For a summer wedding, style a shirtdress as I’ve done in the photos today, dressing it up (way up) with accessories. Gold sandals, blingy statement earrings (bonus points if they’re of the heart variety for a wedding because LOVE YOU GUYS), a pearl headband, and a gold statement belt all contribute to the overall effect with a chic silk maxi dress at the center. If you’re very over the bare-shoulder wedding guest dress that requires a shawl of some kind, I highly encourage you to explore the shirtdress this summer. Also, when styling it this way, you almost forget that it’s technically a “shirtdress,” you know?

Did you know shirtdresses function as cover-ups? Well they do, and they’re one of the super cute ways to wear a shirtdress while they’re at it. It does help when you create an incredibly fun nautical theme for yourself (thank you Nordstrom for making my ahoy-chic dreams come true). I of course will also be singing the praises of the open, duster-style shirtdress as it is highly bump friendly—bless. Can we also talk about how cute this bag is? Like just for a second?

Also styled as a duster, the shirtdress functions as outerwear when it’s too warm for outerwear but maybe your white jeans are feeling a little too tight after last night’s festivities… if you know what I mean. It’s the lightest possible layer that works wonders at dressing up your favorite jeans + t-shirt look when you want something casual, but not roll-off-couch sloppy. A strong statement bag also helps give the look the polish you need, without sacrificing an ounce of comfort and requiring literally zero extra effort. I’m really loving Cult Gaia’s fresh take on its now-iconic cage bag for summer 2019.

We can’t discuss shirtdresses without calling out their absolute hero-status when it comes to workwear. I love to belt one for casual office days, and add a strong slingback flat paired with a very of-the-moment headband to keep the overall effect powerful, not phoned-in. And it’s not so buttoned-up (no pun intended) that you’d need to change before whatever fun plans are booked for your early afternoon exit. Thank you, summer Fridays.

Shirtdresses can play at night, too. Wearing one open over a slip dress is another way to bring in the shirtdress-as-outerwear moment on summer nights when a slight temperature dip is at risk post sunset. The slip dress paired with a great heel ensures you won’t feel underdressed wherever you go, and if there was any doubt, please observe these absolutely striking statement earrings. Another fun spin if you’re more daring: I actually love the idea of a print-on-print moment when styling this printed polka dot shirtdress with an equally fun leopard-print slip dress.