The Top 5 Designer Shift Dresses For Summer 2011

Designer shift dresses are definitely a wardrobe staple. They are incredibly flattering for most body shapes and one of the most versatile pieces of clothing that you can own. This also explains why designer shift dresses are such a great  investment, they never go out of fashion and will be worn over and over again. Each year there are some new styles and trends of designer shift dresses available but if you pick carefully you can choose a style that transcends all fashion and is simply  incredibly stylish. Here are our favourite designer shift dresses for 2011.

The Floral Dresses

D& G have created some stunning floral dresses for SS11 with brightly coloured prints on a white background. The floral shift dresses in their collection are pretty and colourful enough to wear to a special occasion like a wedding but also smart enough to wear to work with a tailored jacket. They are could also be worn with a brightly coloured cashmere cardigan and ballet pumps for a more relaxed look for lunch out with the girls or a gentle stroll around the park. This D&G Peony print champagne fitted dresswould also look great with heels for an evening party.

The Classic Navy Shift Dress

Everyone needs a simple navy shift in their wardrobe and this Fulfilment Dress by Vivienne Westwood is such a classic. It has flattering  draping to give it an upto date twist and a soft silhouette. This dress is ideal as evening or occasion wear but also looks great with a pair of nude shoes for the daytime.

The Colour Block Stripes

This colour block stripe dress by Sportmax is definitely right on trend this summer but colour blocking is also a trend that is likely to come back into fashion year after year. The fun red and pink stripes on this dress make it incredibly eyecatching and perfect if you want to stand out from the crowd. Its sporty shift dress shape makes it ideal for more casual events and it looks great worn with tan leather accessories and chunky wedge heels.

The Abstract Print Dress

The great thing about abstract prints is that they do  not relate to any one particular trend but can work with a number of different looks so they come back in fashion again and again. Abstract prints featuring neon brights are big news this summer and this feather border shift dress by Paul Smith is a perfect example of one.

The Neutral Shift

A neutral coloured shift dress also works with a number of different trends including utilitarian, safari and minimalist. It can be accessorised in numerous ways to give many different looks and is probably the most versatile of all of the shift dresses. This Moschino Cheap and Chic belted v neck shift dress would look great with animal prints, brightly coloured accesories for example neon orange or even floral pieces. Chunky gold jewellery will also finish the look perfectly.