How to Combine a Long Sleeve Shift Dress with Structured Outerwear for Fall Workdays?

April 8, 2024

As the temperature dips, it’s time to transition your work wardrobe from breezy summer wear to cozy fall attire. This season, one wardrobe staple that reigns supreme in its versatility is the long sleeve shift dress. Its flattering silhouette suits all body types, and its straightforward style can seamlessly take you from day to night. However, the real question is, how can you stylishly combine a long sleeve shift dress with structured outerwear for fall workdays? In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive tips and style tricks.

1. Choose the Right Shift Dress

Before we delve into outerwear, we must first address the star of the show: the shift dress. When it comes to selecting the perfect dress for work, there are several factors you need to consider.

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Firstly, a shift dress is an excellent choice for office wear due to its sophisticated and clean-cut design. It falls straight from the shoulder to the hem, creating a column-like effect, which is universally flattering.

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In terms of the perfect length, both midi and mini shift dresses work well depending on your personal style and workplace dress code. Midi styles offer more coverage and are generally more office-appropriate. Meanwhile, a mini shift dress can work for creative or more casual workplaces, just make sure it’s a modest length.

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For the fall season, a long sleeve shift dress is your best bet. The long sleeves will provide extra warmth, and the silhouette lends itself to layering. Opt for dresses in darker, more muted tones, such as navy, black, grey or earthy hues, which are more in line with the fall color palette and will coordinate well with most outerwear.

2. Pair with Structured Outerwear

The next step in creating your fall work outfit is to add a piece of structured outerwear. This will not only provide warmth but also add a layer of sophistication to your look.

Blazers are a classic choice for work. They provide a professional, polished look and can easily be paired with a shift dress. Choose a tailored blazer in a neutral color like black, grey, or navy. If your dress is a solid color, you could also opt for a blazer with a subtle pattern for added interest.

Trench coats are another fantastic option for fall. They offer more coverage and warmth than a blazer and add an air of classic elegance to any outfit. Pair a beige trench coat with a navy or black shift dress for a timeless look.

Lastly, leather jackets can add a modern edge to your shift dress, especially if you work in a more creative or casual office. Choose a jacket in a sleek, tailored style, and pair it with a simple, solid-colored dress.

3. Complete the Look with Accessories

Accessories are the finishing touches that can elevate your work outfit from simple to stylish. When it comes to accessorizing your shift dress and structured outerwear, less is more.

Start with a professional bag. A structured tote or satchel is a practical and chic choice that complements the overall look. Choose one in a color that matches your outerwear for a cohesive look.

Next, add a statement necklace or a pair of elegant earrings to draw attention to your face. However, remember to keep it minimal and tasteful – you don’t want your jewelry to distract from your overall look or appear unprofessional.

Lastly, don’t forget your footwear. Classy pumps or sleek ankle boots are perfect for fall and pair well with both midi and mini shift dresses.

4. Consider Comfort and Size

When choosing your shift dress and outerwear, remember to consider comfort and size. These pieces will be your go-to for the workdays, so they need to fit well and feel comfortable throughout the day.

Look for shift dresses that are a suitable size for your body type. The right shift dress should skim your body loosely – it shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. If you’re shopping online, make sure to check the size guide and read reviews before making a purchase.

The same goes for your outerwear. It should be big enough to fit over your shift dress and any other layers you might be wearing, but not so big that it swallows you up. If you’re going to be wearing your coat or blazer all day, make sure it’s comfortable and doesn’t restrict your movement.

5. Mix and Match for Maximum Versatility

The best part about having a versatile piece like a long sleeve shift dress in your wardrobe is that you can mix and match it with different outerwear and accessories to create new looks.

For example, you can wear the same black shift dress with a blazer and pumps for a traditional work look one day, then switch to a leather jacket and ankle boots for a more edgy look the next. Similarly, you can change up your accessories to add different pops of color or statement pieces to your outfit.

The possibilities are endless, proving that a long sleeve shift dress and structured outerwear are indeed worthy investments for your fall work wardrobe. So, get creative, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find the styles that work best for you.

6. Incorporate the Classic Capsule Wardrobe Approach

To maximize the versatility of your work wardrobe, consider the capsule wardrobe approach. This concept involves a collection of a few essential items that don’t go out of style. The long-sleeve shift dress fits perfectly into this category, being a wardrobe staple that you can mix with various structured outerwear and accessories.

Start by selecting a few shift dresses in versatile hues like black, grey, or navy. These colors will easily pair with a range of outerwear, from blazers to trench coats. Remember to select the appropriate dress size that complements your body type—the dress should drape over your figure without being too loose or too tight.

Midi dresses are a fantastic option to include in your capsule wardrobe. They strike a balance between modesty and style, making them suitable for most workplaces. If your dress code allows, you could also incorporate a mini dress into your collection. However, do ensure it’s a modest length, appropriate for the office environment.

Once you’ve selected your shift dresses, pair them with outerwear and accessories. Whether you prefer a high neck or a shirt dress, the shift dress offers you room to experiment with different styles. Remember, a well-curated capsule wardrobe can save you time and stress, allowing you to look stylish and professional without the daily dilemma of what to wear.

7. Final Sale Tips for Shift Dress Shoppers

While shopping for your shift dresses and structured outerwear, here are a few final sale tips to keep in mind.

First, always check the final sale section. Retailers often offer significant discounts in these sections, allowing you to score high-quality pieces at a fraction of the original price. However, remember that items bought during a final sale are typically non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Therefore, ensure you select your size accurately.

Next, keep an eye out for online sales. Most retailers offer online-exclusive deals that you can take advantage of. If you’re shopping online, always measure yourself and refer to the size chart to select the accurate size. If the product description mentions "model wearing size small", this means the model in the photo is wearing a size small. Use this as a guide, but remember that the fit may vary based on your body type.

Lastly, sign up for newsletters from your favorite retailers. You’ll be the first to know about upcoming sales and new arrivals. Getting your hands on a chic long-sleeve shift dress or a structured wrap dress at a discounted price will make your investment in your fall work wardrobe even more worthwhile.

8. Conclusion

Creating a stylish and professional wardrobe for fall workdays doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right long-sleeve shift dress and structured outerwear, along with complementary accessories, you can effortlessly navigate the seasonal transition. Remember to select the appropriate dress size, and consider incorporating the capsule wardrobe approach for maximum versatility. With these tips, you’re well on your way to curating a fall work wardrobe that’s as functional as it is fashion-forward. Keep an eye on final sales, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings to discover the styles that make you feel confident and comfortable. Here’s to looking chic and stylish all autumn long!