The Timeless Charm and Versatility of Morley Dresses

The Timeless Appeal of Morley Dresses

As the weather warms up and spring approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to shedding those layers of winter clothing. For many of us, that means breaking out our favorite summer staple: the classic morley dress. With their breezy silhouettes, vibrant prints and patterns, and versatility, it's no wonder morley dresses have remained a warm weather wardrobe essential decade after decade.

The History of the Morley Dress

While today the name morley dress may conjure up images of bright, flowing maxi dresses and fun flirty styles, the origins of this dress are quite practical. Morley dresses first emerged in the 1900s as simple shirtwaist dresses worn for housework and gardening. What set them apart was their practical button-down front placket, which allowed them to be easily slipped on and off.

It wasn't until the 1930s and 40s that the morley dress began to gain popularity as a fashionable garment. Style icons like Katharine Hepburn famously wore looser fitting morley dresses made from printed fabrics. By the 1950s, morley dresses became even more figure-flattering with cinched waistlines and full skirts. Now both stylish and practical, they were perfect for housewives and working women alike.

Morley Dresses Through the Decades

Those simple shirtwaist silhouettes certainly evolved over the 20th century! Each new decade has put its own spin on the quintessential morley dress:

• 1960s - Fit and flare shapes, short hemlines, bold prints and geometric patterns
• 1970s - Billowy maxi lengths, muted earth tones, prairie and peasant styles
• 1980s - Mini lengths, bright neons, graphic stripes and polka dot prints
• 1990s - Slip dresses, baby doll and skater styles, muted plaids and florals

Today morley dresses are as popular as ever, with feminine details like flutter sleeves, wrap styles, smocking, and ruffle trims trending recently. And classic A-line cuts in timeless gingham, floral, and paisley prints continue to remain go-to options season after season.

Why We Love Morley Dresses

From vintage inspired silhouettes to modern takes on the classic shirtdress, there are so many varieties of morley dresses out there. But fundamentally they all share a few key attributes that make them such a warm weather staple:

• They're effortless - Morley dresses are the epitome of easy summer style. Just throw one on and you've got an instant outfit.
• They're airy and breezy - Made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, morley dresses are perfect for staying cool.
• They're versatile - Dress them up with wedges or sandals for summer parties and events or go more casual with flats or sneakers.
• They're figure flattering - Designed to nip in at the waist, morley dresses are shaped to flatter.
• They're colorful - From bright whites to vivid florals, morley dresses allow you to fully embrace fun, vibrant colors and prints.

Perfect Summer Companions

A good morley dress truly embodies effortless summer style, keeping you cool and comfortable no matter how high the temperatures climb. It transcends age and body type to look gorgeous on anyone. Simply pair it with sandals, a breezy kimono and your favorite sun hat and you have a quintessential summer outfit.

For casual daytime wear, try a sleeveless denim morley dress or an easy striped T-shirt dress. Heading to a summer wedding or event? An elegant floral maxi morley dress fits the bill. And nothing beats a simple cotton or linen shirtdress for everything from beach coverups to weekend getaways. From backyard BBQs to boardwalk strolls, morley dresses are ideal companions for all your favorite summer activities.

Year Round Style

As versatile as morley dresses are in the summer, why relegate them to just one season? With the right seasonal layers and accessories you can incorporate morley dresses into your wardrobe all year round!

When temperatures start dropping in the fall, pair your dresses with crisp denim or leather jackets, tights and ankle boots. Come winter, don a knit sweater on top and finish the look with tall boots. And during those tricky springtime weather transitions, keep the chill away by topping your dress with a jean jacket and throwing on booties or rain boots as needed.

So while morley dresses will always be quintessential summer garments, don't hesitate to integrate them into your outfits as weather appropriate layers year round. Just adore fun prints and want more opportunities to wear them? Morley dresses are the perfect vehicle for complementing cardigans, outerwear, footwear and accessories for fall, winter and spring ensembles that allow your personality and personal style to shine through no matter the season.

FAQs

What fabrics are morley dresses usually made from?

Morley dresses are most commonly made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, jersey, chambray or lace. These fabrics keep you cool in the warmer months.

What is the difference between a morley dress and a shirtdress?

While very similar, a morley dress traditionally has more shape through the waist and bodice, while a shirtdress hangs straight like an oversized button-down shirt. Morley dresses also usually have a fuller, more flowy skirt.

What shoes should I wear with a morley dress?

Morley dresses pair perfectly with sandals, espadrilles or ballet flats in the summer. You can also wear sneakers or booties in cooler months. Wedges or heels dress them up.

Are morley dresses age appropriate for all ages?

Yes! One of the great things about morley dresses is they are so flattering on all ages. Just be sure to choose lengths and styles that you feel comfortable and confident in.