As someone who enjoys getting dressed up and playing around with fashion, I'm often drawn to pieces that are the opposite of traditional. I'll reach for a polka-dot top over a crisp white shirt, and excitedly add leopard pants to my cart rather than mom jeans. This method of shopping has both benefitted me and led to some stressful situations. While I definitely enjoy 'fun' clothes — bright colors, bold prints, Y2K designs, etc. — I've also found myself wishing I owned more staples, aka pieces I can then personalize based on my mood.

That's where the shirt dress comes in — or, rather, the new version of the shirt dress, which has been growing in popularity over the past few months. This one is ruched and a bit more form-fitting, adding flair and making it seem special. Yet, at the same time, it's just as versatile as the original, meaning it'll come in handy mid-dilemma, no matter what the plans are.

Celebrities and influencers have been styling this scrunched-up shirt dress with sandals and strappy heels over the summer, but because so many options include long sleeves or even come in sweater material, it's kind of the perfect piece for transitioning into fall, too. The more I think about one styled with tights, knee-high boots, or even chunky socks and loafers, the more I realize: this is the go-to item my closet needs. It's easy but fancy, casual yet sexy. It'll save me in pinch but still fits right in with my whimsical style.

Clearly, the ruched shirt dress is something I need, ASAP, and if you're feeling this trend, too, I've rounded up the best options I could find.

Kim Shui Ruched Silk Mini Dress

Shop now: $298; revolve.com

Pretty Little Thing Plus Chartreuse Brushed Rib Long Sleeve Ruched Shirt Dress

Shop now: $38; prettylittlething.us

Veronica Beard Ruched Shirtdress

Shop now: $450; nordstrom.com

Bardot The Gathered Slinky Long Sleeve Button-Up Minidress

Shop now: $119; nordstrom.com

In The Style Plus x Naomi Genes Ruched Detail Button Front Mini Dress

Shop now: $64; asos.com

superdown Colette Ruched Shirt Dress

Shop now: $66; revolve.com

Nasty Gal Ruched Detail Sleeveless Mini Shirt Dress

Shop now: $22 (Originally $43); nastygal.com

Cider Orange Gathered Velvet Shirt Dress

Shop now: $24; shop.shopcider.com

Pixie Market Eva Aymmetric Button Ruched Dress

Shop now: $139; pixiemarket.com

L'Academie The Ismene Mini Dress

Shop now: $168; revolve.com

Self-Portrait Ruched-Detail Shirt Dress

Shop now: $438; farfetch.com

Fashion to Figure Ruched Puff Sleeve Dress

Shop now: $70; nordstrom.com

Danielle Guizio Ruched Button Up Dress

Shop now: $388; revolve.com