This year has been dominated by tailoring. From power suits to stylish blazers and waistcoat combos, paired with wide-leg trousers, the city slicker look is one that has been prominent in both the spring/summer and autumn winter fashion trends 2025.
But Julia Roberts provided a stark reminder when she stepped out in New York the other week that we shouldn’t overlook the classic button-down as a key player in this aesthetic. Snapped wearing a neutral-hued, beige shirt dress, the star gave her outfit an androgynous finish by pairing the hessian-hued ensemble with a black skinny tie, bringing back ’90s business style.
(Image credit: TheStewartofNY/GC Images/Getty Images)
Get Julia Roberts’ Look
GAP
Poplin Belted Maxi Shirtdress
With the belt removed, this shirt dress is a great alternative to Julia’s thanks to the beige shade, the long shirt sleeves that are easily rolled up, and the button-up frontage.
Manu Atelier
Buckle-Strap Tubular-Handles Tote Bag
This chic and minimalistic handbag was designed with both elegance and practicality in mind. Not only is it perfectly chic with its sleek leather and buckle detailings, but it’s also the perfect size and shape for all your daily essentials.
Jimmy Choo
Scarlett 95 Black Nappa Leather Pumps
These are black, pointed toe heels at their finest, with Jimmy Choo adding a beautifully subtle corset and bow detail that elevates the classic heel shape. They’re versatile and timeless, perfect for wearing with anything in your autumn wardrobe.
Anthropologie
Long-Sleeve Shirt Dress
With over 700 reviews praising this dress as both ‘comfortable and classic,’ it’s a great option for recreating Julia’s style. While the shape is similar, the stark white is easier to integrate into an existing wardrobe and will help to make black accessories pop.
It’s such a small detail, but the tie has so much impact in elevating Julia’s dress. This Zara piece will have the same effect, while also working with any shirts for a more polished feel.
H&M
Slingback Court Shoes
While the lace-up, corset detail on Julia’s shoes is totally unique to Jimmy Choo, there are heels out there on the high street that offer similarly elevated takes on black heels, like this H&M pair with their classic shape and unique buckle details.
The Scarlett pumps have become one of Jimmy Choo’s autumn must-haves. A rework of the original (from 2023), the rerelease has been met with much joy from shoe lovers. And it’s really the accessories that make Julia Robert’s outfit the style standout that it is.
Alongside her shoes, her Manu Atelier handbag introduced sharp lines alongside a timeless, feminine feel to what could have been an overly androgynous look. Tying in the black tones of her accessories, Julia added a thin black tie to her dress, which worked hard in emphasising the crisp collar and simple silhouette of the shirt dress.
The dress on its own, when worn without a tie and with the top buttons undone, could feel much more relaxed and laid-back than it does here, and could even be worn slightly undone over a pair of skinny jeans for a pared-back feel. A brilliant autumn basic, this style of shirt dress can be worn again and again.
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