Layering: What to wear over summer dress?

Your wardrobe can be reinvented by learning what to wear over a gown. Although a dress may be considered a one-and-done outfit, it is actually a versatile base layer that can easily be reworked for many occasions.

It’s easy to breathe new life into your favorite frocks. The best dresses can be layered underneath everything, from knits and blazers. This will instantly give you a fresh look. It can make a big difference in the cost-per-wear value of an item, as it is possible to find the right dress for you.

Although there will always be a few statement dresses, most dresses can be worn up or down. This means that they can be worn for multiple events without people realizing that you are re-wearing an older look. It is possible to prolong the life of a dress by knowing what to wear over it. This means that your summer slip dress can be worn again for fall and beyond. The benefits extend beyond the sartorial. You’ll be able to remake your dresses with just a few modifications. This will result in you buying less and wearing more items, which is good for the environment and your bank account.

WHAT TO WEAR OVER A DRESS ACCORDING TO STYLE EXPERTS

Understanding the proportions is key to knowing what to wear over a gown. Layering can make it difficult to not overwhelm your frame. You’ll want to consider the length of your dress and the hem of the garment you plan to pair it with. They will need to complement each other to enhance, not swamp, your silhouette. You should also consider the shape of the dress as well as the garment you are wearing over it. If you don’t want the dress to hide your frame, you can look for pieces that flatter your figure, such as ones that highlight your waist or cut in the smallest places.

1. WHAT TO WEAR OVER A SLEEVELESS DRESS

You might think that summer is over, and it’s time for you to get rid of all your summer clothes. You don’t have to throw away all your sleeveless dresses just because the mercury drops. Take the time to shop and update your summer wardrobe.

Because sleeves aren’t bulky around the shoulders or arms, they are the easiest to layer. A longline blazer, trench coat or blazer is the best choice for a transitional look that suits awkward days in spring and early fall. You can wear neutral colors like black, cream, camel, and navy to maximize wearability. They will coordinate seamlessly with any color sleeveless dress.

Style tip: Give these classic pieces a contemporary twist by wearing a sleeveless trench or blazer. The arms will be more interesting if you add a jumper in a different color underneath.

2. WHAT TO WEAR OVER A SPAGHETTI STRAP DRESS

Spaghetti strap dresses are reserved for nights out and when it’s hot. These barely-there straps can be too obvious for everyday wear. Layering is also a good option to reduce your cost-per-wear.

You can layer outerwear like a blazer or coat over a spaghetti strapped gown, but you also have the option to add lighter layers. For summer evenings when the sun sets, a lightweight cardigan or knit is a great addition. A white or grey tee shirt over the top will give your ultra-feminine frocks an informal edge. If you want to highlight any details, your t-shirt can be worn under the dress.

Styling tip – Plain t-shirts work well for layering as they don’t draw too much attention. However, a band tee or graphic print will give it a rockier feel. This look is perfect for going to a concert. Just add some boots.

3. WHAT TO WEAR OVER A COCKTAIL DRESS

You can channel all your energy into searching for the perfect cocktail dresses for your next big event. It’s exciting to shop for fancy dresses. Keep in mind, however, that you will likely need an outer layer to arrive in, especially if you are looking at the Holiday season. You don’t need to wear your winter coat, but a tailored jacket is a better choice. For Petites, cropped, boxy styles work well. They will focus all attention on your waist and give you a flattering, yet well-proportioned silhouette. A directional longline blazer is a great choice for taller people. To highlight your frame, choose a style that falls just below your hips.

Styling tip: Want to know how to style your blazer? If you don’t feel like going to the cloakroom, you can “robing” your blazer.

4. WHAT TO WEAR OVER A MAXI DRESS

A maxi dress is a floor-sweeping length, so layers are not necessary. You can balance your look by ensuring your waist is well defined with a belt or waist-length jacket.

You can stop your look becoming too busy by using clever color-blocking. Choose a jacket in a different, but still coordinated, hue to your dress. This will create contrast and keep it from feeling like one piece of fabric.

Styling tip: A dress that doesn’t include a belt does not mean it can’t be added. This styling trick gives your dress an individual and more personal look. It’s great for A-line, fit-and-flare, or trapeze silhouettes. Empire lines should be avoided. A belt can highlight your waist and make your body look more defined.

5. WHAT TO WEAR IN THE SOME SEASON OVER A DRESS

Summer dresses require a field of delicate floral prints, buckets full of broderie Anglaise, and a few micro-mini hemlines. Layering pieces are a great way to show your color love, especially when it comes to summer dresses. A vibrant jacket can be a great way to brighten up a plain white dress. Or, you could choose to add a co-ordinating print as an extension to your frock. To create the illusion of two pieces, you could wear a shirt on top of a mini or midi dress. There are many options.

Styling tip: Your summer dress should have a more fluid shape than your top layer. This will balance your proportions.

6. WHAT TO WEAR OVER A SLIPP DRESS

A slip dress made from slinky fabric is a versatile piece that can be worn as a layering piece in a capsule wardrobe. The figure-skimming cut makes them suitable for day or night and also works well when paired with larger pieces.

This dressy style is made more casual by pairing it with breezy shirts and soft knitwear. You can rely on natural fabrics like linen and cotton for a relaxed vibe. However, they are more susceptible to creasing so it is worth considering a blend fabric.

You can still show the straps of your slipdress by removing your top layer (this is especially good with a new season’s slouchy knit), or wearing your jacket or sweater around you waist.

Styling tip – Chunky trainers or clogs can be a problem with the slim and elegant fit of a slipdress. This will help you dress it down for the day.

7. WHAT TO WEAR OVER A STRAPLESS DRESS

As if finding the perfect strapless bra wasn’t enough to make wearing a strapless gown feel difficult, you also have to consider what to wear over it, if you require a cover-up. A strapless bra is designed to be worn as partywear. You’ll need a loose layer for daytime. Check out the denim jackets. It’s as versatile as your favorite pair of jeans. It can be worn with almost any shade or fabric, and it will work for every occasion. It will feel more summer-appropriate the lighter it is, while darker and indigo washes work well for fall and winter.

You can keep your strapless dress stylish and party-ready by wearing a tailored, cropped jacket, bolero, or short cardigan.

Styling tip: To make the most out of your straight-across neckline, add a necklace. A statement necklace can also be used to reduce the skin’s expanse.

WHAT JACKETS TO WEAR WITH A DRESS

It doesn’t matter if the jacket fits over your dress. However, there are some styling considerations to make sure you have the right jacket for layering. Farrah May Archer Boadi is the Styling Team Leader at Stitch Fix. “As we enter late summer and early fall, it’s often not warm enough to wear summer dresses without a jacket.” It’s a good idea, in order to be ready for cooler weather, to get your perfect transitional jacket well in advance.

Farrah May continues, “When it comes lengths, think opposites for maximum impact.” Maxi dresses work well with a cropped jacket. The shorter length will define your waistline and emphasize your hips. A longline jacket will draw the eye down from the head to the toe if you are wearing a mini dress. To create a casual, cool look, you can pair a feminine dress with an oversized, boxy jacket. Your outfit will feel effortless with the contrast of styles.

Comfort is key. To ensure you don’t feel stifled, we recommend that you try on your outfit before you rush out. As with any outfit, it is important to feel confident and comfortable in the clothes you wear. It’s important that you feel comfortable in the fit of your jacket. Also, make sure your chest doesn’t get squashed by the jacket.