Any time of the year it’s a given that my dresses are the most simple and practical pieces I have in my wardrobe. In the summertime, I simply put one on and walk out the door barely thinking about it because they’re the most practical thing one can wear while temperatures heat up. In winter, the additional idea is to change into tights, and perhaps layer a turtleneck underneath.
Whatever the season, dress codes are difficult due to one factor which is coats. In the summer, temperatures could change from 90 degrees midday to 65 degrees at night in the snap of an eye, that’s why it’s imperative to wear a coat in order to keep you warm during the night. In Winter and fall, the coat becomes an integral part of your attire as you’ll need one before you get out of the house.
The issue lies in the fact that the coat is the most visible element of your outfit it can quickly alter the look of an outfit. Dressing coats in a dress can be a bit difficult since the last layer of clothing can make the entire dress appear unnatural, or over it completely. An essential evil, there are, in fact, ways that a coat can make a dress appear more attractive and even enhance it underneath. If you’re not convinced then read on to discover how to wear jackets with outfits in six diverse ways.
Belt It
If you’re in the market for an elegant, tailored look (less loose and informal), try belting both your jacket and dress with a single belt. This simple accessory gives uniformity to your two garments (even if they’re in contrast like the one above) and also gives them more form as well as a distinctive design for the eye to follow.
Match the Jacket Length to Your Dress
If I’m wearing a minidress that is paired with a blazer the midi dress that goes that is paired with a trench coat I like pairing the lengths of both pieces. This gives you a consistent, perfect look and feels which is both sophisticated and timeless. Your attire immediately appears well-thought-out, and your coat and dress will appear amazing together no matter the type of material or color.
Drape It Over Your Shoulders
Despite the dinosaur hands that always show up when wearing a jacket draped over your shoulders, it’s one of the most stylish ways to style your outfit. The arms are free and this look allows you to showcase your dress and accessorize the coat in an effortless and flirtatious fashion. It’ll look as if you literally threw it on with no thought as you left the house. No person will even know you planned it.
…Or Wear It Much Shorter
If you’re unable to match the lengths exactly I’d suggest swinging to the opposite end to style two different lengths. Particularly, fashionistas love pairing a jacket that is short (think cropped) with a long maxi or midi dress. The look is lengthening, as it draws your eyes from the outer edge of the jacket to the edge of the dress.
Color Contrast
Again, there’s no middle ground in the quest to elegantly wear a dress and an arcteryx jacket combination. If you’re not keen on colors that coordinate, consider choosing a jacket that has a stark contrast with your dress. The contrast will draw attention to each piece, making it a daring and avant-garde outfit–the ones you see on the runway.
Make Your Jacket the Dress
And lastly, why not just bypass the whole pairing process and make your jacket the dress? I love a good two-for-one combination, and this is especially appealing. Mid-thigh jackets can be an ideal length for dresses so simply push (or zip) it up, throw an elastic around it, and voila: a jacket dress.