Styling Dresses in Various Ways
If there’s a piece that’s a guaranteed staple in every woman’s wardrobe, it’s a dress. Regardless of the season, it’s a reliable, one-and-done piece to have you looking chic in a flash. Even when it comes to meeting the transitional summer to fall period, there’s no reason to hang up those frocks just yet officially. There are still plenty of ways to keep wearing them and adjust accordingly when the temperatures are erratic.
Here are some of our favorite styling techniques to apply to all your favorite dresses.Make It Cozy
Kaii Waffle Knitted Cropped Sweater Top
Who doesn’t love knitwear? It’s especially fitting now that the trend is on the rise again. A cropped or short sweater looks great worn over a midi or maxi skirt. This does double purpose in serving as a stylish top while also emphasizing the length of your dress. We love it topped off with metallic necklaces or a thin tennis chain when you’re wearing bold colors.
- Add color blocking with the Mixed Yarn Stripe Pullover. The tri-color tones give a boost to a minimal palette but are subtle enough not to overpower.
- Try a printed cardigan like the Tie Front Crop Ruffle Sleeves Cardigan to elevate a plain dress. It’s an easy outfit formula on vacations but just as wearable for city off-duty.
- Warm up with knit hosiery for an extra layer under mini dresses. The Memoi Portland Side Cable Sweater Tights complement a pair of leather heels well—whether it be boots or strappy sandals.
Dresses to Match Your Knitwear:
- Let the hi-low skirt of the Bailey Sweetheart Hi Low Maxi Dress be the star of the show by pairing it with a neutral cropped sweater.
- Pack the Yellow Strappy Summer Midi Dress in your weekend bag with a tie-front cardigan.
- Dressing for special occasions is a breeze with the Dr2 Floral Ruffle Tiered Dress With Long Sleeves paired with black tights and strappy heels.
Add a Tailored Touch
A tailored blazer is a trans-seasonal staple for a reason. Apart from all the styling possibilities, it gives you a refined look yet retains an air of coolness. Choose your silhouette—belted for a cinched fit, a long, double-breasted to provide dual purpose as outerwear and a mini dress, or single-breasted for an oversized, relaxed feel.
- Go minimal with stylishly straightforward charcoal like the Oversized Blazer. Combine with a textured black dress—such as velvet or satin—to highlight its sheen and add character to an achromatic palette.
- Play with earth tones by mixing a sand- or chocolate-toned knit dress with the Dr2 Notch Collar Knit Blazer With Pockets.
- Jazz up your workwear with the Maree Pour Toi Core Blazer’s pastel hue. Style with a mini slip and pointed slingbacks.
Try These Frocks:
- Embellish a classic all-black outfit with the Kaii Micro Chain Fringe Dress’ dazzling shine and volume.
- Turn heads with Side Slit Halter Dress’ beautifully-feminine details. Show it off with a cropped blazer and a bold red lip.
- Take advantage of summer’s last hurrah in the Explosive Floral Ruffle Mini Dress under a crisp cream blazer.
Wear It Over a Casual Top
This styling trick is especially helpful for those in-between weather. It enables you to wear your favorite sleeveless dresses while supplying warmth and style. A baby tee + mini dress is always a favorite for the end of summer. A top with detailed sleeves under a maxi is an effortless formula when you’re going places.
- Experiment with something new for the office with the Romania Oversized Linen Shirt paired with a mini dress over a bootcut pant. The Signature Bootcut 5 Pocket Denim Jean adds just enough flare to make a sophisticated statement.
- Wear the Dr2 Bow-Tie Long Sleeve Blouse under a bias-cut midi dress come winter with a long trench coat.
- The ruffled sleeves on the Adrienne Vittadini 3/4 Raglan Sleeve Top will match well with a floral dress for a feminine and flirty take.
Wear These as Your Base:
- When you’re in a neutral mood, the Love Letters Sun Dress is great to pair with poplin shirts.
- Discover the power of no-fuss office style by pairing white long sleeves with the Fara Midi Sheath for a color-blocking effect.
- Let the vibrance of the Camila Draped Cutout Fit And Flare shine with a baby tee and clean, chunky sneakers.
Belt It
Metal Buckle Animal Faux Leather Belt
Not only does this add personality to an outfit, but it also creates a cinched effect for an hourglass illusion. Particularly with slip dresses that can sometimes be too straight and make you lose your silhouette. Go for a wide belt with plain dresses and reach for thin ones to accentuate prints.
- Accessorize a blazer on the waist with the Knot Belt, or use it to zhuzh up a shirt dress for casual days.
- Use the Faux Leather Tie Belt as an addition to your thin belt layers.
- Make a white summer dress standout with a printed belt like the Round Adjustable Belt.
Don These Dresses:
- Enhance the cinch of the Lola Button Up Midi Dress for date nights with a wide belt.
- Layer like a pro for cold weather by stacking thin animal print belts over the Danika Scoop Neck Tank Maxi and add a poplin shirt for warmth.
- Wear the Trench Coat Belted Jacket as a dress and replace the belt with a belt bag for a streetwear look.
Go For Grunge
Leather always makes everything better—it’s an all-time favorite for a reason. It’s perfect for days when you don’t want to overthink an outfit. Go all black or mix in neutral tones. Either way, it’s going to give your look a sleek, polished feel. Take your pick from a moto jacket to leather sneakers.
- Make these Inc Women's Wide Calf Knee-High Leather Boots your post-summer staple with a mini sweater dress.
- Turn your oversized white button-down into a shirt dress. Combine it with a sweater vest plus the Cat Woman Tights for an edge-to-preppy style.
- The Kaii Double Buckle Vegan Leather Biker Jacket has just the right length to be your finishing layer on top of knits.
Pair It With These:
- Dare to go bold in an all-leather look with the Kaii Stripe Leathered Bottom Dress.
- Love summer and fall? The Raja Leather Clutch bridges the gap so you can rock both seasonal trends.
- Customize your fit and cinch the Wide Dress in the middle to spotlight your waist.
A Dress Isn’t Just A One Trick Pony.
This single item offers infinite styling possibilities with the right pieces. Don’t be afraid to get creative—experiment with layers, pair textures to boost anything plain, and explore more accessory options. Soon, you’ll realize how versatile your closet is with all the pieces you can mix and match.