THE SHIRT-DRESS: A FEMININE TOUCH

A brief history of the shirtdress
It was Marie-Antoinette who, in the gardens of Versailles, gave birth to the shirt-dress, then known as the "queen's shirt", because she wanted to wear a flowing white garment that could withstand the summer heat. At first, this "negligee" look, very different from the sophisticated dresses of the time, shocked many, but it was eventually adopted by the most elegant women.

It was not until the 1950s that the dress became more popular in France. After the war, lifestyles changed, women started to work in offices and those who stayed at home had to look after their home and children. So they needed something practical, comfortable and easy to put on without help from anyone else, and that's where the shirt-dress came into its own.
The practicality of this garment still appeals to women all over the world, making the shirtdress a MUST HAVE in women's wardrobes.

How to wear your shirt dress?
When it comes to shirtdresses, the key word is versatility. If there's one piece of women's wardrobe that can be worn in every situation, it's the shirtdress. It can be as casual for lunch with friends as it can be sophisticated for more formal occasions. Add a belt and pumps and it becomes a pretty evening dress. Pair it with trainers and a straw bag and it's perfect for a stroll around town. It can be worn in winter with a cardigan over it, or open over a swimming costume on the beach in summer with little sandals. Thanks to its sleeves, it's perfect for cooler weather, but also for hot summer days, thanks to its steamy feel.
Today's trend is towards layering, which is perfectly suited to the shirtdress. Simply wear it open with a T-shirt underneath. For the bottom, opt for shorts, or trousers for those who are a little chilly. And don't be afraid to over-size for a fashionable over-the-shoulder effect that looks great with a belt and smart shoes.

CAFÉ COTON and the shirt dress
CAFÉ COTON is reclaiming this timeless style with its perfect shirt-dress, which can be worn in a thousand and one ways to suit every woman. For a timeless classic, opt for our indescribably soft white linen model. For more originality, choose one of our wide range of prints, from floral motifs to checks, stripes and other ethnic prints. 

As with all our products, CAFÉ COTON is committed to offering you the most prestigious fabrics for an elegant, contemporary look. Without forgetting to prioritise comfort, so you can be as comfortable as possible thanks to a cosy combination of refreshing fabrics and soft collars that are pleasant to wear.