There are not many times when Clare Waight Keller does not enchant us with her signature feminine collections for Chloé. While I have loved all of Keller’s delicate and pristine collections, with her characteristic use of muted pallets and flawless tailoring, there was certainly a quality to the Chloé spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection that has made it more irresistible than the last few. It was, in a word, breathtaking. Was it the fragile lace appliques that rested on white summer dresses? Was it the billowing chiffon blouses and maxi dresses? Was it even the intriguing juxtaposition of the nude gladiators with charcoal gray suits? Whatever it was, there is no denying that Keller’s innovative collection was worthy of praise for however it captivated you, because there is no way that you could not have loved it.
Even a groundbreaking designer like Clare Waight Keller knows that there are certain fashion traditions that are worthy of remaking for the runway. In this instance, Keller put her own take on the shirtdress. It has been a trend for many years, and Keller has proven that it is a timeless piece in this spring collection. Look five shows a navy blue shirtdress that is unconventionally matched with a striking pair of nude gladiators. I loved how Keller made the shirtdress her own by creating a more fitted version of the garment with long sleeves, instead of the loose, casual and cropped sleeve version that we are accustomed to seeing. Additionally, she seemed to give it a light personality with the knee-high, blush gladiator wedges that provided a refreshing contrast to the deep color and denser material of the shirtdress.
When I found this Fashionista in her navy blue shirtdress, I was stunned by how much it resembled the one seen in look five. Like the Chloé version, this Fashionista’s vintage DKNY shirtdress was constructed with firm navy blue fabric and was detailed with cargo pockets. Although it was not as fitted as the Chloé version, it was still cinched in at the waist and created a flattering silhouette. While this Fashionista was not wearing knee-high gladiators, she was still radiant in her nude, open wedges that were perfect for the spring.
If you are going to try any other trend this spring, I would encourage you to use this Fashionista as inspiration and try out a shirtdress. Whether you are going for a timeless or modern look, a well-constructed shirtdress can accomplish both.
How To: If you have ever questioned whether a shirtdress is appropriate for you, now is the time to invest in one. Strappy, open wedges are a must-have for the summer anyway, so why not pair them with a fabulous shirtdress? If you want to give your shirtdress more of a definite shape, you can always add a thin leather belt around the waist.
