Spring is the perfect time to lean into stylish dresses a little more. Right now so many different lengths and silhouettes look fresh, modern and on point. But one of my favorite trending silhouettes is the shirt dress. Today I’m sharing with you two beautiful shirtdresses that also feature another Spring 2025 trend: bold colors.
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Both of the stylish dresses I’m wearing today are from Talbots. This is not a sponsored post, but I just couldn’t decide which of these dresses I liked the most…so I ordered both! Today (March 11, 2025) Talbots is offering 40% off one full-price item and 30% off the rest of your order with code SPRING. How serendipitous!
Dropped Waist Utility Inspired Shirtdress
Depending on your body proportions, this beautiful lakeside blue dropped waist shirtdress might be your favorite for spring and summer. The elongated bodice could help balance proportions for a woman with a shorter torso. But I have even proportions and love the feminine look of this option, too.
Also if you have broader shoulders, the line across the hips of this dress could help balance those, too. With a cinched waist, the dress definitely helps define the waist without hugging the tummy. So this silhouette in fact solves a multitude of problems.
With flap pockets at the chest, this dress gives just a subtle utility vibe. But it still looks feminine and flirty. Perfect for spring and into summer.
The poplin dress also comes in classic indigo blue (navy), and it’s available in a full range of sizes, including petite, plus and plus petite. I’m wearing my usual misses 10 very comfortably. The same-fabric belt fits softly at the waist, defining the silhouette without hugging the tummy. And you could also swap in another belt of your choice for more definition.
I’ve accessorized with chunky gold jewelry from Julie Vos and cognac leather sandals and bag from Veronica Beard. My necklace is the same one shown in the outfit below, but turned the other way for a different look. For a casual topper, I carried along my denim jacket (another option with more availability).
Raffia Belt Classic Shirtdress
I was drawn to this classic shirtdress because I love bold tropical punch color. Bold, pigmented colors are very on trend this spring and summer. Yes, we’re going to see a lot of very soft, beautiful pastels, too. But both ends of the spectrum will look modern and current.
This poplin shirtdress fits comfortably true to size; I’m wearing my usual misses 10 again. And it does come in a full compliment of sizes, including petite, plus and plus petite.
This time, for a more casual look, I accessorized with metallic flat slides and that same cognac and woven canvas bag. Again, I put my denim jacket over my shoulders for a stylish way to protect from the chill in the air.
You could easily swap in a wider belt or one with more contrast. In fact, Talbots has this wide stretchy straw belt that would look nice here. But this skinny leather O-ring belt would make a nice option, too. Personally that’s the one I would prefer and I feel like it looks a little more modern. (At 40% off with code SPRING, I just ordered it!)
And again I accessorized with my bright gold Julie Vos jewelry, this time turning the necklace around so that the pretty peony pink stone shows.
Thanks so much for stopping in for some spring style inspiration. I love both of these stylish dresses, and I can’t wait to wear them…soon! You can click through the captions under the photos to shop the items shown in the post.
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Blessed for My Day
Mistakes, trials and problems all serve a purpose in our lives. They can strengthen our faith in the Lord, teach us how to navigate life with more wisdom, create within us compassion for other people in similar situations and fortify us with strength we didn’t know we had. But they can also lay scattered like crumpled test papers on the floor of our past, serving no purpose other than to remind us of the hard season we’ve come through.
The wise woman learns from her mistakes, grows in faith during her trials and recognizes God’s power and sovereignty as her problems find resolutions. The foolish woman allows those same things to harden her heart, creating a bitterness that keeps her from gaining any insight or hope. Which are you? What have you learned from a recent hardship? Do you know the Lord in a deeper and more intimate way as a result of seeing Him work in your life? Or have you grown bitter, jaded and more guarded?
…for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. ~ Mark 6:52
I’m not much of a dress person, but these shirt dresses are so pretty for spring and summer! I think I may have to grab the blue one!
Those are so cute on you! I SO wish Talbots offered these in TALLS : (
Love a dress but 5 ft so struggle with “ too much” volume. Like your style
Love the dresses and the beautiful colors. I think the 1st dress is my favorite. I love the dropped waist. Such a beautiful dress.
I am not a dress person, but you always inspire me to take a trip to Talbots to try on. I do have several events to wear these and I love the pink on you! We have a similar build so wish me luck!
Love those colors. I would like the pink dress with a lighter sandal/shoe combo. Maybe raffia?
Hooray that the shirt dress has returned to the forefront ! Thank you Kay for showcasing it. Love how it can be worn with flats to the grocery store as well as dressed up with kitten heels for a baby shower or like event. Thanks for showing us how to “re”integrate our chunkier jewelry with bold dress colors. More importantly, thank you for blessing us daily with your godly insights into the Truth. I look forward to your email daily.
I live in the south and wear dresses in the hot humid summer. It’s the best way to dress to keep cool.
Hi Kay, Those colors look beautiful on you! I’ve seen that the very pale pastel colors seem to be trending, but for me, the bold colors are more flattering. The shirt dresses look like they’d be very cool and comfortable for the summer season.
Your blog is my go to favorite for the most modern and upto date
trends in fashion and skin care
Your blog helps me to reach out of my comfort zone. I am 77 but want to look modern and I feel like you help me accomplish that goal. Thank you
Great ideas for styling that dress! Love the color of that dress on you! Makes your eyes pop! Your hair looks great by the way!
Both of these dresses are my color palate. I like the drop waistline but not sure how it would look on me—-guess I need a trip to Talbot’s.
My Summer go to is a dress. One and done…easy peezy. You look beautiful in these shirt dresses, in particular the colors are so fresh. BUT, what I’m most intrigued about in this post is the Julie Vos jewelry. I only recently discovered her and purchased my first piece around Christmas. Their stone colors are just beautiful. I have a wedding coming up and I’m planning to wear a basic black midi dress that I plan to accent with a new Julie Vos statement necklace. It will be a fun purchase.
I really enjoy clothes from Talbots. The classic look with just a little updating makes these items a “go to” in my closet.
I rarely wear dresses, but may go back to them this season. I appreciate the retailers such as Talbots who offer petite sizes. That pink dress s calling to me!
I love that belting your dresses is back. That was favorite of mine back in the 90’s. I guess it’s true if you wait long enough styles circle back around ;). I appreciate your reminder at the end of today’s blog about trials. We will all go through them and having the right perspective will help so much. Thank you
I enjoyed your feature showing how you can use 3 pieces in various ways That was a big plus for me. I also want to compliment you on your weight loss, not that you were overweight by any means. You’re looking absolutely amazing now especially in the various outfits you’re you’re sharing.
I also love you in those dresses that you’re sharing for this spring, opening my eyes for new possibilities.
Both dresses look great,but think I like the blue style slightly better.
Blue is definitely your color! Loving both dresses – so fresh for spring and summer.
Finding a great dress can be a challenge for me, but these tic most of the boxes. I love midi length, shirt dress style, sleeves, and beautiful colors for spring and summer. I would like to try the blue, but it may exaggerate my wider hips.
Really like the Andie slingback sandles with the chain detail. The blue dress is very becoming on you.
I live in central Texas. When the weather starts heating up, I wear dresses most of the time. I just bought some fabric that I will make up into a dropped waist dress. On an another note, I’m so glad that the comment section is working.
Love the pink dress best. Dresses are so comfortable as the weather gets warmer
I love both dresses but I do think the pink is my favorite. As I have gotten older, I like the way I look in a casual dress as opposed to shorts during the spring and summer.
Dresses are definitely my favorites in the spring/summer months. Fun to see what you are suggest!
Love the shirtdresses! I prefer a less full skirt. Would that also look stylish righr now?
Yes, I definitely think so.
I really enjoy your devotional thoughts each day. I often share them with my exercise group during our devotional time.
Love the pink shirt dress and that would be my choice for this season. Yes the O ring belt looks great with that dress and I would keep it just like that.
Kay, you look stunning in these dresses! You are such an inspiration to each and every one of your readers. And, we listen and learn from you every day. Thank you for all of your hard work! Your efforts are very much appreciated.
Perhaps one day I will invest in a classic dress. Those dropped waist designs are very appealing.
I remember that drop waist style from years ago! The dresses look beautiful on you, Kay, but I stay away from solid colors because it shows perspiration more easily than prints do. Do these styles have print counterparts?
As a matter of fact, yes! They’re not strict shirt dresses, but the same concept. This one https://rstyle.me/+R0BHGU-FaKx-47WpjmF4wA and this one https://rstyle.me/+zfrvHXbAkiAokgwnzrQeBQ
Thank you! I look forward to your daily posts 🙂
Love the ways you accessorized these dresses. That blue utility dress is an amazing color for spring and looks so cool and breezy for a hot day!
Both dresses look lovely on you! I think I would prefer the pink dress myself. I’m not sure the dropped waist would look good on my and I like the simple bodice of the pink dress without the pockets.
The contrast between the dark wash denim and the punch-colored dress is so beautiful.
Haven’t worn one in years but now I want a shirtdress! Practical but pretty, easy to wear, good for so many occasions – what’s not to like? Your BFMD inspirations are spot-on, BTW!
Both dresses are nice but I especially love the pink one.
They are both lovely . . .I like the pink on best.
I really like the dress you modeled. I have a shorter torso with long legs and this silhouette may work for me. Thanks!
With a short torso, even with an hourglass figure, these dresses look hopeful to me for a nice fit! Thanks for the inspiration and sourcing!
I’ve never worn a shirt dress but these are both very attractive and I just might try one of those beautiful colors.
Not surprisingly, I love the pink one! I like the detail on the sleeve.
Love the color of BOTH dresses you are showing today.
Enjoy your work meetup. I have friends who do this & swear that it improves their productivity.
Love the spring colors. Thank you for your explanations regarding accessories. In other words, don’t just put it on, wear it in style!
I love the second dress. Such a pretty color for spring!
Hello Kay! I must say, I’m not much of a dress wearer. At least I wasn’t. I’ve recently lost 75 pounds and find a whole new wardrobe aesthetic has opened up for me! I am so excited about these beautiful dresses that, as soon as I finish up this comment I’m going to order them. Thank you for teaching me so many things about style that I never gave thought to when I was at a larger size!! Love to you!
Kay thank you for including suggestion about wider and o ring belts. I have belts in my closet but don’t really know how to incorporate them with new pieces so I do today with these dresses. Again thanks.
I personally love the look of shirt dresses. I did order the pink one and hoping it fits. Has anyone else had issues with the shirt dress in …narrow shoulders requires smaller size dress but the hips are too tight in a smaller size? The buttons then gap open on the stomach/hip area? If I order the larger size dress I always need the shoulders and chest brought in. Curious if anyone has figured out how to dress with that’s body shape?
Love the tropical punch dress.
Love Talbots and the pink looks beautiful on you!
I’m with you on this one Kay! I love shirt dresses! And I didn’t even know I was so on trend this year. I’ve been buying brighter bolder spring colors too. For me I guess I’ve just been needing a good dose of “ happy “ lately and the bold bright colors seem to be doing the trick. Love both of these colors.
So glad you went to Arizona for your photo shoots. What a difference it makes to see all the spring fashions in a warm environment like Arizona.
Love the dress colors
You sure look lovely in the blue dress. Blue is definitely your color. I have not shopped Talbot’s in a while, so I do need to go check out the new spring items. Have a wonderful day. Debra
I love both of these styles and the colors. I hardly wear a dress anymore, not that I’m retired. Our church is very casual and a dress, even on Easter, would stick out. Too bad because these are beautiful.
You might try wearing a dress to Church anyway. It might just start a trend!
I love the pink dress. It’s so my style. It looks wonderful on you Kay.
I’ve been looking at both dresses online. It’s helpful to see how you style them. Both look great on you.
Such a classic. I love a shirt dress in any style, my favorite being a straight, knee length. But, an otherwise good fit always pulls across the bust and so requires pining or even sewing partially closed.
Those are both pretty dresses – I always love blue, but that hot pink steals the show!
I’ve always been a dress person, especially for church. Call me old fashioned…! These two are winners, especially the blue drop-waisted style. Love the vibrant colors of both of these you’ve shown – and they look stunning on you. Have a wonderful day.
Good Styling!
Pretty dresses!! I have always liked the cinched waist silhouette.
Thanks for offering this giveaway. I have tried to find the comment section several times and could not. Your promo and instructions helped me for future reference.
Lovely! That was part of my goal. 😉
Love the blue of the first dress. So bright and cheerful.
Very pretty dresses. Thank heaven you are featuring fashions for us over 70 ladies (I’m actually 77) who still want to look our best.
I, too, love the bright punch color, but this time I think the blue is my favorite. Both are lovely on you!
You look great in both dresses, but I especially like the blue! Have a great out of office day!
These dresses are both lovely! The blue one I especially like. Thank you for your encouraging and guiding devotion.
I love Talbots! These dresses look great on you and I love dresses for spring and summer. They are just so easy to pull together. I have to say my favorite part of your blog is “Blessed for my Day.” I always look forward to the Christian insights that you so eloquently share. Thank you!
The pink one is my favorite. This Spring/Summer I want to wear more dresses than I have in the past.
Love both of these but especially the pink one.
The dresses are beautiful and look so polished on you! Talbots clothing is awesome!
I love both dresses and would choose the pink of the two. Do they wrinkle badly and need ironing? I think I may get into dresses for the summer season.
They are cotton so they do need to be ironed at least initially.
Love the bright and spring-like colors! I appreciate the pretty details and simple lines. Looking forward to dresses and sandals in a few more weeks. Thanks for all you do, Kay!
Both dresses look great on you! Blue is my favorite ❤️
I too like shirt dresses. Such pretty Spring colors.
Shirt dresses and us chesty gals don’t seem to play well together. But when I really love one, I leave the top buttons open and wear a complimenting or matching tank under it. I am interested in the drop waist dress for a couple reasons. One is that I am long waisted so I am thinking it will hit in a way that the natural waist does not land under the boobs. The other is the open button trick I mentioned earlier.
Thanks for the fit details in this post. Very helpful.
These dresses are beautiful on you! I am 5’2” and shrinking with age. These are just too much skirt for me.
I really wish I could do them. I did get Talbots denim dress and am loving that!
First, congratulations on being in Parade Magazine’s top 10 fashion bloggers for women over 50! Second, thank you for honesty when describing your clothing/products. That really means a lot. Third–what size J.Crew polo shirt are you wearing. I think I know my size, but am not sure.
Keep up your good work!!
Thank you for your kind words. I did size up to a large in the JCrew top but got my usual medium in the Talbots tops.
Both dresses are beautiful and look great on you. With my body portions and short legs the pink one would probably be better for me. I have to say that’s the nicest drop waist dress I have seen.
Hi Kay, you look amazing in both dresses. I really like the punch colored dress and the accessories are spot on. Have a great day!
While loving the beautiful dresses today, I also appreciated your challenging questions in “Blessed For My Day.” You share such good things to inspire us to be beautiful on the outside and the indside.
Great dresses and great colors. These type of dresses make it easy to get dressed! Love it!
I love watching your videos each week and love your style. But I also enjoy your blogs.
The two dresses today are lovely. I’m a British citizen so not as easy to get Talbots clothes. I will be looking for something similar here to try. Not sure a shirt dress is right for my size and shape – let’s see 🤞
I love the shirt dress. I think it really helps to balance my figure since I am thicker in the middle. The bright colors scare me. Though I dont know why.
Both are pretty on you, but that blue color is stunning on you!
I have a hard time finding dresses with the features I like. Think I’ll make myself one!
First, I love today’s devotion. Learning from my hardships and knowing the Lord in a deeper and more meaningful way as a result of seeing him work in my life is such an awesome experience! Now to the dresses lol. I love the color of the pink one and the simplicity of the design (no pockets on the chest). I’d likely use a raffia belt I already have, living in Florida, to give it more of that coastal vibe. Thank you for always alerting us to the special offers at Talbots.
As always, this post is tops! Nothing shouts “spring” like a fresh shirt dress! And you wear it well.
Kay,
I really enjoy how you put together all your outfits. As a retired teacher, I find my personal style has changed so much since i no longer get dressed for work. I love how your casual outfits are comfy AND classy!! Todays dresses look great! Now I just have to get to a Talbots since I have no idea what size to get.
Thank you!
Caren
Thanks for sharing these two beautiful dresses. I do love a shirtdress! Does Talbots know that James’s photographs and your modeling are far superior to what is on their website?! Seriously, the pictures you have shared the last 2 days are stunning.
Ahh, that’s so kind. Thank you.
LOVE these spring dresses! They would be great for so many places/occasions – office, church, showers, or just every day wear with casual accessories.
I love wearing dresses in the spring & summer. I don’t wear shorts as much as I used to, so dresses are a great option on warmer days!
Kay, these dresses look so fresh. Proportions are tricky, I am petite and have a figure, but I may want to try a shirt dress. You look stunning in the pink, with the jean jacket a perfect compliment. Perhaps if I tone down the styling, simple jewelry, I like the smaller O belt, it wouldn’t overwhelm me. Last year my dress discovery was in the golfing wear, cute, comfy fabric 1/4 zip front, sweet geometric floral collared and short sleeve, knee length, with matching shorts and a jacket!! (It can be very windy here). Perfect for romping with grandkids, and wore at a wine tasting with lots of compliments. I’ve also figured out that some strappy sundresses in my closet can be worn with a “baby” T-Shirt, tank or cami in a contrast or complimentary color to help with issues like upper arm & chest coverage, or what bra works? and be a more modest everyday occasion type of summer outfit when a cardigan is too hot. Thank you for showing us new things!
I so look forward to your blogs and especially your Wednesday videos. It’s like catching up with a good friend. Thanks to you I now now the latest trends in colors.
trends in jeans and hacks! It’s like catching up with a good friend.
Both of these dresses are beautiful! I need a new dress for spring that can be dressed up or down and both of these fit the bill.
Hi Kay, I just want to say thank you for the way you incorporate your faith in your “job” – it’s truly inspiring! Your blogs completely and radically changed my sense of “getting dressed for my day” since I’ve been following you from pretty much the beginning. I’m an anesthesiologist in Jerusalem, Israel , and most of my day I’m in scrubs but with your help, in the little time left outside the hospital I’ve come to create my own style and am working on putting together a wardrobe that reflects who I am and bring some color in our war-worn lives… So THANK YOU!
After a closer look, I think I like the details on the bodice of the blue dress as well as the sort of drop waist look with gathering below.
I also tend to prefer the color blue over pink. Therefore, the blue dress is the winner for me!
Not sure my shape will be flattered in a shirt dress but think I’m going to have to try! Beautiful dresses. Hope today went well.
I love the cut of your blue dress! It’s very flattering and ladylike. Dresses are perfect for spring!
I have been wanting to try a shirt dress for several seasons. Maybe this is the right tiume???
I love a good dress, I am comfortable, feel pretty and often easy to pack. You can make a dress dressy or dress it down with a jean jacket and athletic shoes. So versatile.
I just love a dress for the warmer months! These are both cute but I especially love the hot pink one.
Beautiful! I’m absolutely LOVING the spring dresses, Kay! I’m wondering how to adapt, though: at 5’4 and 114 pounds, I feel overwhelmed by the midi and maxi-length dresses. The mini dresses can be “iffy” on length and appropriate style. Is it possible for a midi or maxi-length to look flattering on a small frame or is it just better to continue shopping shorter styles? I’m finding it challenging to curate a trim, chic, jaunty “over 50” wardrobe in smaller sizes and styles.
The dresses are pretty , but I am not really a dress person. Thanks for the style suggestions.
I love a traditional look. Nice bright colors to update the look.
Love love love these dresses and the colors. The drop waist with a belt looks wonderful on you, don’t recall seeing a dress like this. I would love to get a new this spring, I’ll check these out.
Both dresses look so lovely on you, Kay. I look forward to your blog every day and have learned much to apply to my life. Today’s Blessed for My Day post was especially thought provoking. To become bitter over life experiences brings no glory to God at all. Thank you for adding beauty to our lives, both physically and spiritually.
So happy to learn that shirtwaist dresses are back in style again. The samples you modeled are great.
Thank you for your relentless pursuit of delivering the TRUTH of Who God is, and lovely fashion as a side blessing 😊. I love both dresses, and have been looking to find good UN-tiered options, which both of these are!
Love westing dresses in summer!
Yes I’m certainly looking for a new dress for spring-for Easter, Mother’s day and my granddaughters first communion. I like the second one you showed. So pretty! Thank you for sharing Kay!
Thank you for sharing the spring dresses and how they can be styled. They are so pretty. I also appreciate your devotional today. It was something I needed to hear.
Love the pink dress; so Carolina’s🩷