STYLE : FASHION : A ‘50s Flashback

For warmer days, shirtwaist dresses are very much in the forefront of fashion. Born in the fabulous ‘50s, they are American classics much like the women who popularized them--Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Lucille Ball.

Short, flirty styles slip under a jacket for day. Long, slightly nostalgic versions are just right for catching the breeze on a summer evening. With button-front closures, shirtdresses allow a woman to bare as much leg as she dares. Some designers show them open from the waist down and worn over coordinating briefs, shorts or capri pants. Innovative touches such as sheer fabrics and unusual belts give the shirtdress a fresh new feeling while never straying far from its classic roots.

Hair: Tony Allen/ Dorie Sherman; makeup: Lutz/ Profile L.A.; model: Cynthia Basinet/ Fresh Model Management; 1950s day bed from Ohio, Venice, and vintage drapery fabric from Futurama, Hollywood.