My Personal Style: 14 Ways to Style a T-shirt Dress

Initially, for this style series, I had planned to talk about a different category of clothing in each post, i.e. dresses, kimonos, rompers, etc. However, upon looking through my closet, the first dress I was drawn to was a simple grey t-shirt dress. As I continued to look through my closet, I started to pull different items of clothing, purses, and shoes that I could pair with this dress to make many different outfits.

So, I decided to change my approach to this style series. Rather than broad categories, I will share a different main item of clothing styled with different accessories to create several different looks with each item.

I started with a simple light grey v-neck t-shirt dress that I got years ago from Target. It is from their Merona brand, and while they no longer make it I found a few people selling it on Poshmark (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). I also found some similar options that are currently sold in stores and online (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). I even found some maternity and nursing-friendly options (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)! I just feel like this type of dress is so simple, timeless, and can easily be styled in so many different ways.

One way you can style a t-shirt dress is with a denim jacket. I have had this one from Target for several years as well, and it pairs perfectly with a simple dress like this. Mine is no longer available, however, I found several similar options (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).

To change the look a little more, you could also add a clutch or purse, like this one I got at a cute little shop in Geneva, Wisconsin while visiting my best friend from college. I love the little pop of color and the classic cognac color that matches my sandals perfectly! I found some similar clutches if you want to grab one for yourself! (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). My sandals are from last summer at Old Navy. Here are some similar sandals as well (1, 2, 3, 4). They are so simple and easy to wear with any outfit.

One way to dress a t-shirt dress down, is by tying a plaid or flannel shirt around your waist. I love this one from the Merona brand at Target. Mine is old, but I found a few similar tops (1, 2, 3, 4). Of course, the shirt doesn't have to completely matches to your dress color, especially if the dress is a neutral color. You could tie any color plaid or flannel shirt around your waist to add any pop of color you like. Here are some fun color options that I found (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

If you want to add another accessory to your outfit, you can grab a coordinating clutch to carry as well. I absolutely love this one from the Hearth & Hand by Magnolia line at Target (that line is seriously dangerous)! This Hearth & Hand clutch is no longer in-store, but I found quite a few on Poshmark (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). I also found some similar options (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). And again, you could certainly carry any color clutch you like, I just prefer neutrals because they go with everything.

Another way to style a simple t-shirt dress is by just throwing on one of your favorite cardigans. I like that this one is long and goes just past the length of the dress itself. It adds a cozy, yet chic vibe to this basic dress. I love this one I got on major sale from Old Navy, and found some similar options (1, 2, 3, 4).

And as always, you can add a purse or bag to add another dimension to the outfit, and of course, carry anything you need with you! My purse is old from Target, but I found some similar options (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

With this outfit I wore a favorite old pair of sandals from Target, and found a few similar styles in-store and online now (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

Another option is to add a chambray top over the dress and tie it in a front knot to accentuate your waist. This would also be super cute with a bump! My chambray top is, once gain, old from Target, but I found quite a few similar options (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

I then added an old cross-body bag that was a gift from my in-laws when my husband and I were dating. I found a few options that are similar and in stock now (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

One of the easiest ways to dress up a simple t-shirt dress is by adding a white open-front light sweater. I love this one I have had in my closet, literally since high school. It is simple, classic, and timeless. I love how it is so flowy and light and has this little button detail on the sleeves. Here are a few similar sweaters I found that you can buy now (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

To add a touch of elegance, you can add a small clutch or wallet. My husband got this one for me for our anniversary last year, as the traditional gift for a 3rd wedding anniversary is leather. I absolutely love how simple and timeless it is and will use it for many years to come. I also found several similar clutches and wallets (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

The next way you can style a basic t-shirt dress that dresses it up a little is with a long, flowy duster kimono. I absolutely love kimonos and how versatile they are. There are so many different options! I like how the floor-length duster kimono adds a bit of drama to this simple dress and I'm always a fan of florals. Mine is actually from Torrid. My sister had it first and I loved it so much that she bought one for me! At 5'4" it just barely grazes the ground. I found some similar options available now (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

You could also wear a typical-length kimono as another layer that adds a little fun and a pop of color if you like. Once again, this sage, embroidered kimono is old from Target, but I found a few other adorable kimono options (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).

Finally, my favorite kimono I've owned is this gorgeous lace kimono that I got from Francesca's for a wedding years ago. I absolutely love lace and how elegant, romantic, and timeless it is. I did find it on Poshmark (1), and I also found some similar options in white and different colors as well that are online and in-store at this time (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

So there you have it! 14 easy ways to style a basic t-shirt dress, likely with items you already have in your closet. I love the versatility of a simple dress like this and how you can get so many different uses out of it. I hope this was helpful and that it inspires you to look at simple items of clothing like this in a different way. I am excited to continue this style series to help you find different ways to use the items in your closet as well as find other fun options available now to make your wardrobe even more versatile.