The shift dress is a simple style of dress which typically features a short skirt, ending just above the knee. The skirt can be either straight cut or A line in design whilst the bust is usually fitted with darts. The neckline of this style of dress is usually high and the waist features no definition at all. Depending on the design of the shift dress, it can either be sleeveless or have sleeves.

This dress style came into existence in the 1920s and was worn by young women who wanted to break the norm. The dress style became popular as it was easy for flapper girls to dance in. During this period, it was common for dresses to have fringe detailing which moved as the flappers danced. However during the depression and subsequent war years, the shift dress was overshadowed by more popular styles of clothing.

During the 1960s the fashion was revived thanks to an American juice stand operator, Lilly Pulitzer who worked in Palm Beach. She regularly wore shift dresses and after requests by her customers, she began making and selling them. These were referred to a ‘Lilly’ dresses and after Jackie Kennedy, the first lady was photographered wearing one in Life magazine, the public couldn’t get enough of this latest style. Today Pulitzer and a number of other international fashion designers including Victoria Beckham, still make shift dresses which are worn by celebrities such as Hailee Steinfeld, Naomi Watts and Camilla Belle.

• Asymmetric Dresses
• Bubble Dresses
• Drop Waist Dresses
• Halter Dresses
• Off the shoulder Dresses
• Smock Dresses
• T-Shirt Dresses
• Babydoll Dresses
• Column Dresses

• Empire Dresses
• Waist Dresses
• Bodycon Dresses
• Cutout Dresses
• Fitted Dresses
• Kimono Dresses
• One Shoulder Dresses
• Strapless Dresses
• Tunic Dresses