Ways To Wear: T-Shirt Shift Dress For Summer

Today I’m sharing a few ways to style a t-shirt, shift style dress for summer. I enjoy these posts and would like to keep sharing more. You can see the last one here, and an illustrated “Ways To Wear” for my Calla Button Up Boxy Top crochet pattern here.

I love a good t-shirt dress, it’s such a simple style and silhouette, and can be worn casual or easily dressed up. Today’s outfits build off of each other, and definitely have a vintage sixties/seventies inspiration.

1. Casual T-Shirt Dress With Tennis Shoes

Above, I’ve just thrown on the t-shirt dress with some simple tennis shoes. Pairing dresses with a Ked-style tennis shoe is one of my favorite looks. You can always substitute in a pair of slip-on flats for the tennies.

2. Add A Vintage Vest

I’m still keeping it casual with this look but layering on of my mom’s old vests to add a little more character. You can try vests from different decades – a suede, fringe vest from the seventies would give a different vibe versus an oversized, floral vest from the eighties.

3. Add A Belt And Floral Hair Scarf For Vintage Vibes

I used to wear scarves and headbands a lot when I was in my teens-early twenties, but I kind of got out of the habit, probably with working from home and parenting at home and seeking comfort more than style. This scarf is lightweight and great to wear as a headband in spring or summer weather. the big florals pattern balances well off of the blocked, solid colors of the dress and vest.

This double ring is at least 11 years old now. It’s an old fast fashion purchase, but I wear it fairly often and it’s well-loved. I think it’s such a unique piece and I love the burnished bronze look and adds some extra sweet character to an outfit.

I also switched out the tennis shoes for some simple brown sandals to dress the outfit up a little bit.

4. Add A Cardigan For Cool Nights Or Rainy Days

This one’s pretty simple. Though summer is hot (and humid where I live), it can occasionally get cool. A lightweight cardigan is an easy way to add some coverage for a date night or just to stay cozy at home.

5. Switch Out Sandals For Wide Heels or Clogs

I think switching out the sandals for a wide heel or clog-style shoe still plays off the vintage inspiration while dressing up the outfit a bit more. I also removed the scarf to let the pixie haircut be chic. I imagine this outfit for a date night or more dressy event, maybe a summer wedding?

I’ve also added a long pendant necklace here. This is one that I made by crocheting the chain and making the pendant out of a heavy stone bead and scrap leather “leaves.”

6. Switch Out Jewelry

Here, I kept the dress simple by taking off the belt and letting the a-frame shape be free. Switching out the jewelry you’re wearing is an easy way to change up a look. I swapped the hummingbird ring for a lavender statement ring and the handmade pendant necklace for a vintage gold and blue beaded one from my late gradnmother’s collection. I also added a handmade brown leather and ivory crochet “bangle.”

And that’s it! I hope you found some inspiration. T-shirt and shift dresses are such a versatile wardrobe element. Maybe once the weather is cooler I’ll share some ways to style this dress for fall/winter!

If you’d like to see more previous “Ways To Wear” and outfit posts, click here.