The Style Problem: What to Layer Over a Dress
We’re taking a break from Fall Style Trends this week because, in Indiana, it still feels like summer. When it’s 89 degrees at 3 pm, no one is thinking about tartan plaids and suede boots.
So, let’s talk about the topic that got the biggest response from email readers last week.
I dropped that nugget in last week’s email, and I heard from three different people that I left you in a puzzle with no way out. Oops!
The problem: It’s hotter than Hades outside and inside, the air conditioner is so cold your fingers are turning blue. Add fluctuating hormones to the mix, and you don’t know what to wear to cover all of the possible temperature configurations you’re going to encounter in your day.
And yet, you still want your look to feel modern and fresh.
So what should you wear instead? And why am I sooooo anti-your-old-denim-jacket -layered-over-dresses?
3 Reasons to Not Wear Your Denim Jacket Over Your Dress
The look feels outdated. Think about the first time you wore a denim jacket over a dress. Was it more than 5 years ago? More than 15 years ago? More than 25 years ago? Yep. We’ve been rocking that style for decades, and she is tired. Let her get some rest.
If you’ve been wearing the same denim jacket for five years, you may not recognize that silhouettes have changed, and your 2019 jacket feels dated. 2024 jackets range from short and shrunken to boxy work jackets, but they don’t look like they did even three years ago.
When you layer anything over your dress, you change the line and proportions of your outfit. If the silhouette of your jacket doesn’t complement the lines of your dress, then it all starts to look frumpy. And no one is doing frumpy on my watch.🙅
What to Wear Instead of Your Denim Jacket
1. A Top Coat—A top coat can be a trench coat, a duster, or a faux leather long coat. All of these options give sophistication and movement to your outfit while making the lines of your outfit feel longer and making you look taller. And, a top coat works over mini, midi, and maxi-length dresses.
2. Sweater or knit blazer—Think of this as a step above an old white cardigan. Knit blazers provide structure without feeling constraining or stuffy. When choosing a sweater, think about linen, cotton, or lightweight cashmere to complement your outfit. Plus, when you don’t want to wear it, you can drape it over your shoulders for a chic, relaxed flair.
3. Wraps—A beautiful wrap is the easiest way to keep a lightweight layer with you at all times. You can swaddle yourself in one if you’re cold, or roll it up and tuck it into your bag when you’re warm. They take up very little space and are so easy to manage. Plus, they come in a range of fabrics, including sheer linens, elegant cashmere, and metallics for evening wear.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by too many options, choose one piece and wear it several times to figure out how it works for you. Then, when you’re ready, you can add another to your collection. Soon, you’ll have an array of great outfit finishers that you feel confident and comfortable wearing.
And you can save your denim jacket to wear with your Canadian tuxedo. Ready to cheer while you rock that look!
