A Buying Guide to Shirtdresses by Diane Von Furstenberg
Furstenberg is pretty expensive so you may only buy one or two in a lifetime but her classic look and professional tailoring will last. Her designs are so classic they’re trendy; you’ll never be out of fashion while wearing a Furstenberg shirtdress. If you are an internet shopping hound you can find decent sales on her dresses in the area of $150. $150 is still a little steep but you only need to have one or two in your wardrobe and a good shirtdress can be worn for any occasion. I highly recommend not buying from her site directly if you are cost conscious, try discount designer sites like Shop Bop or Net-A-Porter instead. To cut down on cost it also helps to be choosey-find one shirtdress that can be worn in spring, summer, and fall and another one just for winter. And there is always the buy at the end of a season method, you can find Furstenberg dresses for under $200 if you do this.
Furstenberg Shirtdresses
Polly Anna Button Shirtdress – $345.00
http://shop.nordstrom.com/
The Polly Anna is a multi-purpose, multi-seasonal find. This black, short sleeved, wool jersey dress with gathered waist, front pockets and buttons, and just below knee length skirt can be worn in spring, summer, and fall for casual and semi-formal outings. You can’t go wrong with a style this classic, picture yourself shopping, on a date, or at a cocktail party in this dress, with pumps or mary-jane heels. Dry clean only. Colors: black. Sizes: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12.
Clia Corduroy Dress – $345.00
http://www.net-a-porter.com/
Choose the Clia for a beginning of fall dress. Knee-length, short sleeved, with brass buttons down the front The Clia won’t be too hot for the beginning of fall and comes in a dark, warm color appropriate for cold weather. One of the new fall snakeskin purses would go great with this. Made of cotton and elastane. Dry clean only. Colors: navy and burgundy. Sizes: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, and extra extra large.
Hannah Shirtdress – $345.00
http://shop.nordstrom.com/
In typical Furstenberg style the Hannah Shirtdress plays up a woman’s figure in all the right ways. The Hannah is a sheer silk dress, pulled in at the waist, with a loose bell at the skirt, a fall Navajo stripe print, and a black silk/lycra spandex slip dress underneath. This dress has buttons down the front and a tie at the neck. The Hannah Shirtdress can be worn in spring, summer, or fall. The light weight fabric makes the Hannah a spring and summer option and the brown, tan, and burnt orange coloring is a perfect fall fit; put an A-line coat over top and go. Dry clean only. Colors: Navajo stripe. Sizes: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12.
Corduroy Shirtdress – $345.00
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/
Furstenberg’s Corduroy Shirtdress is a casual or office option for spring and fall. A form fitting cotton/lycra blend, with a button front, sewn in waist sash, and roughly knee length skirt. Dry clean only. Colors: navy. Sizes: 2, 8, 10, and 12.
Utility Wrap Shirtdress – $425.00
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/
While still maintaining Furstenberg’s trademark of sophistication, this shirtdress is a bit more trendy. A more casual dress than the others mentioned in this buying guide, the Utility Wrap has incredible versatility in its color and style. The form fitting tailoring, deep v neckline, and A-line skirt keep this military inspired silk jersey dress feminine while the front pockets and shoulder epaulettes give it a strong, edgy look. The Utility Wrap Shirtdress has a shirt style collar, elbow length cuffed sleeves, and a waist sash. Wear this dress to school, out shopping, or for casual evening drinks in spring, fall, or winter. Depending on where you work this could even be office attire. Dry clean only. Colors: black and camel. Sizes in camel: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. Sizes in black: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12.
Hillevi Silk Shirtdress – $425.00
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/
Grey/Ivory silk dress with a polka dot print, waist sash, button front, 3/4 sleeves, and a flowing below the knee skirt. The Hillevi Silk Shirtdress is light enough to be worn in spring and the long skirt and 3/4 sleeves are suitable for fall. Try this with one of fall’s slouchy leather hobo bags in brown. Dry clean only. Colors: grey-ivory. Sizes: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12.
As the fall season begins you will no doubt be seeing more Furstenberg shirtdress styles around so hold out if you don’t find one you want to invest in. Remember to check a number of stores and websites because each one carries different items from her collection.
If you really like DianeVon Furstenberg you may also like Nanette Lepore, Pucci, and Adam & Eve.
If you find that you really want to add some shirtdresses to your wardrobe but don’t want to spend so much try Forever 21, Esprit, Clues Circle, and Ralph Lauren. Forever 21 is very similar to H & M and they have fabulous prices.
Affordable Shirtdresses To Try
Pinstripe Shirtdress – $24.80
http://www.forever21.com/
Esprit Sleeveless Shirtdress – $79.00
http://shop.nordstrom.com/
This is a summer dress.
Clues Circle Eyelet Shirtdress – $88.00
http://shop.nordstrom.com/
This is a summer dress.
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Embroidered Shirtdress – $139.00
http://shop.nordstrom.com/
This is a fabulous deal on an elegant formal wear dress.
A lot of times I will shop or web surf the high priced designer fashions as a template, to get an idea of what I want and then I’ll buy at an affordable price, so don’t get hemmed in by prices or labels.
