The Model and Me: The Shirt Muse autumn-winter 2018

Like so many independent fashion labels, The Shirt Muse has grown out of its founder not being able to find exactly what she was looking for in a garment.

In Jenny Geisker’s case, that garment was a feminine shirt with a French cuff. 

“There’s something empowering about wearing a French cuff shirt, the structure, the cufflinks the elegance. It’s today’s version of armour. You get up, button up and you feel empowered with confidence to tackle the day.” Jenny Geisker, The Shirt Muse

The Shirt Muse now offers skirts, dresses and suits alongside its range of shirts. Each piece is Australian-made and designed to make you look and feel elegant and confident.

The shirt dress I’m featuring from the The Shirt Muse autumn-winter 2018 collection is one that fits seamlessly into my smart casual work/play wardrobe.

The model

The Shirt Muse Sunday Sesh shirt dress

and me

The Shirt Muse shirt dress (I’m 166cm tall and in size 16) | FRANKiE4 Footwear NAOMi boots in tan

My obsession with gingham continues seemingly unabated. If you’re on a to a good thing, why stop? Like my love of stripes and leopard print (also very well documented), gingham offers up a fresh, timeless look to every piece it graces.

This dress is 100% European cotton and feels magical on the skin. It will crush but not ridiculously or to a point where you won’t want to sit down. This fabric also super easy to iron or steam.

The shape of the dress is quite fitted, with a slight tulip shape in its skirt, which helps to skim and accommodate the hip/tummy area. I’m up a size from my normal dress size but my bra size is 16D, so it’s a perfect match without any gaping in the shirt.

The dress comes with a tie (as pictured on the model) but I’ve opted to leave it off as there is enough built-in shape around the waist on me.

Love me a three-quarter sleeve for flattery and deep pockets that sit well on the hip. The shell buttons add the finishing touch to this versatile dress-up/dress-down frock.

I’ve added my fave FRANKiE4 Footwear NAOMi boots but I’d also wear this with brogues, sneakers or even a dressy heel. As for top layers … for a dressed-up look, opt for a blazer. For a casual look, add a long-line cardi or denim jacket.

So, tell me, do you love a shirt dress? Prefer yours on the more fitted side like this one?

PS. If it’s a more free-flowing shirt dress that’s more your thing, check this one out and size down at least one size (it’s also available in a black and white stripe).

* This piece was gifted to me for editorial consideration. Full disclosure policy here. 

SAVE 30%: Styling You Shop autumn-winter 2018 edit

Don’t miss out … we’ve got limited sizes left in some of our most popular pieces; others have sold out. What’s left has been marked down 30%. When you support my store, the ripple effect is a wide one. We do a little happy dance and so do our wonderful suppliers. 

SHOP HERE