How To Style a Dress: 10 Stylish Ways

I think it’s fair to say that we all have that one dress we pull out for every occasion, but it can be tricky sometimes to know how to style it properly for certain events. The way you style your dress for a wedding versus a potential job interview is very different. It’s important to know how to style for any occasion and your own personal style.

If you are looking for new ways to style your favorite dress, then look no further. I have the ultimate guide to styling dresses for any event or occasion.

Here are ten stylish ways to style your favorite dress with no stress:

1. Layer With Care

One of the best ways to style a dress, especially when the weather dips down, is with some fashionable layering. Comfy, oversized sweaters over a dress make for a casually-chic look that keeps you warm and cozy.

Layering is a smart way to incorporate your favorite accessories into your outfits, like scarves or gloves. Not only will this ensemble keep you warm, but it'll also keep you fashionable and cute. This technique works best with a midi or maxi dress, but don’t be afraid to try it with a mini! Add in some tights, and you’ll be toasty and the talk of the town. 

2. Add Tights or Leggings 

This styling tip takes layering just one step forward. Adding tights or leggings might just be the push your outfit needs to take it to the next level. Cable knit tights specifically are both functional and fashionable.

Leggings can add a pop of color in a subtle and comfy way. Not to mention, leggings or tights are extremely helpful if you are wearing a flowy dress on a breezy day! You’re welcome.

3. Add a Jacket 

Another great way to spruce up any dress is a classic jacket or coat. This is an opportune time to try out unique colors, materials, and feels for every occasion!

If it’s spring time, wear a light, maybe floral patterned jacket to complete your look. In the colder months, you can never go wrong with a cozy oversized wool or sherpa coat to keep you warm. 

4. Add a Belt 

A simple and stylish way to add some structure to any dress is by adding a belt. Belts can be a great way to reshape and restyle any dress or outfit. By simply adding a belt, you can add some structure to your dress and make it more form-fitting for a professional and stylish look.

Whether you prefer chunky belts or something subtle and thin, belts are an all-around must-have accessory to keep on hand, especially when styling a dress. 

5. Add a Turtleneck 

If you don’t want to fully layer an outfit, adding a turtleneck under your dress is the perfect solution. Turtlenecks can help add a vintage or retro vibe to your whole outfit.

Turtlenecks are not reserved just for the cold months, either. Adding a thinner (or a sleeveless) turtleneck during the warmer months will complete your outfit in a vibe that’s totally classic. 

6. Sport an Oversized Blazer 

A great way to incorporate a “corporately cute” accessory with a dress is by adding an oversized blazer. It’s the perfect combo of professional and pretty and can really tie up an outfit with a dress. Pair this outfit with a long solid-colored maxi dress and some chunky boots or heels for a high-fashion, everyday look. 

If oversized isn’t your cup of tea, a form-fitting blazer is a timeless accessory to add to a dress for an everyday business casual look. I recommend, like with many things of fashion, to just find what makes you feel and look your best, whether that’s oversized or form-fitting. 

7. Rock Some Tailored Pants

For a Y-2k look that might pleasantly surprise you try layering pants under a dress: Hear me out.

With the right pair of tailor, fitted pants, you can really pull off this look. Pairing a pair of tailored, straight-leg pants under a short dress can give you a chic and sophisticated look. This is a unique way to incorporate your shorter hemline dresses in any season or reason. 

You can do this with a pair of blue jeans under a dress. Personally, I would recommend focusing on bootcut or skinny jeans to keep the look tailored and focused. 

8. Don’t Forget Denim 

A timeless piece of fashion that is perfect when styling a dress will always be denim. Denim is an iconic styling item that goes well with pretty much anything, but especially a dress.

A denim jacket evokes a more casual look when added to a dress-based ensemble. Go full “Canadian Tuxedo” and add a denim coat to a denim dress or skirt. 

Generally, denim is lightweight and breathable, making it the perfect choice for a grab-and-go combo as a jacket or another article of clothing. 

9. Add a Vest 

Vests are one of the best things to pair with a dress for an adorably old-school look. This is perfect for incorporating denim or other textures like velvet, corduroy, or silk. This is also a subtle way to add color and pattern to a maybe basic style dress.

For a 90s whimsical look, try a slip dress with a patterned vest and some ankle boots of your choosing for a cute retro look that is comfortable and stylish. 

10. Show Off a Hat 

Last but not least, one of the best accessories for any outfit, but particularly styling a dress, is topping it all off with a hat of your liking. High-fashion hats can be as functional as well as fashionable.

In winter months, with your layered outfit and your dress, top off the look with a cozy beanie or french beret.

For a mini dress in the summer or spring, I recommend a wide-brimmed sunny hat or even a classic newsie cap. With whatever hat you pick, make sure your sun protection is on point as much as your outfit. 

Fashion Forward 

No matter what accessory or style you choose, finding new ways to spruce up your outfits is always a good idea. Finding your favorite articles of clothing and adding new things or styling them in new ways helps keep your closet exciting and keeps it up with you!

Trends may come and go, but knowing how you want to style yourself and the clothes you wear is essential. Using these styling tips to spruce up some of your favorite dresses and to plan for certain events could be one of the best things you ever do for yourself and your sense of style. 

Fashion is always changing, and there is no right or wrong way to engage with it. Just wear whatever makes you shine and feel your best, whether it’s layering up your favorite dress or keeping it sleek and simple with a vest. You can't go wrong when your own personal style is shining through!

Sources: 

How to Layer a Dress During the Fall—5 Styling Tips From Street Style Stars | Vogue

How to Wear Leggings: 10 Fashion Rules | Elle Canada

What Is Business Casual Attire? | On Careers | U.S. News