Shake off the layers and escape the heavy mantle of winter with a shirt-dress. This versatile wardrobe addition comes in many versions, from the timeless safari style to checks and stripes.

While inspiration for the shirt-dress might have come from women who wore their mate's work shirts as a casual coverup, the designer who put shirt-dressing on the map was Halston.

By the late '60s, even society women were less enchanted with the fussy fittings and stiff styling of haute couture. Halston's shirt-dresses offered luxurious minimalism. His designs were grown-up and -- more importantly -- sexy. Sensual fabrics such as silk jersey, Ultrasuede, cotton, cashmere and silk charmeuse transformed the shirt-dress into a classic staple.

Some think shirt-dresses are only for the ultraslender, but the style should not alienate curvaceous women. The look and drape flatters all figures.

Crank things up with a bright colour or let the dress flow seamlessly into your wardrobe by choosing a subdued neutral. With any hue, the silhouette is lean and elegant, emphasized by chunky pumps now and sandals in the summer.

Kellie Ann Zupet reports on fashion for The Hamilton Spectator. gostyle@thespec.com

Photos by John Rennison, The Hamilton Spectator Model from Vogue Models & Talent (Hamilton Toronto), 36 Hess St. S., 905-523-5077

Hair and makeup by Rozalynd Hutley of Young Scissors, 1104 Fennell Ave. E.