I am loving how Igigi is adding all sorts of new styles and silhouettes lately!  Their classic work-ready dresses and flowy maxis are great, but I’m a firm subscriber to the idea that variety is the spice of life (and fashion).  I really enjoyed styling their silky jogger pant to test out the jumpsuit look (also a new style for me!), so when I saw another shape that required a bit of sartorial bravery for me, I had to try it out.

Shirt dresses can be very tricky for me – I often have issues with gapping at the chest, and excess fabric at the waist.  I’ve never even tried a maxi shirt dress, and part of me was convinced that that was going to pose even more problems.  But I loved the color, pattern, and cut of this dress, so in the name of fashion adventure, I went for it.

I am so glad I did!  Unlike most shirt dresses I’ve tried, the Emma Maxi Shirt Dress was clearly designed and cut with curves in mind.  Wearing my usual size, there was no gapping at the bust, and the waist was defined even without the belt I added (it’s merely decorative).  The length also worked well for me (I’m 5’4″), and it looks great with flat sandals and lighter accessories.

I’ve been on a fall fashion kick for the last couple of days though (I tried on an amazing coat and my brain shifted gears and seasons just like that!), so I decided to style it for the cooler days of early autumn.  I added a studded belt (sold out, similar here), my statement pearl necklace (similar) and my favorite Miista ankle booties for more of a downtown vibe.  I love that the dress has a slit so I can show the fun ankle detail on my boots as I walk.

I also played around with adding a hat – a bit of a nod to the name of the print (“Cobalt Beatnik”).  With the hat and darker lipstick, I felt decidedly autumnal.  Since maxi dresses usually scream “SUMMER” to me, this seemed like quite an accomplishment 🙂  I’ll definitely be rocking this look once the temperature cools down.

Have you tried a shirt dress?  What about a maxi shirt dress?  Check out this fun style here in cobalt check, and here in versatile black.

*Dress courtesy of Igigi.  All opinions my own (as always!)