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Dresses are a stylish and comfortable choice for any occasion. You can wear one to work, on the weekend, or even to a fancy formal event. Dresses are versatile—you can pair them with shoes, belts, hats and more—but if you want to add something over your dress that’s unique and eye-catching, we’ve got some great options for you.
If you’re looking for new ways to layer over your dresses while staying warm and stylish this fall season, look no further. We’ve compiled some potential additions into this list of our favorite pieces that go great over dresses!
Silk Slip Dress
The silk slip dress is a 90s-era fashion staple that’s having a major comeback this season. If you want to channel your inner Courtney Love (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), donning one of these dresses is essential. Here are some dos and don’ts for how to wear a silk slip dress:
- Don’t overdress. This look is all about being simple and casual. Your main focus should be making sure you show off the dress in all its glory, not whether or not your shoes match your bag!
- Do accessorize with simple jewelry and makeup. A little bit of sparkle on your wrist or ears can go a long way toward making this outfit pop, so don’t hesitate to pile on the bracelets or stud earrings if you’d like. You might also consider playing up your eyes with some smokey liner and mascara—a perfect combination if you’re going out on the town! Bonus points if they’re glittery too (see above).
- Do wear it over jeans or leggings. The great thing about the slip dress is that it’s so versatile: it looks equally great over pants as it does by itself! Even better news? There are tons of options when choosing what pants to pair with this piece, from skinny jeans (our favorite option) all through wide leg trousers like culottes and palazzo pants—just pick whichever style suits best for wherever you’ll be heading out tonight.”
Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is a great layering piece to help you transition your warm-weather dresses into fall and winter. Coming in a variety of washes, these easy jackets are a great way to add some color and texture to an outfit. The look is youthful, but with the right accessories, it can also be quite polished. Denim jackets work equally well on their own and over other layers including leather jackets or coats.
While most people think of jeans first when they hear “denim”, there are so many different ways to wear denim that don’t involve a pair of trousers—all with their own charm and character. We’ve seen plenty of celebrities wearing denim pieces for everything from street style to formal events. In this article, we explore how you can wear one of our favorite fabrics in the form of a classic denim jacket over your favorite dress!
Leather Biker Jacket
During the cold months of winter, leather biker jackets are like the “it” item on the runways. The dark color is a classic and timeless style that never goes out of style. They’re versatile and can be paired with all types of outfits, from jeans to business suits. They’re also durable and long-standing, making them a great investment if you will be wearing them for years to come.
Leather biker jackets have been around for quite some time; in fact, they were one of the first accessories to really catch on in the fashion world back in 1929. Steve McQueen wore his leather jacket as he helped American Bikers Association (ABA) organize local chapters across America during the 1960s—the association was formed for McQueen’s character, “The King of Cool” (a blatant rip-off from Elvis). On top of his starring role in films like The Great Escape and The Thomas Crown Affair, McQueen was also one of the most influential motorcycle personalities in history. His jacket became synonymous with him, so much so that it inspired other bikers to start sporting their own leather jackets that could withstand whatever weather or terrain they might encounter while riding their motorcycles or just hanging out!
Blazers and Jackets
- Blazers: Blazers are the classic choice when it comes to dressing up a casual dress. They have the ability to make any outfit look polished and professional, while also being easy to wear and flattering on most body types. Another reason they are so popular is because they can be worn all year round. In the summer, choose a light-weight cotton or linen blazer in white, cream or black; in winter opt for more substantial wool varieties—the possibilities are endless!
- Jackets: If you don’t want anything too fitted around your waist, then jackets are your best bet. These will balance out wide hips and elongate your legs if you go for one that hits at the waist or above. You can also try wearing them with jeans (or a skirt) instead of dresses—just make sure it’s not too oversized or bulky looking, as this may overwhelm your frame and add bulk where you don’t want it!
Cardigan Sweater
You can throw on a pair of sandals, flats or heels and you’re good to go! Or, add more accessories like a belt, jewelry… the options are endless. There’s no wrong way to wear this versatile piece.
It looks great with blue jeans too. Throw it on over a tank top or cami paired with your favorite jeans and you’re ready for the day!
While we may not be able to predict what weather will happen next (and when), one thing is for certain… our cardigans are here to stay!
Crew Neck Sweater
Well, that’s easy. Crew neck sweaters are pretty much the most useful thing a girl can own, seeing as they can be worn over any dress and with almost any outfit. They’re warm, but not too hot. They’re colorful, but not childish. They’re casual enough to wear with sneakers, but still make you look like you actually tried to put together an outfit. We don’t waste time thinking about what to wear over a dress when we have our trusty crew necks on hand!
Every girl needs at least one in her closet—but why stop there? Since they come in a variety of sizes and styles, you could wear them every day for months without running out of combinations! Throw them on with a pair of leggings for some extra coverage or layer them under your favorite button-down shirt for an edgy look. Crew necks are so versatile that you can literally wear them anywhere: from the gym to the office, from school to church—you name it! If someone tries telling you otherwise… well… we hate to break it to ya buddy: that person is just plain wrong 🙂
V-Neck Sweater
Your white V-neck sweater is the perfect piece for layering over a dress. Whether you’re looking for something to wear to a summer wedding or just need an extra layer of warmth, this is a great option. The V-neckline flatters your collarbone, and the medium length creates a clean line that doesn’t overpower the rest of your outfit.
Sweatshirts and Hoodies
You’re probably already reading this with a sweatshirt on, but if you aren’t, you should definitely give it a try. The classic hoodie is getting an all-season makeover in 2018, so put away your notions that they’re only for lazy Sundays or gym trips. Instead of just grabbing one to wear around the house, pair it with some dress pants, shorts or a skirt and get ready to look fabulous while staying comfortable.
Don’t worry, we’re not asking you to squeeze into the skimpiest little black dress either (unless you have one on hand and are feeling up for the challenge). Sweatshirts look great over dresses of any length and style: whether maxi, midi or mini; printed or solid; stand-alone or layered beneath an outerwear piece. For extra warmth during colder months, pull a sweatshirt over your dress as an outer layer; for springtime breezes and summer nights that cool down after dark, your sweatshirt can be worn underneath another layer like an unbuttoned shirt or jacket.
How can I wear a hoodie with a dress? is likely what fashionistas are asking themselves right now—and we’ve got answers! Check out three of our favorite ways to wear this timeless combo (total cost: under $30).
Trench Coats and Raincoats
You have probably seen trench coats before, and they are a perfect choice to throw over a dress when you need an extra layer. Trench coats come in all sorts of styles, but the classic double-breasted ones look great with dresses. They can be dressed up or down, and work well no matter if you’re wearing heels or sneakers, so they’re a perfect versatile piece. With the all-weather versatility of most trench coats, they can take you from summer to fall to spring without missing a beat. Plus, since trench coats are such timeless pieces that will never go out of style, investing in one means it will always be there for you when you need it.
Pea Coat and Wool Coat
When it comes to layering over dresses, coats and jackets make a statement with or without other pieces. The pea coat, for example, is double-breasted with large buttons that are reminiscent of the military attire the style was first inspired by. Wool coats are classic and trench coats carry a certain elegance. Colours like white, black and grey can match any outfit while styles like an oversized coat give off an effortlessly cool yet fashionable vibe.
There are many options when it comes to pairing dresses with blazers but perhaps one of the easiest ways to create a stylish look is by wearing overalls over your dress. This could be dressed up or down depending on what you’re going for! If you want to try this look, we recommend adding a denim jacket over your dress because it will make it especially casual chic. Speaking of denim, you can also wear a leather jacket over your dress which will add some edge to your look. And if you want to keep things simple yet classy then we recommend wearing a wool coat or pea coat over your dress…
You can wear most things over a dress, so don’t be afraid!
You are, however, wearing something that is considered fashionable and appropriate for this season. But don’t be afraid! You can wear a wool jumper over your dress. You can wear a denim jacket over your dress. You can wear a leather jacket over your dress. You can wear a cardigan, or a trench coat, or an oversized sweater—if you want to feel comfortable and warm and protected from the elements while going out into the world in your little cotton frock (or whatever the fiber content of said frock happens to be). You are not even limited to outerwear: I have worn jeans under my dresses, with tights underneath them (if it is winter), feeling like I was somehow “breaking the rules” by wearing an outfit that contained both pants and a skirt at once.
I am pulling all of these examples straight from my personal wardrobe experience because they represent garments that have made me feel good in “unusual” combinations; I encourage you to do the same (combining unusual garments). It will probably work out just fine if you do!
Conclusion
The final option is to wear a thin, lacy camisole underneath the dress, and top it off with a sheer cardigan or sheer blouse. The end result is romantic and elegant.
No matter which approach you choose, keep in mind that the key to being successful at layering is all about balance. If you’re opting for multiple layers on top, like wearing a fitted long-sleeved top under a loose cardigan over your dress, there’s no need to add yet another layer of tights underneath the dress as well.
If you’re adding something over your dress, remember that if you have gone with some sort of color splash on your legs (whether it’s colored tights or colored shoes), then try to match those colors when picking out what goes on top.
Layer a chunky sweater over a dress for a look that’s cozy and stylish. This fashion statement combines the comfort of a casual knit with the feminine look of a flowing silhouette—perfect for when it’s too cold to wear just your favorite summer dress. And while you may think you need to be tall and skinny to get away with wearing something so bulky, you can pull off this outfit no matter your size or shape. Just follow our tips, and you’ll be rocking this trendy garment in no time!
