You can never go wrong when choosing a dress as the foundation of your outfit. One of my favorite items of clothing is the dress, which can be dressed up or down and look great in either situation.
Learning what to wear over a dress can help renovate your wardrobe. Although a dress is typically thought of as a one-time outfit, it is actually a very adaptable base layer that can be reworked for a variety of occasions, making your wardrobe work harder. I’ve compiled some advice that I employ when selecting the ideal outerwear to go with a dress. Keep reading!
Table of Contents
Various Popular Dress Styles
Let’s talk more about the current dress trends before I discuss what you can wear over a dress. From timeless styles to recent fads, there are countless dress fashions you can explore.
Maxi Dress
Maxi dresses are one of the most trendy types of dresses. Although there are numerous variations of this garment, they all flow down to your ankles. Maxi dresses come in a variety of styles, from elegant and formal to casual and tunic-style dresses you can wear to the beach or over swimwear.
The most popular maxi dress features right now are cutouts, flowing chiffon, and dramatic sleeves.
Slip Dress
The slip dress has become more and more popular in recent years. Slip dresses were originally made to be worn under clothing (kind of like lingerie) but gained popularity as outerwear in the 90s. Since then, these items have remained popular.
This dress comes in both long and short lengths and is made of a smooth or silky material. Slip dresses can be plain or decorated with lace or a cowl neck, for example. I love to style a slip dress with a crop top for a 90s throwback or with a pair of chunky heels to make a statement.
Related Reading: How to Style a Slip Dress?
Wrap Dress
Another common design in the fashion industry is wrapped dresses. These dresses function essentially exactly how they sound: a dress that wraps around your waist and is typically tied in place with a bow.
Because they are so simple to put on and take off, wrap dresses are also fantastic clothing items for beach days. They can, however, also be seriously dressed up; right now, I’m totally into wrap-style wedding dresses.
Mini Dress
The mini dress is just as beloved as the maxi dress, especially for everyday wear. Mini dresses are incredibly adaptable and can be worn all year round.
What To Wear Over A Dress?
1. What To Wear Over A Sleeveless Dress
You might believe that it’s time to pack away your best summer dresses as the season comes to an end, but you’d be mistaken. No longer must you put all of your sleeveless dresses in storage when the temperature drops. Instead, take advantage of the chance to update your summer wardrobe staples for the coming season.
As there won’t be any extra bulk around the shoulders and arms, sleeveless dresses are among the easiest to layer. A longline blazer or trench coat is the ideal layering piece for an elegant transitional look that is best suited for those uncomfortable in-between days in late spring or early fall. For maximum wearability, choose simple hues like black, navy, camel, or cream that will go well with sleeveless dresses of any color.
Styling tip: These timeless pieces get a fresh update with a trench or blazer without sleeves. The arms will also look more interesting with the addition of a jumper in a contrasting color underneath.
2. What To Wear Over A Spaghetti Strap Dress
If you’re anything like us, you frequently reserve spaghetti strap dresses for special occasions or as a summertime outfit. Layering can help you reduce your cost-per-wear because the barely-there straps can feel too exposed for everyday wear and, of course, we don’t always have the weather for them.
A spaghetti strap dress can be covered with outerwear as the first line of defense, such as your best blazer or coat, but there is also room for lighter layers. Once the sun has set, a thin knit or cardigan is the ideal addition for summer evenings. Over ultra-feminine dresses, a white or grey t-shirt will add a more laid-back vibe. Of course, if there is a particular detail on the dress you’d like to draw attention to, you can also wear your t-shirt underneath it.
Styling tip: A graphic print or band tee will add a rockier feel, making this look ideal for what to wear to a concert; just add some stompy boots. Plain t-shirts are best for layering because they won’t draw too much attention; however, they will add an element of style.
3. What To Wear Over A Cocktail Dress
Putting all your effort into discovering the best cocktail dresses for your upcoming big event? We understand that finding a fancy dress is one of life’s few truly exciting experiences. But bear in mind that you’ll probably also need an outer layer for when you get there, especially if you’re planning on arriving during the holiday season. Instead of just slinging on your best winter coat over the top, look instead for a tailored blazer. For Petites, cropped, boxy styles work well because they focus all the attention on your waist, giving you a more curvy but proportionate figure. A longline directional blazer will look effortlessly chic on taller people. Opt for a style that finishes just below your hips and that’s, ideally, nipped in at the waist to highlight your frame
Styling tip: Curious about blazer styling? Try “robing”, this is where your blazer is draped over your shoulders for a laid-back feel and is a great way to wear your jacket once you’re in the party if you’re not quite ready for the cloakroom.
4. What To Wear Over A Maxi Dress
A maxi dress’ floor-length length means there is already a lot of fabric in use before you even consider layering. Make sure your middle is defined (with a belt or waist-length jacket) to prevent the look from being too overwhelming for your frame. You can also choose a low (scoop or V) neckline with a longer-line jacket to help the look feel more balanced.
Use clever color-blocking to define your silhouette and a jacket in a different color from your dress but one that still coordinates with it to add contrast and keep the outfit from feeling too overwhelming in order to keep it from looking like a swath of fabric.
Styling tip: It doesn’t mean you can’t add a belt just because your dress doesn’t come with one. This styling tip works best with A-line, fit and flare, or trapeze silhouettes but should generally be avoided with empire line designs. It gives your dress a more personalized and unique feel, which is a lifesaver if someone shows up in the same outfit as you. By emphasizing your waist with a belt, your shape will be preserved even if the fit of your outer layer is a little more relaxed.
5. What To Wear Over A Slip Dress
A slinky slip dress is among the most versatile layering pieces in any capsule wardrobe and when it comes to how to style a slip dress, the figure-skimming cut means they work for both day and night, as well as pairing well with more oversized pieces.
Team your slip dress with supple knits, airy shirts, and slouchy blazers to lean into the laid-back feel and make this dressy style and the silky fabric feel more relaxed. Natural materials like cotton and linen can be counted on to exude a carefree vibe, but keep in mind that they are inherently more prone to creasing, so you might want to consider a blended fabric.
If you still want to show off the straps of your slip dress, wear your top layer around your waist, or slouchy knits from the current season work especially well for this.
Styling tip: The narrow, elegant fit of a slip dress is at odds with chunky trainers and clogs, which helps to dress it down for the day.
7. What To Wear Over A Strapless Dress
Wearing a strapless dress is challenging enough without having to worry about what to wear over it should you need a cover-up. Finding the best strapless bra only adds to the difficulty. A pretty relaxed layer is required if you want to tone down a strapless dress for daytime because of the shoulder-flashing style that naturally leans towards partywear. Enter the best denim jackets. Similar in versatility to your favorite pair of jeans, it can be worn in all settings and with almost any color or fabric. Denim will feel more summer-appropriate the lighter the wash, while dark and indigo washes are ideal for the fall and winter.
If you want to keep your strapless dress in the party mode, look for a cropped tailored jacket, bolero, or short cardigan to keep your outfit smart.
Styling tip: Make the most of the straight-across neckline by wearing a necklace. The expanse of skin will also be broken up by a statement necklace.
How To Style A Dress In The Winter?
The season heavily influences what you should cover your dress. I wanted to discuss the best outerwear for the colder seasons of the year in this article before moving on to the warmer ones.
Sweaters
I just can’t say it enough — layering sweaters over dresses is quite trendy and practical. With the rise in popularity of chunky hand knits, I like to wear my sweaters out and about over a dress with tights and thick-soled boots. I may even add leg warmers as a cute throwback to the 1980s, who knows?
Jackets
Jackets have all the style of a sweater, but with the addition of easy-on and easy-off — plus pockets. Regardless of the weather, an oversized denim jacket is a cute and vintage addition to any outfit. A dress and a stylish moto jacket make a great ensemble for a night out.
Cardigans
The cardigan is another popular kind of outerwear. Cardigans are incredibly adaptable. When it’s warmer outside, you can wear one to keep you warm or something more breathable.
They make a fantastic addition when you want to add a happy pop of color. If your dress is more of a neutral tone, you can use a cardigan to add a splash of color or a unique and eye-catching texture.
Layer All Three
Layering various kinds of outerwear for a bohemian edge is a great way to really amp up your fashion. If it’s cold outside but you’re only going to work, wearing a thin cardigan or sweater underneath a heavier jacket is the ideal solution.
Related Reading: How To Wear Summer Dresses In The Winter?
How To Style A Dress In The Summer?
The heat will have an effect on your wardrobe, just like the cold did. On a hot July day, you won’t want to cover your dress with a sweater. So, in a hot climate, what can you put on over a dress?
Light Cardigans
In the warmer months of the year, a lightweight cardigan is not just fashionable; it also serves a practical purpose. I like to keep a lightweight cardigan in my bag when I’m out and about in a sundress so that if I get cold at my destination, I already have the solution with me.
Button-down Shirts
When it’s warm outside, button-down shirts are the ideal item to layer over a dress. Without making your body overheat, they amplify your style. You can wear a button-down shirt over a dress unbuttoned or even tied at the waist.
With the spike in popularity of the coastal grandma aesthetic, button-down shirts are a wardrobe staple in the summer. Make waves by layering them over a light dress for a cool, relaxed look.
Bags
Your bag is an additional component of your ensemble. In the warmer months, you can combine a bag with your dress to add style as well as a practical way to transport your belongings.
I enjoy keeping my wardrobe current with the hottest bags. I’ll be able to quickly add one to the mix to give my dress a nice touch.
Hats
One of my preferred summertime clothing items is a hat. While I love to have some fun in the sun, I know how important it is to protect my face from too many rays. In addition to using a sunscreen every day, a hat offers additional sun protection.
But designer hats aren’t just great for keeping the sun off my face; they’re cute to boot. When I’m at the beach or the pool, I adore donning a huge sun hat. Possibly paired with a bolo tie, suede hats are a great way to add a Western touch to your outfit.
Jewelry
Another perfect addition to any dress is the right jewelry. Regardless of the season or climate, jewelry is appropriate to wear year-round, but it is a particularly great way to accessorize when you are limited in the number of layers you can wear.
Having all of your jewelry matches will enhance your dress and create a flawless appearance. Different parts of the body will be connected if you wear rings that go well with your necklace and bracelets. It not only looks breathtaking, but it also demonstrates that you gave your choices some thought and consideration.
Read More: How To Dress Sexy?
