Eternal

The shift dress made its appearance in the late 50s - a slim fitting dress which, barely covering the knee, was scandalously short. It was initially quite popular in stripes and floral patterns (especially large roses), and in 1958 the Empire waist look was introduced. The look was adopted by teenagers, like the ton-up girls (later the Rockers) who wore leather shifts with knee-high black leather boots. By 1964 the teenage influence caused the hemlines to creep up, and most teenagers were wearing mid-thigh length shifts as daywear. The sweater-dress was also very popular with young people from 1961 onwards, until the mid-60s when other innovative designs were introduced.

1965 saw the premiere of culotte dresses in op-art or vibrant coloured patters, which were most popular as evening or party wear - the freedom of trousers but with the look of a full skirt. 1966’s dress was the tent, or baby doll, dress in transparent chiffon, worn over a contrasting slip, often sewn-in. And in the fall 1967 collections, the paper dress made its debut. Made of paper blended with Nylon or other cellulose material, it was intended for everyday wear... So...

Big girls, this one goes out especially to you! The shift dress was made popular in the 1960s and is back in focus now in pretty much the same styles and some with a few updates. What it is, is basically a sleeveless dress that hangs loose from the shoulders with little definition in the waist area. It is normally quite short and airy thus perfect for women with a fuller figure. Today, shift dresses come in a variety of updated styles which includes different sleeves and embellishments and are accessorised by wearing them with the now popular opaque tights and heels or slapping a belt over them to define your waist (excellent mix and matching prospects) Shift dresses are too versatile to be left out of your closet this season as they go from day to night, from office to cocktails...

Few basics combinations:

(style.com)

Miu Miu, C. Herrera

Bill Blass, Blumarine, BCBG Max Azria

Marchesa, Giambattista Valli, Douglas Hannant

Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier

Vivienne Tam, Victoria Beckham dress, Valentino

Michael Kors

Milly, and next two - Oscar de la Renta

L'Wren Scott, Chloe, Lela Rose

Emilio Pucci

Vera Wang, Emilio Pucci lace shift dress, Tory Burch

Alberta Ferretti, Fendi, Matthew Williamson

Sari Gueron, Moschino Cheap & Chic, 6267 (style.com)

Sashia Knit Shift Dress, Michael Kors (bergdorfgoodman.com)

Ali Larters, Black sequinned shift dress

SJP, and Jessica Alba in amazing gold shift dress