No matter the season, my dresses are some of the simplest and most convenient pieces in my wardrobe. In the summertime, I throw one on and run out the door with barely a thought because they're the most practical item one can wear while summer temps blaze. In winter, the added thought is only to slip into a pair of tights and maybe layer a turtleneck underneath. With that being said, dresses are always complicated by one thing: outerwear. Temperatures can swing from 90ºF midday to 65ºF at night in the blink of an eye come summer, which means it's essential to have a jacket to combat the evening chill. In the fall and winter, a coat practically becomes part of your outfit as you need one to even step out the door.
The challenge lies in the fact that because a coat immediately becomes the most visible part of your ensemble, it can easily make or break an outfit. Styling coats with dresses can be particularly tricky, as the final layer can make the entire dress seem shapeless or even cover it in its entirety. Nonetheless, they are necessary, and yes, there are ways that a coat can upgrade—and even highlight—the dress underneath. All you need are a few tips to do it right. If you don't believe me, read on to learn how to pair jackets with dresses.
Belt It
If you're seeking a constructed, tailored look (less free-flowing and informal), try belting both your jacket and dress with a single belt. Not only will this simple accessory create uniformity among the two pieces (even if they're contrasting like the above), but it will also give them more shape and an interesting form for the eye to follow.
Match the Jacket Length to That of Your Dress
Whether I'm wearing a minidress with a blazer or a midi dress with a trench coat, I love matching the lengths of both pieces. It provides a uniform, suited look that is both put together and classic. Your outfit immediately looks very intentional, and the jacket and dress will look perfectly paired, no matter the material or color.
…Or Wear It Much Shorter
If you're not going to match the lengths exactly, I suggest swinging to the opposite end of the spectrum and styling two contrasting lengths. Specifically, fashion people love pairing a short jacket (think cropped) with long midi or maxi dresses. The look is lengthening, as it draws your eye from the hem of the jacket to the hem of the dress.
Drape It Over Your Shoulders
Despite the dinosaur hands that inevitably emerge when wearing a jacket draped over your shoulders, it is undoubtedly one of the chicest ways to style the pairing. While freeing your arms, this look allows you to show off your entire dress while accessorizing the coat in an effortless and flirtatious way. It will look like you threw it on as an afterthought while walking out the door—no one will know you meticulously planned it.
Color Contrast
Once again, there is a middle ground when looking to create a stylish jacket-dress combo. If you don't like color-coordinated looks, try choosing a jacket that starkly contrasts with your dress. The disparity will highlight each piece, making for a daring and avant-garde outfit—the likes of which you see on the runway.
Make Your Jacket the Dress
Last but not least, why not just skip the whole pairing process and make your jacket the dress? I love a good two-for-one combo, and this one is especially delightful. Mid-thigh jackets make for the perfect dress length, so just button (or zip) it up, throw a belt around it, and voilà—a jacket dress.
This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.