Shirt dresses are an 'it' summer style that can go anywhere — shop picks starting at $20

This shirt dress is business on the top, party on the bottom. At the top, you have a utility-style short-sleeved shirt with a snappy collar. There's elastic at the waist to comfortably cinch you in. And on the bottom, there's a full A-line skirt that flows when you walk or dance. The dress comes in regular, petite and tall sizes. Choose from khaki, black and sage green.

"This dress has the shape of my dreams! Wide angled sleeves that keep their shape, snatched waist, maxi length A-line skirt that goes to just above my ankles and with pockets (not just on chest but in the skirt!)," said a shopper. "Overall, this is a dress with a shape/style and price point that is perfect/rare to find, so I had to snap it up! In love with it!"

This cotton shirt dress doesn't have a lot of structure, and that's exactly why we like it. It will feel like you're wearing your jammies, but it will look like you put a whole lot more effort into your outfit. It has a pleat in the back that gives it a little extra volume, plus hidden pockets. Choose from regular, tall and petite lengths in three colors.

One shopper called it "oversized but not unflattering." Another exclaimed: "It was a perfect fit! Perfect fabric! Perfect style! Perfect length!"

The Tobie is one of Anthropologie's bestsellers, and it's available in maxi and mini length. As a maxi, it comes in 12 colors, plus regular, petite and tall sizes. The dress has an extra-flattering silhouette — a cinched-in waist, oversized sleeves and a full A-line skirt — that will enhance your natural curves. 

"I have this dress in the black striped and black solid versions and want it in the blue gingham! Truthfully I want in every color," said one of nearly 1,200 reviewers. "It is the easiest dress to wear and I always get compliments. It cinches in the waist and is stretchy, so I went with an XS rather than my normal size S."

Looking for an effortlessly cool, timeless closet staple? A classy button-down frock fits the bill, and this one looks more expensive than its $35 price tag. Initiatives Writer Ellie Conley brought it to my attention, and I'm adding it to my cart as we speak. "This crisp cotton style is one of those 'throw-on-and-go' dresses," she says. "Slip it on and you're ready to head out the door, no matter the destination." As a short queen, I have trouble finding dresses like this that don't drag on the floor, so I appreciate that Old Navy sells it in regular, tall and petite lengths.  

This shirt dress has a smocked waist with a drawstring that can be tightened, a flouncy mini skirt, pockets and buttons galore. It looks flirty and feminine in two classic shades: white and navy blue.

"Delicate and feminine and not too revealing, perfect for something light to throw on during summer," said one reviewer. "Dress down with sneakers or dress up with heels, just be aware it might be slightly too short for a workplace environment depending on your height!"

This textured gauze shirt dress is light, breezy and a great option if you're looking for something to wear from the beach to dinner. It comes in white, pink, green and brown in regular and petite lengths. Keep it free and flowy or throw on a belt for a little definition at the waist.

"This is my summer go-to dress!" said one stylish shopper. "Perfect for dining out, church, any social gathering! Material is buttery soft, and throw on a pair of sandals, and you are good to go!"

If you're feeling a little insecure about your midsection, this forgiving shirt dress may be a good pick. It has a tie at the waist that you can tighten or loosen, depending on how much you want to cinch your middle. It also comes in white, but there are more sizes available in navy.

Here's another flirty mini, ideal for the hottest summer days. The cap sleeves are cuffed and held up with a button tab, there's pleating at the waist (similar to the more expensive Anthropologie option), and pockets on the sides of the flattering A-line skirt. It comes in four colors: navy, pink, blue and tan.

"I love this dress. It's stylish and beautifully tailored to accentuate the waist, creating a flattering hourglass silhouette," said a Nordstrom Rack reviewer.

This shirt dress has an extra-flirty, fun detail: ruffles! They're paired with gathered shoulders, a matching fabric belt and a flared skirt. If you're someone who wants your shirt dress to have a little more structure, this is a good candidate. It also comes in a blue and white floral print.

"So cute on, professional and a bit youthful (but not too much), complementary and conservative," a reviewer gushed.