How SJP made the shirtdress this season’s coolest must-have

Watching Sarah Jessica Parker’s HBO show, Divorce, is leaving us at IMAGE in constant shirtdress envy. There are no tutu moments here, but SJP’s new character Frances Dufresne – despite being in the midst of a traumatic divorce – is as much on her sartorial A-game as Carrie Bradshaw was in this season’s must-have shirtdress. Taking inspiration from 1970s movies such as Kramer v Kramer and anything by Woody Allen, her overall look is anchored by subtle patterned dresses, in particular the shirtdress. This is grown-up vintage fashion minus the moth balls. While Frances navigates her way through her new single life, her wardrobe inevitably needs to step up its game. With the shirtdress being the perfect transitional piece; it can be brought through the seasons without losing its appeal, it’s easy to see why it is an SJP favourite (and also one of ours!).

The mix of lace panelling and floral print on this Alice + Olivia dress is beautifully feminine without being too girly.

Lace panelled floral-print dress, Alice + Olivia, €770 at net-a-porter.com

Every woman needs that secret gem that can seamlessly take you through the seasons. This is where the shirtdress comes into play. This Maje striped dress is a great style solution for a whole host of seasonal fashion dilemmas.

Long belted striped dress, €275 at Maje

Add some clever styling to this H&M number; for a day of strolling through an artisan market by matching it with a funky trainer style (look to our ‘Ugly beautiful’ runners piece for inspiration).  For prosecco and dinner slip on your favourite summer pump and this shirtdress will become your best friend.

Dark blue dress, €22.99 at H&M

The versatile little shirtdress comes in an array of styles, ticking the box for all tastes. If structure is more your thing, then you will love this belted version from Zara.

Belted dress, €49.95 at Zara

Embrace two of this season’s trends, stripes and the midi length with this beautifully draped Michael Kors shirtdress.

Striped midi dress, Michael Kors, €235 at Brown Thomas

*Holding shot: Sarah Jessica Parker as Frances in HBO’s Divorce. Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/HBO