The T-shirt dress has a long overdue comeback: This is how I wear it now

T-shirt dress: Loose, comfortable, and with an oversized fit, it's the perfect purchase.

Like every former Glastonbury -goer who finds themselves ticketless this year, I've spent the last 24 hours angrily scrolling through social media, full of FOMO and a stubborn determination to savor the easy access to clean restrooms and the silence. I've also been wistfully flipping through my Glastonbury 2024 photo album and came across a photo of myself happily sweating in an upcycled Conner Ives T-shirt dress at Cyndi Lauper's sound-challenged gig. With its loose fit, comfortable oversized cut, and patchwork fabric (which hid a multitude of imperfections), it was, now I think, the perfect festival purchase.

Yet 12 months later, I find myself irresistibly drawn back to the unique appeal of the T-shirt dress, even outside the hallowed halls of Worthy Farm. For a recent shoot for VOGUE, I found a black mini T-shirt dress by All Saints, a popular 2000s high-street brand known for its boho style. There's nothing playful about this simple, straight-fit style with a handy drawstring waist for an asymmetric hem. Later in the month, I came across a vintage men's Ralph Lauren T-shirt long enough to double as a dress—I plan to wear it on holiday with flip-flops and a layered necklace of pearls. I also swear by a flowing crepe maxi T-shirt dress from The Row that I bought secondhand a few years ago—I always go back to it on hot summer days in the city.

A vintage T-shirt worn as a dress

The T-shirt dress from The Row

Apparently, I'm not the only one newly embracing T-shirt dresses. Earlier this month, Vogue fashion editor Olivia Allen gushed about her love for the garment, explaining, "A T-shirt dress lets you play with short hemlines without diving headfirst into '80s athleisure or rhinestone-covered cowboy costumes (although there's definitely a time and place for both looks). It's a little messy, but a safe look for those who aren't as organized."

Meanwhile, on the runway, we saw Moschino jump on the T-shirt dress bandwagon, presenting a T-shirt dress and loose-fitting white versions over fringed trousers and long gloves for Fall/Winter 2025. Then, for Spring/Summer 2025, there was an oversized logo T-shirt dress worn with bare legs and, ahem, trash-bag boots.

Away from the runways, we recommend vintage and secondhand fashion as your first port of call. While there are plenty of enviable options online, it might be worth trying them on in person first. It's important to find an oversized fit that fits you—and doesn't just look like you forgot to put on your pants. Otherwise, Róhe and COS are worth checking out for more minimalist options, and of course, Conner Ives is known for eye-catching upcycled styles.

T-shirt dress: Here you will find styling ideas for the summer trend 2025

Whether you're partying at Glastonbury Festival or just sitting in the park with a can of beer, this dress is a must-have that you'll never regret investing in.

#1 Vintage T-shirt dress + booties

#2 Mini T-shirt dress + rope sandals

#3 White T-shirt dress + statement necklace

#4 Black maxi T-shirt dress + colorful sneakers

#5 Baseball T-shirt dress + sandals

#6 Striped T-shirt dress + beach accessories

This article originally appeared on Vogue.co.uk.

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