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What to Wear Over a Dress

By 7DayStyle Editors/

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Our editors independently pick every look by eye, not by algorithm, for being easy to wear, flattering and timeless.

The right layer lets you keep wearing your favorite dresses when the weather turns. A coat, a cardigan or a blazer changes the mood of the same dress, from relaxed to polished. These five outfits show what to wear over a dress for work, weekends and evenings out.

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A Trench Coat Over a Sweater Dress

Beige trench coat over a black turtleneck sweater dress with a brown belt
A black turtleneck sweater dress, a brown leather belt and black heeled ankle boots.

Great forThe office in fall · City days · Rainy commutes

A beige trench coat is the easiest layer for a midi dress. It’s light enough for fall and long enough to cover most of the skirt.

A black turtleneck sweater dress keeps you warm, and a brown belt shows the waist so the knit doesn’t look shapeless.

Black heeled ankle boots meet the hem and keep the look sleek. It’s a classic outfit for work or a day in the city.

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A Long Wool Coat Over a Knit Midi Dress

Long camel wool coat over a beige ribbed turtleneck midi dress
A beige ribbed turtleneck midi dress, brown leather flats and a black top-handle bag.

Great forWinter workdays · Holiday lunches · Weekend brunch

A long camel coat is the warmest way to wear a dress in winter. Choose one that falls past the hem so the dress doesn’t peek out underneath.

A beige ribbed knit dress in a similar shade makes the outfit look soft and expensive. The turtleneck keeps the neck warm without a scarf.

Brown leather flats match the coat, and a black top-handle bag adds one sharp accent. It’s a cozy, polished look for cold days.

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A Cardigan Over a Slip Dress

Cream knit cardigan draped over a denim slip midi dress
A denim slip midi dress and black pointed kitten-heel ankle boots.

Great forFall weekends · Casual dates · Shopping days

A cardigan turns a summer slip dress into a fall outfit. It covers bare shoulders and adds warmth without hiding the dress.

A cream chunky knit looks fresh against dark denim. Draping it over the shoulders keeps it easy and relaxed.

Black pointed kitten-heel boots cover the ankles and add a dressy edge. It’s a comfortable look for weekends.

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A Blazer Over a Satin Slip Dress

White blazer over a pink satin cowl-neck slip dress
A pink satin cowl-neck slip dress and white pointed pumps.

Great forWeddings · Cocktail parties · Dinner out

A blazer makes a slip dress look sharp. The crisp tailoring is a nice contrast to soft, shiny satin.

A white blazer over a blush pink satin dress looks light and elegant. Worn over the shoulders, it feels relaxed and dressy at once.

White pointed pumps match the blazer and make the legs look longer. It’s an easy outfit for events in cooler weather.

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Colored Tights With a Mini Dress

Black square-neck mini dress with burgundy tights and black pumps
A black square-neck mini dress, burgundy opaque tights and black pointed pumps.

Great forHoliday parties · Date night · Winter evenings

Sometimes the best layer goes under the dress. Opaque tights let you wear a mini dress through winter.

Burgundy tights with a simple black dress add a bold pop of color. The plain dress lets the tights stand out.

Black pointed pumps keep the look sleek and make the legs look longer. It’s a fun outfit for parties and nights out.

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