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You know how much I love finding different ways to wear the same piece of clothing! Well, today I’m sharing a fun little styling trick that I think you’re going to love, especially if you’re over 50 and enjoy comfortable, classic fashion with a little personality.

I recently received this gorgeous red corduroy shirt dress from Coldwater Creek, and instead of wearing it as a dress, I decided to wear it open like a lightweight coat!
And I absolutely love how it turned out!
A Red Corduroy Shirt Dress That Does Double Duty
First of all, can we talk about this beautiful red color? It’s such a fun pop of color for fall, and I think it will be fabulous for the holidays, too!
You could wear it buttoned up as a dress, but I wanted to try something a little different. Remember how I wore my black shirt dress on my trip to Italy? Shirt dresses are so versatile.
By leaving it completely open, it becomes a long, lightweight jacket that adds color and interest to an otherwise simple outfit.
It’s almost like getting two pieces of clothing in one!
And here’s another little bonus: this shirt dress comes in five colors, with petite and plus-size options available.
How I Styled My Corduroy Shirt Dress
I kept everything underneath simple because I wanted the red corduroy to be the star of the show.

I started with a basic white T-shirt and a pair of black jeans, both from Coldwater Creek.
I love the contrast of black and white with the bright red. It’s classic, easy, and something you can wear just about anywhere.
Then I added:
- Black ankle booties for a polished but casual look.
- A black quilted puffy bag that adds a little texture.
- A cute Christmas tree pin on the bag for a touch of holiday fun.
- A long gold necklace and bracelets to dress things up just a bit.
The result is an easy outfit that feels put together without looking like I tried too hard.
And isn’t that what we’re all looking for?
Why I Love Wearing a Shirt Dress as a Jacket Over 50
One of my favorite things about this look is the longer length.

I love how an open shirt dress creates a long line down the front of an outfit. It adds a little movement and makes even a basic T-shirt and jeans feel more interesting.
It’s also a great way to add a layer without wearing a heavy coat.
For those of us who love comfortable clothes but still want to look stylish, this is such an easy trick.
And don’t feel like you have to wear a shirt dress only as a dress! Sometimes the best outfits happen when you think outside the box.
An Easy Outfit for Fall and the Holidays
I can see myself wearing this outfit for so many occasions.

Lunch with girlfriends, a little Christmas shopping, a casual family gathering, or even an afternoon out and about.
The red makes it festive without being overly Christmasy, especially when paired with black jeans.
And when the holidays are over, I can simply remove the Christmas tree pin and keep wearing the outfit throughout winter.
That’s my kind of fashion!
Shop My Coldwater Creek Outfit
If you’d like to recreate this look, I’ve linked the pieces I’m wearing below.

- Red corduroy shirt dress
- Black jeans
- White T-shirt
- Black ankle booties
- Black quilted bag
- Christmas tree pin
I love finding clothing that can be styled in more than one way, and this red corduroy shirt dress is a perfect example.
Now I’m curious! Would you wear a shirt dress open as a jacket, or do you prefer wearing it as a dress?
Let me know in the comments. I always love hearing how you style your favorite pieces!

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