"Dress casual, dress classy-Wear a Shirt Dress!"

As classes commence and the leaves begin to fall, I am reminded that unfortunately I will soon be unable to walk around in my jeans shorts and a camisole. Summer is reaching its end, but I am not ready to let go of the casual summer weather and comfy summer clothes! It is true the weather is getting chilly and more layers have to be incorporated into my wardrobe, yet that doesn't mean I have to sacrifice some of my favorite pieces. Fall is a terrific time for casual dresses, and the one pick that is topping the charts this season is the shirt dress. Casual yet cute, it is sure to secure you a few compliments this autumn season!

            Shirt dresses can be business casual or everyday chic. I have to travel to midtown Manhattan two days a week for my editorial internship, and I am required to dress the part. The dress code is business casual, and my everyday wardrobe is not exactly "business-like". I am one of those girls that are most comfortable in a cute, tight dress or shorts and a tank top (a woman's suit isn't exactly hanging in my closet). I was pleasantly surprised to discover the shirt dress, which has sleeves like a shirt, yet is conveniently a dress. I found a sleek, black shirt dress at Charlotte Russe for thirty dollars, which met the length requirements for business wear [and it also has a collar]. It makes me look like a professional and true Manhattan native!

            Shirt dresses are not just for professional wear, they also can be found in a variety of casual fits and styles. I always recommend Forever 21 for the most affordable options (usually around ten to twenty bucks), and in a vast array of colors and fabrics. The shirt dress is a convenient one-piece outfit, just slip it on and you are good to go (hooray for lazy Monday mornings)! Stores like Macy's and Nordstrom have more sophisticated styles for a date or girl's night out, and casual shirt dresses are abundant at Pac Sun, JC Penney, Rue 21 and of course, Forever 21 (my favorite store on the planet; I'm biased)!

            Look no further for a cute, fall dress to incorporate into your closet. Worried it won't last you into winter? Pair a long-sleeved shirt dress with leggings and some boots and you are set to go. The shirt dress is a versatile piece that every girl (intern or everyday student) can wear with style. Who says dresses are only summer wear? (Not this girl)!