Photo of model wearing shift dress

The ultimate dress to create a feminine silhouette, discover our pick of the sleekest shift dresses, suitable for every occasion

Shift dresses are a style of dress that are integral elements of your wardrobe, working with a whole range of other garments to create stylish, on-trend outfits. They are the go-to dress for a smart and sleek silhouette and are a great choice, whatever the occasion may be. Shift dresses are the ultimate dresses to create a fabulously feminine look as they whittle in at your waist, defining an hour glass shape, making you look and feel great.

Shift dresses are available in a plethora of colours, patterns and lengths so among these, there will be one just right for you. Different fashion wear brands are offering a whole host of variations on the shift dress so this season is the season to pick up yours. It’s an investment you won’t regret. From fanciful floral prints to shift dresses with lace panel detailing and in fresh citrus shades, our edit of the best on the high street right now, are all available at the click of a button.

So whatever you next occasion it, you’re bound to find that one of these shift dresses fits the bill perfectly. The beauty of this style is that you can personalise them in so many ways with a colourful clutch bag or a jazzy jacket over the top. They are so versatile and easy to wear, you’ll find yourself wanting another. The ultimate day to night solution, a timeless black shift dresses fulfil that what-to-wear-to-work quandary, you can team it with a colourful kimono or statement necklace to see you through the working day and then to after work drinks.

See our edit of shift dresses to find one that works perfectly for you. Will you go for the statement style, or stick with the timeless classic you know you’ll wear time and again?

Zara floral printed dress, £49.99

Zara floral printed dress, £49.99

With a stunning Oriental print and a longer-length hem Zara's floral printed shift dress is one of the prettiest pieces we've seen this season. Try it as an alternative to your classic LBD for an important work meeting or slip on a neutral-coloured sandal heel and your next special occasion event is sorted!

Sportmax day shift dress at my-wardrobe.com, £320

Sportmax day shift dress at my-wardrobe.com, £320

Spring into the season with a bold pop of colour. Lime green works against tanned or pale skin tones and the looser shape of this Sportmax day shift dress means it can glide over your shape, leaving you confident they'll be no clinging in certain areas.

Reiss leather silver sage shift dress, £275

Reiss leather silver sage shift dress, £275

Can you wear leather this season? Absolutely - providing the shape is classic and the shade complements sunny days. The muted sage of this Reiss leather shift dress satisfies the style brief perfectly. Layer it over a crisp white shirt on cooler days and be bold in bare arms when the sun decides to shine.

Project D London exclusive french blue lace shift dress, £465

Project D London exclusive french blue lace shift dress, £465

The classic shift shape of Project D's blue lace dress will provide the feminine silhouette that this wardrobe staple is known for. Nipping in your waist and revealing an enviable hourglass shape, it's the textured lace and beautiful french blue shade that will prompt turning heads.

Moschino Cheap & Chic shift dress, £240

Moschino Cheap & Chic shift dress, £240

Capped sleeves and a neckline that instantly flatters the decolletage, it's the rich plum colour of Moschino's Cheap & Chic shift dress that had us at hello...

Mint Velvet duck egg beaded shift dress, £149

Mint Velvet duck egg beaded shift dress, £149

Straight cut and beautifully simple, save for an eye-catching embellished neckline, Mint Velvet's beaded shift dress allows you to save on accessories - and splurge on the dress!

Mango printed shift dress, was £29.99, now £19.99

Mango printed shift dress, was £29.99, now £19.99

Not every shift dress need hug against your shape; Mango's monochrome dress is a wear-anywhere piece that won't date. Its mottled paint effect print gives it a modern spin - simply slip on a court heel and your workwear ensemble is complete.

Kaliko trailing lilacs print shift dress, was £120, now £90

Kaliko trailing lilacs print shift dress, was £120, now £90

The ultimate shift for your next set of summer nuptials, Kaliko's print shift showcases a confident floral print, giving you standout style.

Jaeger striped shift dress, £180

Jaeger striped shift dress, £180

Don't be under any illusion that shift dresses are the reserve of your working wardrobe. Jaeger's striped shift dress is the solution to your off-duty summer closet. Try it with a bold bright ballet flat or a mid-heel tan sandal.

Coast Rivington shift dress, £160

Coast Rivington shift dress, £160

With a peplum accent to draw the eye to your wittled down waist and a bold lace floral panel, Coast's Rivington shift dress is so much more than your average little black dress. Add a leg-lengthening patent court heel and watch your confidence soar!