4 Ways with Shift Dresses
By Woman's Day and WomansDay.com Staff
Dress Code
A shift dress is one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. Whether it's patterned, neutral, bright or ruffled, it happily goes with most accessories, adapting to become the look you want. The proof is in these pleasing picks.
Fine Print
The beauty of a multicolored smallscale print: You can pair it with nobrainer coordinating shades (a brown belt and bag, a blue ring), or go for broke and introduce another color altogether (say, earrings with splashes of orange or a crimson blazer).
MICHAEL Michael Kors dress with belt ($130, at Lord & Taylor; 800- 348-6940)
Accessorize with...
These intricately designed dangling earrings-in the season's hottest color (!)-will splash your your look with trendiness and cheer. Yochi earrings ($48; YochiNY.com)
Accessorize with...
The shift dress's unique patterns and vibrant colors calls for a similarly stand-out accessory, like this funky blue and gold ring. Turquoise stone on gold-plated ring ($36; YochiNY.com)
Accessorize with...
Make the brown hues of your dress pattern pop by coordinating it with this multi-styleable cognac-colored handbag. Aldo Siregar bag ($54; Zappos.com)
Accessorize with...
Nothing says warm weather like cream-colored pumps. Combined with a classic shape, this shoe will encourage all eyes to stay fixed where they belong-on the dress! Worthington by JCPenney pumps ($65; JCP.com)
Accessorize with...
Perfect for a chillier spring day, this cherry red blazer-featuring a fun polka-dot lining-will instantly infuse your look with brightness and boldness. Blazer ($34.95; HM.com for stores)
Accessorize with...
Espadrilles go with summer like whipped cream goes with pie. This pair's sleek black color and cute bow accoutrement give the style a high-fashion lift. a.n.a by JCPenney Clarissa wedges ($39.99; JCP.com)
Natural Selection
A warm neutral-in this case, a season-spanning suede dress-can be the backdrop for a virtual rainbow of accessories, from canary yellow and turquoise to richer navy blue and orange.
H&M suede dress ($149; HM.com for stores)
Accessorize with...
Drape this simply-structured but brightly-hued necklace on to add a tasteful punch of color to the H&M suede shift. Yochi necklace ($68; YochiNY.com)
Accessorize with...
Paired with a neutral-hued dress, these sunny yellow ballet flats will give you instant happy feet! Classic Ballet Flats ($49.50, Lands' End; 800-800-5800)
Accessorize with...
Acknowledge the season's trendiest hue-and add a splash of spring color to your ensemble-by toting this funky envelope-inspired carry case on your adventures. Medium leather photo envelope ($55; GraphicImage.com)
Accessorize with...
Protect your suede dress from the elements with this elegantly embellished navy blue trench coat from Macy's. Macy's Alfani Rosette Trench Coat ($129; at Macy's stores)
Accessorize with...
We love these sophisticated cork-, wood- and maize-hued leather wedges, which are versatile to wear with jeans, dresses and beyond. Naya Maize wedges ($130; Dillards.com)
Accessorize with...
This Nautical-inspired drawstring handbag, featuring both a removable cross-body strap and twin handles, will give your dressed-up look a classic and seasonal touch. American Living for JCPenney Pinstripe Drawstring Bag ($70; JCP.com)
Bright Idea
A statement-making electric shade can steal the show when worn with mostly neutral add-ons or complement a carefully chosen splash of color.
Long Tall Sally pleated shift dress ($105; LongTallSally.com)
Accessorize with...
This faux-leather bag's muted gray tone and chic yet understated gold chain will add to-not detract from-the dress's bold, blue shade. mark Mighty Mini bag ($26; MeetMark.com)
Accessorize with...
Easily add dimension to a uni-tone dress with accessories. This vibrant silk chiffon scarf featuring an edgy geometric pattern should do the trick. Echo Triangular Geometric Scarf ($38; EchoDesign.com)
Accessorize with...
Crafted out of luxurious leather, these practical-chic peep toe wedges are demure enough to pair with a bold dress, and comfortable enough to wear all day! Leather Peep Toe Low Wedge Shoes by ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! for QVC ($88; QVC.com)
Accessorize with...
Give your dress a soft, feminine touch with this pretty L.L.Bean cardigan, which features a luxurious cotton-, cashmere- and silk-blend make. L.L.Bean Signature Daysail Notch Cardigan ($89; LLBeanSignature.com)
Accessorize with...
These simple H&M bangles will add a playful touch to your outfit without being too loud-at least figuratively! H&M bangles ($5.95; HM.com for store locations)
Learn how to clean all your jewelry at home.
Low Frills
Subtle ruffles-not all-over pleats-on a tunic-style shift let you pair it with sleek, utilitarian pieces, like a denim jacket, as well as pretty ones, like charming embellished flats and gem-studded earrings. Sleeveless Linen Henley Dress ($69.50; LandsEnd.com)
Accessorize with...
This roomy blue tote-featuring a sleek, functional style that works to compliment the girlishness of the pink ruffle dress-is great for overnight stays or your everyday use. Clava coated canvas Wellie market tote ($36; Clava.com)
Accessorize with...
Splurge alert! Though pricey, these gorgeous stained glass and resin earrings from the Roberta Chiarella collection will paint your look with personality-a priceless trade-off. Stained glass and resin earrings ($88; RobertAchiarella.com)
Accessorize with...
This faded denim trucker jacket will add a classically all-American tone to your look, while working to juxtapose the girlishness of the main piece. Trucker Jacket by Levi's ($54; Levi.com)
Accessorize with...
These rubber wellies will keep both your feet dry and style-quota high! Choose an understated shade like olive green to guarantee a cohesive look every time. Old Navy Rubber Rain Boots ($29.50; OldNavy.com for stores)
Accessorize with...
The scrunched fabric flower on these Tommy Hilfiger flats add a glam springy touch to your tootsies, while their neutral shade makes them an easy everyday slip-on. Tommy Hilfiger Tulip flats ($59; Amazon.com)
Original article appeared on WomansDay.com
Related articles on WomansDay.com:
Must-Have Spring Fashion Staples
How to Wear Spring's Hottest Trends
8 Ways to Make Shoes More Comfortable
