How to pair jackets with dresses. An outfit that might seem a little tricky at first to master (but is actually a whole lot simpler than we think) is the jacket and dress combo. Why so tricky, you might ask? Well, because we all know what it looks like when it’s done badly. A jacket of the wrong length over a thick, voluminous dress will look boxy and add unnecessary bulk to your frame. It’s easy to feel too covered up and weighed down when this pairing isn’t layered right.

So in today’s post, we are going to break down all the ways to wear a jacket with a dress and answer questions like, what jacket to wear with a maxi dress to a wedding? What are some light jackets to wear over dresses? What jacket to wear with a midi dress? And many, many more!

How to Layer Your Dresses with Jackets?

From wedding guest attire to weekend looks and summer wear, a jacket with a dress is a popular style that is easy to replicate once you have the basics down. Today you’ll learn what types of shoes work best for long dresses and jackets, why a short jacket is a great option if you want to highlight your waist, when to wear a denim jacket, and much more.

What Kind of Jacket to Wear with a Dress?

Below I have curated 26 stylish ways to wear jackets with dresses, but before we check those out, let’s look at some tips and dos and don’ts to keep in mind so that you can rock this style with total confidence and fashion savvy.

• The most popular style of jacket to wear with a dress is a tie between these two: moto biker jackets and denim jackets. There’s something about these two that really pair well with most styles of dresses, so if you are feeling unsure about what are the best jackets for dresses, start with one of these styles for guaranteed success. You can find inspiration from our earlier post on Varsity Jacket Outfits For Women.
• To highlight your figure, consider a dress that draws in at the waist. This look works really well under a jacket or coat. If you are wearing a dress that doesn’t pull in at the waist or under the bust, consider a belt or a tie to cinch the waist.
• If wearing a maxi dress with a jacket, always wear high heels. This will create a longer, more elongated look, which is desirable if you’re wearing a long dress. If you prefer a flat shoe, consider boots, or sneakers that have a little height to them. If wearing a summer look, you can definitely try sandals or flip-flops, but this style look works best for the beach or other summer style activities.
• Before trying a longer style jacket, try a jacket that falls right at your hip bones or above them. If it hits below your hips, you might appear a little wider or boxier looking when wearing a dress.
• Finally, incorporating a jacket into your look doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wear the jacket. You can tie it around the waist (particularly if you are wearing a denim jacket) or you could wear it sitting on your shoulders. Both looks are stylish and work well.

26 – Jackets to Wear With Maxi Dresses

Picking the right jacket for a maxi dress is pretty easy. Stick to a jacket length that falls no longer than your hip bones and look for one of a slimmer make. You want one that sticks closer to your figure if at all possible, and you might consider a dress that cinches in below the bust or at the waist.