How to Wear a Shapeless Dress – 6 Styling Do’s and Don’ts

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Shapeless dresses are heaven-sent to us women who are perpetually concerned about bulging stomachs and muffin tops. It’s a great thing that these shapeless frocks are so trendy so we can wear them to our heart’s content.

Shapeless DressLindsay Lohan at Sephora celebrates the Exclusive Launch of Lindsay Lohan’s ‘Sevin Nyne’ tanning product in Santa Monica on April 30, 2009/ Keira Knightley at the Los Angeles Premiere of ‘Anna Karenina’ held at ArcLight Hollywood Theatre on November 14, 2012 Zoe Saldana at the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards) held at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 29, 2012

However, there’s a fine line between looking fabulously fashion-forward and looking frumpy in a shapeless dress. You would want to know how to style it correctly for a perfect daytime look.

Allow us to show you the ropes:

1. Wear a shapeless dress with a leather moto jacket.

Give some edge to this dress by wearing it with leather — preferably a leather moto jacket. Accessorize with a pair of ankle booties and wear a bag across your body, with the bag resting just above your hip. Drape the jacket over your shoulders. This is an infallible street-style trick you’d want to try.

Get this:

Antonio Marras Embroidered DressAntonio Marras Embroidered Dress, $2,357.79

Wear it with:

Antonio Marras Embroidered Dress coordinatesVersace Leather Jacket, $4,995
Rachel Zoe “Liam” Buckle Booties, $395
Rag & Bone “Enfield” Shoulder Bag, $795
Eddie Borgo Safety Chain Cuff, $315
Kate Spade New York Sailor’s Knot Bangle Bracelet, $78

2. Pair a sleeveless shapeless dress with a button-down shirt.

This is a runway look you can pull off because it’s universally flattering. It also allows you to get a lot of wear from your button-down shirts. The effect is a mod-inspired ensemble that is easy on the eyes.

Get this:

Saint Laurent Pistol Print DressSaint Laurent Pistol-Print Dress, $1,371.66

Wear it with:

Saint Laurent Pistol Print Dress coordinatesMarc by Marc Jacobs “Miki” Oxford Button-Down, $258
MICHAEL Michael Kors Meadow Elastic Pumps, $135
Nina Ricci Leather Shoulder Bag, $1,790
Nixon Kensington Leather Watch, $125

3. Accessorize your collared smock dress with a statement necklace.

If you don’t like to layer clothes, pile on some accessories instead. For a collared shapeless dress, try wearing a statement necklace under the collar.

Get this:

Carven Long Sleeved Shirt DressCarven Long-Sleeved Shirt Dress, $598.52

Wear it with:

Carven Long Sleeved Shirt Dress coordinatesHouse of Harlow 1960 “Pave Five Station” Necklace, $89.60
Alice + Olivia “Makayla” Ankle-Strap Pumps, $325
Herschel Supply Co. Extra Large Network Pouch, $30

4. Wear a voluminous coat over a shapeless dress. Bonus if the coat has a striking print.

Jazz up a plain-colored shift or A-line dress with a voluminous coat to improve your silhouette. Select one with an interesting print.

Get this:

Stella McCartney Fringed Hem Shift DressStella McCartney Fringed Hem Shift Dress, $2,188.10

Wear it with:

Stella McCartney Fringed Hem Shift Dress coordinatesAlice + Olivia “Ralter” Oversized Drop-Shoulder Coat, $796
Michael Kors Collections “Agnes” Cage Pumps, $495
Karen Walker “Marion” Mini Round Bag, $280

5. A big floppy hat is all the styling you’ll need for your shapeless dress.

Not all people are fans of fashionable hats. However, a big floppy hat might just convert you, especially if you notice how it fits so well with shapeless dresses.

Get this:

Cynthia Rowley Long Sleeve Flounce DressCynthia Rowley Long-Sleeve Flounce Dress, $395

Wear it with:

Cynthia Rowley Long Sleeve Flounce Dress coordinatesEugenia Kim “Blake” Hat, $390
Marc by Marc Jacobs Seditionary Ankle Boots, $398
MICHAEL Michael Kors “Selma” Printed Large Two-Zip Tote, $378

6. Wear a feminine A-line dress with vintage-inspired pieces, such as a pair of brogues for an old-world feel.

Vintage-inspired outfits never get old. So, rather than heels, wear a pair of brogues with your dress.

Get this:

Valentino Feather Embellished Lace DressValentino Feather Embellished Lace Dress, $5,837.05

Wear it with:

Valentino Feather Embellished Lace Dress coordinatesKate Spade New York “Pella” Brogue Oxfords, $278
Kate Spade New York “Harris” Tote, $348
Jennifer Behr Silk Jersey Turban Headband, $198
Adia Kibur Imitation Pearl Bangle Bracelet, $25
Sarah Chloe Heartbeat Bangle Bracelet, $139

Don’t shy away from shapeless dresses. With these styling ideas, you’ll feel comfortable and look fabulous at the same time!

Credit: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN/FayesVision