MCLV Style: Menswear Inspired Shirt Dress

I adore menswear-inspired fashion.

Structured separates. Crisp boyfriend blazers. Minimalist chic. Straight-leg pants. Smart brogues and patent loafers. So… Basically – Anything that Allergic To Vanilla wears.

Translating these fabulous trends that I covet from blogs and fashion magazines to my decidedly feminine body, however, is often an exercise in futility.

Blue Printed Shirt Dress – Anthropologie {Similar here, here & here}

Navy Blue Tights – DKNY

Blue Doctor’s Bag – Vintage

Grey T-Strap Heels – Tommy Hilfiger

Finding menswear-inspired styles that actually flatter my not-so-boyish body type isn’t always easy, or fun, but when it works out and the look comes together that’s a pretty great feeling.

So how do I simplify the process? I have two words for you. Repeat after me – Shirt Dress…

{Photos by Lydia Hudgens Photography}

What’s so great about this style is that it has that decidedly masculine bent that I’m craving this Spring – Inspired by the always classic men’s button-down shirt – But it also has feminine details that make it suit my frame and style aesthetic.

What should you keep an eye out for when you’re hunting down the perfection shirt dress? Look for versions with fun, flirty extras like bold, on-trend colors, eye-catching all-over prints, chic collars, sweet over-sized bows, and down-the-front buttons that give you the luxury of being able to adjust the silhouette to perfectly suit your specific body type.

Have YOU tried out a menswear inspired look yet this Spring?