Gap Shirt Dress – How to Choose, Wear, and Care for It

If you’re looking for an easy‑going piece that works from the office to a weekend brunch, the Gap shirt dress is a solid pick. It’s basically a long shirt you can pull on like a dress, so you get comfort and a tidy look in one go.

Picking the Right Fit

First thing, check the size chart. Gap usually offers regular, tall, and petite cuts, so pick the one that matches your height. When you try it on, the sleeves should sit at your wrist without feeling tight, and the waist should feel relaxed but not baggy. If you like a bit of shape, look for a dress with a slight taper at the waist or a built‑in belt.

Fabric matters too. Most Gap shirt dresses are made from cotton‑poly blends, which means they breathe but also hold their shape after washing. If you prefer a softer feel, go for a version with a linen blend.

Styling Your Shirt Dress

One of the best things about a shirt dress is how easy it is to dress up or down. For a casual day, pair it with white sneakers and a cross‑body bag. Add a denim jacket if it’s cooler, and you’re set.

Want a more polished look? Slip on a pair of low‑heeled ankle boots, tuck the dress in a bit at the front, and add a thin leather belt. A simple necklace or stud earrings finish the vibe without stealing the spotlight.

If you’re heading to work, choose a solid color like navy or black, and pair it with classic loafers. A blazer over the top instantly makes the outfit office‑ready.

Layering works well in fall. Throw a lightweight sweater over the shoulders or a cardigan underneath the dress for extra warmth. The shirt dress’s button front makes it easy to adjust how much you show.

Caring for Your Gap Shirt Dress

Care isn’t hard. Turn the dress inside out and wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent to keep the colors fresh. Hang it to dry or tumble on low heat – avoid high heat which can shrink the fabric.

If the dress gets wrinkled, a quick steam from a hand steamer or the shower steam will smooth it out. Iron on a low setting if needed, but most of the time the fabric bounces back on its own.

Store it on a hanger to keep the shape, especially if it has a belt or button details. A breathable garment bag helps avoid dust while letting the fabric breathe.

That’s it – a Gap shirt dress can be your go‑to piece for many occasions when you know how to pick the right fit, style it right, and look after it. Give it a try, mix and match accessories, and you’ll see how versatile a simple shirt dress can be.

Anne Hathaway Shines in Zac Posen's Gap Dress, Sparking Fashion Frenzy
Anne Hathaway Shines in Zac Posen's Gap Dress, Sparking Fashion Frenzy

Kieran Lockhart, Apr, 10 2025

Anne Hathaway rocked the red carpet wearing a striking Gap shirt dress designed by Zac Posen, fusing classic style with modern flair. The custom piece became an internet sensation, catapulting Gap's fashion game through their new high-end collection, GapStudio, which features a range of beautifully designed everyday essentials.

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