The shift dress made its appearance in the late 50s - a slim fitting dress which, barely covering the knee, was scandalously short. It was initially quite popular in stripes and floral patterns (especially large roses), and in 1958 the Empire waist look was introduced. The look was adopted by teenagers, like the ton-up girls (later the Rockers) who wore leather shifts with knee-high black leather boots. By 1964 the teenage influence caused the hemlines to creep up, and most teenagers were wearing mid-thigh length shifts as daywear. The sweater-dress was also very popular with young people from 1961 onwards, until the mid-60s when other innovative designs were introduced.
Big girls, this one goes out especially to you! The shift dress was made popular in the 1960s and is back in focus now in pretty much the same styles and some with a few updates. What it is, is basically a sleeveless dress that hangs loose from the shoulders with little definition in the waist area. It is normally quite short and airy thus perfect for women with a fuller figure. Today, shift dresses come in a variety of updated styles which includes different sleeves and embellishments and are accessorised by wearing them with the now popular opaque tights and heels or slapping a belt over them to define your waist (excellent mix and matching prospects) Shift dresses are too versatile to be left out of your closet this season as they go from day to night, from office to cocktails...
Few basics combinations:
(style.com)
Miu Miu, C. Herrera
Bill Blass, Blumarine, BCBG Max Azria
Marchesa, Giambattista Valli, Douglas Hannant
Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier
Vivienne Tam, Victoria Beckham dress, Valentino
Michael Kors
Milly, and next two - Oscar de la Renta
L'Wren Scott, Chloe, Lela Rose
Emilio Pucci
Vera Wang, Emilio Pucci lace shift dress, Tory Burch
Alberta Ferretti, Fendi, Matthew Williamson
Sari Gueron, Moschino Cheap & Chic, 6267 (style.com)
Sashia Knit Shift Dress, Michael Kors (bergdorfgoodman.com)
Ali Larters, Black sequinned shift dress
SJP, and Jessica Alba in amazing gold shift dress
