How to pair jackets with dresses: Are there any ‘rules’?

There are three reasons you’ll want to wear a jacket with your dresses – for added style, to cover up parts of your body you aren’t super confident about, or for warmth. But how do you know which jackets go best with which dresses? Let’s take a look in this article at what to think about when pairing jackets with dresses.

A complimentary silhouette

Think of it this way – you want your outfit to complement your body shape. And, when it comes to wearing dresses with jackets, you want your jacket to complement the shape or style of your dress.

A jacket should be synchronized with the dress it is worn over. Some great examples are cropped jackets worn with midi or maxi dresses to accentuate your waistline or full-length jackets that mirror the long lines of a dress. Another good example is to mix tighter styles with looser jackets, so an oversized jacket with a tighter T-shirt dress is a good option.

Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here) shows how you could wear a moto jacket with your sweater dress.

Get her look with this similar sweater dress, jacket, booties, handbag and earrings,

If you want to make your legs look longer

Wear a shorter jacket that ends at, or just above, the waist with longer dresses.

Jacket from Tezenis (similar option here), skirt from Weekend Max Mara (similar options here and here), tee from SKFK (similar here), similar pumps, necklace and sunglasses

If you want to create lovely long lines

Wear a long coat that ends just below or around the hemline of your dress. Leave the coat open so you can see your dress underneath and you’ll create long, vertical, slimming lines.

Jackets that will go with most dresses

You’re unlikely to go ‘wrong’ with a classic blazer, moto or denim jacket because they go with so many dress styles.

Jacket from Tezenis (similar option here), dress from C&A (similar options here and here), Fly London Bani sandals, similar sunglasses

How the rule of thirds fits in

Generally, if you visually cut your outfit in half horizontally with the clothes you wear, this isn’t flattering.

Instead, you should consider creating a golden ratio silhouette. You do this by dividing your outfit into one-third and then two-thirds. This tends to be much more figure-flattering.

So, a shorter jacket will create the look of one-third, and a long dress could be the other two-thirds. If your dress is longer, your jacket can be longer, too.

You can apply this ‘rule’ towards both your outfit and your whole body from the neck down. For example, you could wear a long coat and a similar-length dress for two-thirds, and your legs or tights will be the other third.

Read more in our article on vertical body type . We also discuss the topic of creating great silhouettes in great detail in our style course.

Balancing out your figure with jackets

You can use the jacket and dress combinations to balance out your figure. So, for example, you could use a cape style coat to create the illusion of wider shoulders to balance out wider hips if you are a pear shape. Or, you could use pockets in your jacket to create curves if you have a more athletic shape.

Suzie @suzie.richetti above wears her jacket over her shoulders as a cloak and keeps the rest of her outfit neutral.

Check out this similar dress, jacket, sandals, handbag, belt and earrings.

Denim jackets

Let’s start with an easy one. A denim jacket is a versatile style staple that will work with almost any dress. Perfect for casual outings or to add a little warmth to your summer dresses. Some good pairings include flowy midi and maxi dresses or t-shirt dresses. You can find more inspiration here in our article on wearing denim jackets with dresses.

J.Crew New Classic Denim Jacket – Lilly Pulitzer® Calina Linen Midi Sundress – adidas Grand Court 2.0 Sneakers – MICHAEL Michael Kors Avra Medium Convertible Sling Crossbody – Ted Baker London Perriet Imitation Pearl Chain Statement Necklace

Leather jackets

A leather jacket is perfect to add a bit of an edge to your dresses, whether you’re going all-out with a rock chick look or you just want to add a little ‘toughness’ to your dresses. Pair with soft, flowy, feminine dresses to create contrast between touch and soft materials.

AllSaints Dalby Leather Biker Jacket – Nordstrom A-Line T-Shirt Dress – adidas Grand Court 2.0 Sneakers – Madewell The Zip-Top Essential Tote in Leather – Ettika Minimalist Curved Square Drop Earrings

Blazers

Adding a blazer to your dress is perfect to create a more polished look. You’ll find that a blazer will go over most dresses. Try over a shift or sheath dress for a professional look, add a boyfriend-style blazer to a tighter dress or cinch your blazer with a belt to create a different silhouette.

Misook Brushstroke Abstract Double-Breasted Blazer – Anne Klein Sleeveless A-Line Dress – Donald Pliner Baltimor Booties – Vanessa Croco 12″ Teddy Blake Bag – Swarovski Constella Pendant Necklace

Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here) wears a blazer over her gingham dress.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, blazer, sandals and handbag.

sleeveless

We love sleeveless coats because they create flattering lines even if you don’t need a coat for much warmth.

You’ll find more tips on wearing long sleeveless vests in this article.

Open Edit Tailored Long Vest – Open Edit Smooth Edit Funnel Neck Midi Dress – Sam Edelman Sylvia Knee High Boots – Kate Spade New York Deco Pebbled Leather Satchel – Ted Baker London Perriet Imitation Pearl Chain Statement Necklace

Bomber jackets

A bomber jacket will add a sporty feel to your dresses. They look great worn over a casual t-shirt dress. Or, you could choose a bomber jacket in a satin material over your evening dress for dinner. Perfect if you love an urban look.

Generation Love Farrah Linen Bomber Jacket – Rails Minna Denim Dress – Donald Pliner Baltimor Booties – MICHAEL Michael Kors Avra Medium Convertible Sling Crossbody – Ettika Minimalist Curved Square Drop Earrings

Trench coat

Trench coats are perfect for transitional weather, and they add sophistication to a formal or casual outfit. Wear your trench coat over a dress that is around the same length. You could mix casual and formal elements by wearing your trench coat over a sweater or t-shirt dress with sneakers, or you can match the formality of your trench coat with your dress.

MANGO Classic Belted Trench Coat – Vince Ribbed Elbow-Sleeve Polo Midi Dress – Donald Pliner Baltimor Booties – Madewell The Zip-Top Essential Tote in Leather – Elizabetta Villaggio Wool Scarf

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above mixes a classic trench coat and stripes with on-trend white boots.

Steal her look with this similar sweater dress, coat, high boots and handbag.

peacoat

A peacoat will give your outfit something of a 60s, retro vibe. So play with this and wear with a dress that is a little above the knee, knee-high boots and a baker boy hat.

COS Double-Faced Wool Peacoat – Natori Turtleneck Dress – Kate Spade New York Deco Pebbled Leather Satchel – Sam Edelman Sylvia Knee High Boots – INOGIH Tweed Baker Boy Hat

Bolero jacket

Okay, so we know that the bolero jacket (below) isn’t much of a jacket. But, we wanted to show you this choice because it’s a great option if you have a sleeveless or strappy dress that you don’t tend to wear anymore. Adding a bolero jacket to your closet means you can revive some of those styles.

Also take a look at out article on how to cover up a formal outfit.

RAT BOI Ballet Bolero – Nordstrom Strapless A-Line Dress – Nordstrom Autumn Sandal – Ted Baker London Perriet Imitation Pearl Chain Statement Necklace – MICHAEL Michael Kors Avra Medium Convertible Sling Crossbody

shacket

Shackets – shirt/jacket combinations – have been on trend for a few seasons now, and they’re a great way to add some casual flair to your dress. Mix more formal and casual elements for an interesting look.

J.Crew Bouclé Shirt-Jacket – FARM Rio Paisley Long Sleeve Maxi Dress – Donald Pliner Baltimor Booties – Kate Spade New York Deco Pebbled Leather Satchel – Ettika Minimalist Curved Square Drop Earrings

Your jackets with dresses together in one capsule

Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one outfit. You can see you can easily switch the jackets and coats around to create different looks.

shop the featured jackets and dresses below:

Continue reading:

1. Denim jacket for dresses ideas: 9 outfits featuring denim jackets with dresses
2. How to wear a long vest – you will love all these options and ideas!
3. How to fit a blazer – a comprehensive guide on how to select the right blazer

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Feature image byJess @elegantlydressedandstylish

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