You’ve got your dress picked out, your shoes and your jewelry. But how about a cover-up for your outfit? Whether you want to add a little extra warmth or you simply prefer to cover your upper arms, we show you how to cover up a formal outfit with lots of unique ideas.

This article features inspiration from women at two of New York’s biggest events: the MET Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the New York City Ballet Spring Gala, as well as ideas to shop, and outfits from stylish 40+ women on Instagram.

Enjoy all the stylish looks!

How to cover up a formal outfit

40+Style At The New York Philharmonic Opening Ceremony | 40plusstyle.com

First, let’s look at what media queen Oprah Winfrey wore for a formal event. Her green gown goes beautifully with silver accessories.

If you wanted to cover up a similar outfit, you could opt for a cover up in the same shade of green, or a contrasting color such as gold, silver, white or cream.

The Nordstrom metallic wrap (below) would go with any color dress you have.

Nordstrom Metallic Lightweight Wrap | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom Metallic Lightweight Wrap

Or you could match your cover-up to your dress.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Faux Fur Quilted Plush Shrug | 40plusstyle.com

BCBGMAXAZRIA Faux Fur Quilted Plush Shrug

A white or cream faux fur stole would also go well with this shade of green.

Caracilia Faux Fur Stole | 40plusstyle.com

Caracilia Faux Fur Stole

Or, you could try a chiffon wrap in the same shade as your dress. The chiffon shawl (below) comes in a huge choice of colors so you should find one to match your gown, no matter what color you’ve chosen for your outfit.

Alivila.Y Fashion Chiffon Wrap | 40plusstyle.com

Alivila.Y Fashion Chiffon Wrap

The best cover ups for your formal outfit

1. Laced trimmed wrap

A trimmed wrap can be perfect to add texture to your outfit. Ideal if you have a bohemian style personality! The fringe scarf (below) comes in a wide choice of colors so you should find one to match your dress. Reviewers say it is perfect for dressing up a simple dress.

Formal dress cover up - Tan's Lace Teardrop Fringe Lace Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Tan’s Lace Teardrop Fringe Lace Scarf

How to cover up a formal outfit | 40plusstyle.com

2. formal dress cover up – silk scarf

Choosing a silky material like silk or satin always adds a luxurious feel to your outfit. The silk scarf (below) is large so you can wear over your shoulders. Reviewers say it is light, soft, and wide enough to wear as a shawl.

Formal dress cover up - NUWEERIR 100% Large Mulberry Silk Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

NUWEERIR 100% Large Mulberry Silk Scarf

A red floral print scarf paired with a black top | 40plusstyle.com

3. textured scarf

To create interest in your outfit, don’t just think about the colors you choose, but also the textures. The spotted scarf (below) comes in a choice of 14 colors.

Formal dress cover up - YOUR SMILE Chiffon Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

YOUR SMILE Chiffon Scarf

A monochrome shawl to add dimension to one's outfit | 40plusstyle.com

4. dressy shrugs for dresses – a Bolero

If you prefer a look that completely covers your arms, then wearing a bolero over your dress is a good choice. A satin bolero will ensure that your outfit looks dressy enough for any occasion.

Formal dress cover up - Belle Poque Ruffled Satin Bolero | 40plusstyle.com

Belle Poque Ruffled Satin Bolero

Style ideas for wearing bolero jackets with a dress | 40plusstyle.com

5. kimono

While you tend to think of a kimono for summer, you can also use your kimono or ruana to cover up your evening outfit during the party season. Look for a kimono in luxurious fabrics so it looks formal enough for a special occasion.

Formal dress cover up - WeHello Burnout Velvet Kimono | 40plusstyle.com

WeHello Burnout Velvet Kimono 

Crop jackets are great for creating shape and length in outfits | 40plusstyle.com

6. formal dresses with jackets – a studded jacket

If you want to add an edge to your little black dress, you could add a studded jacket.

Formal dress cover up - NIKKI LUND Heart Stud Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

NIKKI LUND Heart Stud Jacket

Add edge to your look with a stud embellished coat as shown | 40plusstyle.com

7. formal dress cover up – a Fur shrug

For more than a touch of glamour, you could try a cape with faux fur trim. There’s a good choice of neutrals, rich shades and pastels, and reviewers say its a very elegant choice.

Formal dress cover up - ZLYC Open Front Faux Fur Trim Cape | 40plusstyle.com

ZLYC Open Front Faux Fur Trim Cape

A sequined dress is paired well with a neutral colored shoulder wrap | 40plusstyle.com

8. Black jacket

How about a timeless classic that will look stylish with everything? You really can’t go wrong with a black blazer. Or borrow from menswear styling and choose a tuxedo style.

Formal dress cover up - J.Crew Collection Tuxedo Blazer | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Collection Tuxedo Blazer

Coats with pleats and dimensional cuts make a bold fashion statement | 40plusstyle.com

9. formal dress cover ups – a Scallop edge jacket

If you have a fairly plain dress, then you can add style by thinking about the shape of your cover up. A scallop edge jacket can be a good choice for a party or a wedding.

R&M Richards Laced Sequinned Shrug | 40plusstyle.com

R&M Richards Laced Sequinned Shrug

Beauty is in the details like this scalloped trim coat | 40plusstyle.com

10. shoulder cover for dress – Soft fur shrug

A faux fur shrug that you can wear around your shoulders will definitely add drama to your outfit. The evening cape (below) comes in a good choice of neutral shades as well as burgundy and has great reviews from women who said they were the center of attention at their event.

Formal dress cover up - BABEYOND Faux Fur Shawl Evening Cape | 40plusstyle.com

BABEYOND Faux Fur Shawl Evening Cape

Mix and match wraps in order to achieve a more stylish look | 40plusstyle.com

11. evening dress cover ups – draped shawl

You could also try a shawl or poncho. The cross-front poncho (below) drapes beautifully, and the shoulder detail elevates this cover up. There are a huge choice of colors, and reviewers say it’s the perfect cover up for evening or to elevate your everyday outfits. We think this would also be a great choice while travelling.

Formal dress cover up - PULI Large Cross Front Poncho | 40plusstyle.com

PULI Large Cross Front Poncho

When wearing a large shawl, use different methods to tie the cloth for an interesting look | 40plusstyle.com

12. ribbed fur coat

If you love the look of faux fur, you could try a ribbed choice like the fur coat (below). There’s a choice of colors, and it would look good worn with your evening dress, or with your jeans.

Formal dress cover up - BerryGo Open Front Faux Fur Coat | 40plusstyle.com

BerryGo Open Front Faux Fur Coat

Pairing pink and cream white helps create a more soft look | 40plusstyle.com

13. shawls for formal dresses – sequin

Sequins are always a beautiful party choice. If you have a favorite party dress, you can change the look of it with a sequin cape. The capelet (below) has great reviews from women who say it is perfect to make a low cut dress more modest.

VIJIV Embellished Capelet | 40plusstyle.com

VIJIV Embellished Capelet

An elegant black sequin shawl at the MET gala | 40plusstyle.com

14. Closed with a brooch

If you have a favorite blazer, cardigan or wrap, you could always make it evening ready by adding a brooch.

Kenneth Jay Lane 22K-Gold-Plated & Glass Ruby Star Brooch | 40plusstyle.com

Kenneth Jay Lane 22K-Gold-Plated & Glass Ruby Star Brooch

Fashionable style ideas on how to style a brooch | 40plusstyle.com

15. monochrome

Black and white is always a great option, particularly over a black or a red party outfit. Then, on casual days, you can wear with a turtleneck and jeans.

Moss Rose Wrap Poncho  | 40plusstyle.com

Moss Rose Wrap Poncho

A fur jacket in black and white for evening | 40plusstyle.com

16. Red fur shrug

What could be more glamorous than a fur shrug? A red fur shrug, that’s what. You could wear over your black dress, or with a red dress for top to toe red. One reviewer said she got a million compliments when wearing it.

BEAUTELICATE Faux Fur Wrap Stole | 40plusstyle.com

BEAUTELICATE Faux Fur Wrap Stole

Epaulettes are a fashionable item for red carpet and formal events | 40plusstyle.com

17. Wrap or tie jacket

The bolero (below) works on lots of levels. The tie waist will help to cover a tummy, the deep v-neck creates flattering lines, and the draped sleeves will cover your upper arms without clinging. Reviewers say it adds the perfect touch to a dress, or can be worn with a tank top and jeans.

Satuun Tie Front Bolero | 40plusstyle.com

Satuun Tie Front Bolero

Bright colored coats and wraps make a bold outfit | 40plusstyle.com

18. Fun, feathered jacket

If you want to add glamour, you could choose faux fur, sequins, or how about feathers? The crop bolero (below) would add fun to your outfit.

Milly Feather Crop Bolero | 40plusstyle.com

Milly Feather Crop Bolero

A textured coat adds a unique look to one's overall outfit | 40plusstyle.com

19. Gold scarf

Metallics are not only glamorous, but they are neutral shades just like black or beige, so they will go with everything in your closet.

The Twins Dream Metallic Wrap | 40plusstyle.com

The Twins Dream Metallic Wrap

A black and red combination outfit is a classic color pairing | 40plusstyle.com

20. short Silk scarf

If you are looking to cover up a deep v-neck, rather than your upper arms, you could look out for a shorter silky scarf.

MEISEE Mulberry Silk Square Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

MEISEE Mulberry Silk Square Scarf

Soft and feminine coat looks for women | 40plusstyle.com

21. two-tone

A modern way to cover up your dress is to choose a two-tone cover up. You could wear over your black dress, or match your cover up to one of the colors in your outfit.

How to cover up a formal outfit: Cyzlann 100% Silk Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Cyzlann 100% Silk Scarf

Pair a printed outfit with a neutral and minimalist coat for a more stylish outfit | 40plusstyle.com

22. infinity scarf

An infinity scarf can be casual if you choose wool, but it can also be a beautiful cover-up if you look out for evening appropriate materials or a bit of sparkle.

How to cover up a formal outfit: Anika Dali Shimmer Infinity Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Anika Dali Shimm3er Infinity Scarf

Subtle color blocking with a simple white infinity scarf | 40plusstyle.com

23. Sheer wrap

A sheer wrap is a great way to add coverage to your outfit, but still show off what you are wearing underneath.

SHU-SHI Sheer Shrug | 40plusstyle.com

SHU-SHI Sheer Shrug

Chic sheer wrap styled with a red skirt for a modish ensemble | 40plusstyle.com

24. Simple and elegant pashmina scarf

A pashmina scarf is versatile as you can wear for winter with your jeans, or you can use to cover up your shoulders for a special event. The pashmina scarf (below) has great reviews and comes in a good choice of colors.

How to cover up a formal outfit: HOYAYO Pashmina Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

HOYAYO Pashmina Scarf

Simple and elegant nude shawls are a great style piece for a polished look | 40plusstyle.com

25. Cape-style

If you want to channel your inner super hero, how about wearing a cape with your outfit. A cape would look great worn over your dress or with wide leg pants, or simply to dress up your favorite jeans.

How to cover up a formal outfit: Karen Millen Viscose Blend Military Trim Knitted Cape | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Viscose Blend Military Trim Knitted Cape

A thick fur coat styled over a black printed dress | 40plusstyle.com

26. velvet

Velvet is always a beautiful material for parties, particularly for festive or winter events. You could wear the L’AGENCE blazer (below) over a special outfit, and then use it over your jeans with a pair of heels for dinner.

How to cover up a formal outfit: L'AGENCE Wayne Velvet Cropped Double-Breasted Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

L’AGENCE Wayne Velvet Cropped Double-Breasted Jacket

This sequin detailed coat in black is a subtle yet stylish piece | 40plusstyle.com

27. cape with faux fur trim

You’ve seen a cape option, and a faux fur option, now let’s combine the two. Wearers say the cape (below) is elegant-looking and warm.

How to cover up a formal outfit: Gragengs Faux Rabbit Fur Cardigan Cloak | 40plusstyle.com

Gragengs Faux Rabbit Fur Cardigan Cloak

Draping a black wrap on a white top will create a beautiful contrast with one's outfit | 40plusstyle.com

28. Oversized silky scarf

The silky twill scarf (below) is the perfect size for wearing over your shoulders or tied at your neck.

How to cover up a formal outfit: Alexander McQueen Utopian Silk Twill Printed Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Alexander McQueen Utopian Silk Twill Printed Scarf

 A great way to create two outfits in one is to use a colorful printed jacket on top of a neutral outfit | 40plusstyle.com

29. Reversible pattern oversized shawl

To give your versatility when it comes to your formal outfit cover-up, you could look out for a reversible option.

How to cover up a formal outfit: Caistre Reversible Wrap | 40plusstyle.com

Caistre Reversible Wrap

Florals add a feminine touch to every outfit | 40plusstyle.com

30. Fur collar

If it will be particularly chilly on your way to your party, you could wear a long-length coat with a cozy faux fur collar. That way, you will look glamorous when you make your entrance.

How to cover up a formal outfit: Karl Lagerfeld Paris Luxe Belted Coat with Removable Faux Fur Collar | 40plusstyle.com

Karl Lagerfeld Paris Luxe Belted Coat with Removable Faux Fur Collar

Neutral wraps and coats create an elegant look without having to sacrifrice function and style | 40plusstyle.com

31. long evening coat

If you want to sweep ito your party in the most dramatic way, look out for a maxi length coat that is longer than your dress.

Formal dress cover up - Norma Kamali Single-Breasted Four-Way Stretch Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Norma Kamali Single-Breasted Four-Way Stretch Coat

Elegant button down coats are always a timeless piece | 40plusstyle.com

32. Sheer sparkly scarf

Choose to add a little bling to your favorite dress with a shiny scarf like the wrap (below), which comes in a choice of shiny metallics.

Formal dress cover up - MissShorthair Sparkly Shawl | 40plusstyle.com

MissShorthair Sparkly Shawl

Lovely and elegant sheer shawl studded with silver beads and sequins at the MET gala | 40plusstyle.com

33. oversized wrap

If you choose an oversized wrap, you’ll find it will drape beautifully over your dress, pants or jumpsuit.

How to cover up a formal outfit: DANA XU 100% Pure Wool Oversized Cashmere Pashmina Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

DANA XU 100% Pure Wool Oversized Cashmere Pashmina Scarf

Reversible shawls are great fashion investments in order to create more stylish looks for multiple occasions | 40plusstyle.com

34. cardigan

While the cardigan may not always be thought of as glamorous, it certainly can be. You’ll also find more inspiration in this article on how to wear a cardigan without looking frumpy. Wear your cardigan over your little black dress.

Verdusa Open Front Knitted Crop Cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Verdusa Open Front Knitted Crop Cardigan

35. lace

Lace always adds glamour, and can be a great way to cover up your arms if you have a sleeveless dress.

Formal dress cover up - Allegra K Lace Cropped Bolero  | 40plusstle.com

Allegra K Lace Cropped Bolero

36. short blazer

A blazer is a timeless choice for work or party. The shorter blazer style (below) would look great worn with wide leg pants.

How to cover up a formal outfit: Generation Love Isabella Sequin Crop Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Generation Love Isabella Sequin Crop Jacket

How to cover up a formal outfit with coats

Sometimes you just need more warmth than a simple cover up.

Terri in floral dress and tulle jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Terri @glammas.closet (read her style interview here) above looks fabulous in black and pink.

Check out these floral dresses from Dress the Population, Reformation, Kiyonna and Mac Duggal that you can wear with this similar cover-up (another option here) and sandals.

37. dress cover up – A leather jacket

A leather jacket can be perfect with your jeans, but can also look fabulous to “toughen” up an evening dress, so long as your event isn’t super formal.

AllSaints Dalby Leather Moto Jacket | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Dalby Leather Moto Jacket

How to cover up a formal outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Nancy @nancysstyle (read her style interview here) above wears a short, black leather jacket with her red dress.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (plus size option here), jacket, sandals and clutch.

38. formal dress with jacket – A long faux fur jacket

Faux fur is a cozy, glamorous option for chilly evenings when looking at how to cover a formal outfit. Wear in the usual way, or drape over your shoulders as a cape.

DONNA SALYERS FABULOUS FURS Rainier Reversible Faux Fur Coat | 40plusstyle.com

DONNA SALYERS FABULOUS FURS Rainier Reversible Faux Fur Coat

How to cover up a formal outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Eugenia @theeageofgrace (read her style interview here) above shows off an incredibly glamorous party outfit.

Steal her look with this similar top, coat (another option here), sequin pants, pumps and handbag.

39. A statement coat

You can really have fun with your coats when it comes to your evening looks. Choose beautiful colors or prints.

Misook Abstract Jacquard-Knit Tie-Waist Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Misook Abstract Jacquard-Knit Tie-Waist Coat

Formal dress cover up - Rita in a statement printed coat | 40plusstyle.com

Rita @ritapalazzi (read her style interview here) above chooses a colorful coat and matches the print to the purple in her pants.

Check out this maxi coat (other options here and here) that you can wear with this similar pair of pants and pumps.

40. winter white faux fur

While white sometimes isn’t a practical choice for winter, but it’s definitely a glamorous choice. White will brighten up any color.

Allegra K Cropped Faux Fur Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Allegra K Cropped Faux Fur Coat

Formal dress cover up - fur coat | 40plusstyle.com

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above shows how you could wear a white or cream jacket over your dress.

Get her look with this similar coat, dress, mesh socks, sandals, clutch and headband.

41. cover up for dress – A floral cardigan

A lacey cardigan is a fantastic way to cover up your upper arms.

Anne Klein Floral Mesh Cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Anne Klein Floral Mesh Cardigan

Formal dress cover up - floral cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Patricia @patriciaafricaiglesias (read her style interview here) above shows how you could cover up your special outfit if you have a romantic style personality.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (other options here and here), cardigan (another option here), sandals and clutch.

42. A sheer wrap as a formal dress cover up

Choosing a sheer wrap is a fantastic way to add coverage, while still showing off your outfit underneath.

Nordstrom Satin Border Silk Chiffon Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom Satin Border Silk Chiffon Scarf

Formal dress cover up - Jess in a sheer wrap and leopard print dress | 40plusstyle.com

Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish (read her style interview here) above wears a versatile sheer wrap that you could easily use to cover up your swimsuit in summer or your evening dress during party season.

Steal her look with this similar dress, wrap, sandals, clutch and earrings.

shop the best formal outfit cover-ups here:

Continue reading for more party outfit ideas:

  1. How To Dress For A Christmas Party: 11 Outfit Ideas!
  2. The best office party outfits
  3. How To Cover Your Upper Arms While Staying Stylish And Cool!

Do you have a favorite way to cover up your evening outfits? What do you consider when thinking how to cover up a formal outfit? What’s your favorite look?

Like this article on how to cover up a formal outfit? Share it on Pinterest

How to cover up a formal outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Event photography by Denton Taylor
Feature image by Nancy @nancysstyle

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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