heels.
These flapper-like dresses were created in
the 1920s by designers like Chanel to create a loose-fitting but stylish box
dress but ushered into the look we know today by 60s icons like Jackie O.
Where
Can I Buy a Shift Dress?
What is the best
Alt text: three 1960s women sport
shift dresses in different patterns
Caption: Shift dresses are available in all
different patterns to wear for any event.
Shopbop
Shopbop sells shift dresses in
multiple patterns, colors, textures and lengths as perfect summer wedding
dresses.
Tweed Shift Dress
Alt text: a pink and black plaid tweed shift dress is
worn by a model
Caption: Best for colder autumn and winter, this look can be
styled with black tights, heels or boots, and a long sleeve turtleneck. Image
courtesy of Shopbop.
Made with non-stretch tweed fabric and frayed edges, this
look is timeless and retro. Made of cotton and polyester, this is a more fragile
material worn for specific more professional events.
Night Shifter Dress
Alt
text: A model wears a bedazzled floral multi-colored black shift dress
Caption:
Made with non-stretch cotton, this dress is best worn in the fall or autumn.
Image courtesy of Shopbop.
This iridescent sequined floral dress is made with
satin lining and polyester. Paired with neutral accessories and jewelry, this
look can be worn for a night out in the summer or spring months.
Luca Shift
Dress
Alt text: a model wears a short white and yellow beachy shift dress
Caption: Shift dresses have evolved into more shapes and sizes for all events
and people
For a beachy look, this shift dress is lightweight, light colored,
and easy to throw over a suit while in the sand. The v-neck and quarter length
sleeves add a touch of chicness for a relaxed summer event.
Banana Republic
For
a classy look, Banana Republic sells a basic sleeveless thigh-length shift
dress. With a slightly professional feel, this dress comes in a “trailblazing”
orange, black, or flax tan.
Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack sells a flowy shift
dress that can easily contort to your body with a brief button hole opening at
the back of the neck. Available in red, navy, peach, and more, this is a great
outfit to pair with some flat sandals for a relaxing–and now comfortable– summer
dinner party night.
JCPenny
JCPenney provides a plethora of summery designs and
different styles of shift dresses for the warm months such as babydoll, long
sleeve, and layered.
The Last Stitch
The evolution of women’s fashion has gone
through amazing changes, from the most extravagant floral layered linen designs
to the most ethereal, flowy simple white dresses. Perfect for any semi-formal
summer event, shift dresses are the perfect combination of professional, classy,
and flirty.
