Not All Dresses and Jackets Go Together, But These 5 Timeless Combinations Work
Autumn has arrived, bringing with it the unpredictable mix of cold days and trickles of sunshine. The new season can be a temperamental one, meaning that while it may not quite be time to pull out the heavy coats, now is the time to keep a light jacket to hand. You might not think it, but dresses and jackets are notoriously difficult to style together. With varying lengths, it doesn't take much, perhaps an inch in either direction, to throw off your look. And of course, this isn't what you want or deserve.
Fret not, though, for we've found five foolproof jackets to go with dresses—a formidable outfit combination that'll see you through the season and beyond. Whether your style errs on the casual side or you prefer a more polished way of dressing, our fashion friends have your next dress-and-jacket outfit sorted. So what are you waiting for? Give your jeans and jumpers a break, and keep scrolling to see and shop our favourite jackets to wear with dresses.
5 Jackets That Go With Dresses and Always Look Chic:
1. Leather Jacket + Tube Dress
Style Notes: If you're looking for ease and style in perfect harmony, follow Lorna's lead by pairing a classic leather jacket with a refined tube dress.
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The cropped silhouette is perfect for styling with skirts.
The Skims beloved slip dress is now back in stock—and we love that it goes from size XXS to 4XL.
Complete the monochromatic ensemble with a timeless black handbag.
2. Belted Blazer + Maxi Dress
Style Notes: A belted jacket will create a flattering silhouette when paired with just about any dress, but it will look particularly modern alongside 2024's longline hem.
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3. Tan Suede Jacket + Cream Dress
Style Notes: The '70s were recently revived on the runway, and there's no time like the present to embrace it. Suede jackets are timeless and cream pieces are the perfect accompaniment.
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A pretty ring never goes amiss. This style would make for the perfect gift, too.
Keep to the 70s vibe with one of Chloé's vintage-inspired styles.
4. RELAXED BLAZER + MINI DRESS
Style Notes: A blazer is a seasonless wardrobe staple that can be worn all year round, and if you're a fan of the mini dress, then consider this ensemble your new go-to going out look.
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5. Country Jacket + White Dress
Style Notes: Country jackets are having a real moment—just ask Dua Lipa—and Olivia's outfit is a brilliant example of how to use yours to bring your favourite warm weather styles into autumn.
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I love the contrast of the romantic, floaty summer dress with the very English country jacket.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.