April 11, 2025

The Iconic Lilly Shift

With its simply sophisticated shape that hangs straight down from the shoulders, the Shift Dress effortlessly combines comfort and style. Dive into the history of the dress that started it all, then get an in-depth look at the new Shift silhouette we're loving this spring. It all started with a timeless Shift...

When our founder's former school chum, Jackie Kennedy, came to our hometown, she donned the Palm Beach uniform: a casual, comfortable, chic, and pulled together Lilly Shift Dress. Jackie was regarded as one of the most stylish women in the world, so when she appeared in her Shift on the cover of Life Magazine in 1962, it instantly become a must-have in every closet. Lilly herself later recalled, "It just took off like ZINGO!"

Lilly's citrus business had officially transformed into a clothing business. This Shift marked the beginning of American Resort Wear, turning our favorite trailblazer into a fashion icon and her trademark design into a wardrobe classic. Word spread to sunny destinations worldwide, and Lilly's signature Shift Dress anchored the legacy of one of the most incredibly fun, female-led, entrepreneurial brands in history. Read here for more about our brand's vibrant beginnings.

Today, we're still finding new ways to wear our most iconic silhouette. "We have reinvented the Shift over the years with hints of stretch, in various fabrications, and offer shifts for every occasion that her day brings,” says Mira Fain, Chief Creative Officer.

This year, you can shift your wardrobe into spring with a fresh take on our forever favorite style: the retro-chic Beckler Shift. We popped into our design studio to ask the team why they love this new look—here's what they had to say:

"The Beckler has a lot of great vintage nods, starting with its silhouette. The curved underbust seam, slightly A-line skirt with side slits, and contouring at the sides of the body with underarm gussets are all classic elements. The white framing and subtly textured fabric create an interplay seen in lots of vintage Lilly, but we chose a Stretch Poplin to offer freedom of movement that fits a modern, active lifestyle. Finally, no Shift Dress would be complete without some of our signature details, like custom Lilly lace hem tape, a long zipper pull, a tall hem that can be let out for extra length, and (of course!) our beloved bows."

We have a feeling this style will take off like ZINGO, so snap up your favorite spring prints while you can...

Mane Character Energy: We love the heritage vibes of this pink-and-green colorway so much that we made a matching look for your mini, too.

Bright Delight Patchwork: Our most iconic silhouette in one of our equally iconic patchwork prints? A patch made in heaven.

Daffodil Hill: The Beckler's dressmaker details shine alongside our favorite spring tonal print, emphasizing its cool throwback vibes. (P.S. You can find matching Men's Stuff styles in this print!)