THE 6 MOST LUXURIOUS JACKETS TO WEAR WITH DRESSES

Dresses are often seen as standalone pieces, but when the heat of summer transitions into the coolness of autumn, a jacket is a perfect way to add a touch of warmth and style. 

The right layers don’t steal a dress’s spotlight—instead, they complement it and elevate your overall look. When choosing jackets to wear with dresses, look to Neiman Marcus’s designer assortment, which offers great options for every season and occasion.

6 DESIGNER JACKETS TO WEAR WITH DRESSES

When contemplating what to wear over a dress, think about compatibility in terms of fabric and silhouette. Here are a few styling tips to help create the perfect jacket-dress combination:

Leather jackets

A great go-to for crisp fall mornings, leather jackets are a wardrobe staple that come in a variety of silhouettes, from vintage oversized styles to edgy moto designs. Kobi Halperin offers a twist on the classic blazer by fashioning it from supple black leather. Style it with a Khaite dress and a pair of distressed Golden Goose sneakers for an office-bound look with a rebellious streak. 

Blazers

Blazers pair divinely with dresses and are easy to accessorize for added versatility. A formfitting blazer is excellent for a well-tailored look, while oversized styles can be easily dressed up or down. Put this theory to the test by pairing a fitted blazer with a maxi dress for the perfect formal dress-and-jacket combination, or wear an oversized jacket with a mini dress to evoke a playful feel. For evenings out, opt for a bodycon dress to complement your new blazer and accessorize with a Saint Laurentbag, ankle boots, and statement jewelry.

Denim jackets

Featuring all kinds of cool details, from dynamic cocoon sleeves to simulated-pearl embellishments, denim jackets come in a number of shapes and washes and, best of all, they never go out of style. Distressed denim jackets add an air of romance to flowing sundresses, while fitted styles coordinate perfectly with maxi dresses and heels. When worn with a slip dress, denim becomes a rugged counterpoint to the soft elegance of satin—complete the look with delicate jewelry and strappy sandals. For great examples of contemporary denim jackets, check out the intricate cropped design from Alexander McQueen or a classic style from Citizens of Humanity.

Puffer jackets

Everyone knows the value of a warm puffer jacket, which is a great choice when the weather calls for wearing a coat with a dress. From floor-sweeping to cropped, puffer jackets come in various lengths. Short puffer coats flatter the figure by defining curves and elongating the legs. For icy temperatures, stay cozy in a down-filled puffer, long-sleeve dress, tights, and high boots. Moncler carries a strong selection of puffers, from imaginative sherpa-lined styles to sporty quilted designs—all as functional as they are luxurious.

Suede jackets

Suede jackets hark back to the fashionable flair of the ’70s but have come a long way since in terms of lending a look undeniable style. The fabric’s softness makes it an excellent choice to top off dresses made from natural materials like silk, cashmere, linen, and cotton. One designer known for using luxurious materials is Brunello Cucinelli. Pair this buttery jacket in pale green with a flowing maxi dress and accessorize with a soft leather clutch and loafers.

Trench coats

While not technically a jacket, trench coats pair beautifully with dresses.​​ Match the length of the trench with that of the dress, or choose a longer dress and let the hem peek out from underneath. Although the quintessential trench coat is made from beige cotton twill, other options exist, in everything from daring leather to warm wool. Wear the trench open to allow the dress to shine, or cinch it closed with a belt to highlight the waist—either way, a trench is the perfect jacket for a dress. Choose a classic style from Burberry or a more boundary-pushing design from NOIZE.

HOW TO STYLE DRESSES WITH JACKETS

Jackets should be treated like any great accessory that adds the perfect finishing touch. Just like bags and shoes, they’re interchangeable elements that elevate a look, dressing it up or down. When creating the perfect dress-and-jacket pairing, consider the following tips: 

Match the length of the hemlines 

Whether pairing an oversized blazer with a mini dress or a leather trench with a maxi dress, matching lengths make an outfit appear intentional and well thought-out—even if it took only a few minutes to pull together. 

Pair an oversized blazer with a belt

Wearing a belt over a blazer and dress is a sophisticated way to give an outfit structure. From wide leather corset belts to thin chains, the options are endless. For long torsos, wide belts help create an hourglass shape, while skinny belts elongate a silhouette. 

Contrast colors

Wearing a jacket and dress in contrasting hues creates a graphic colorblock look while still highlighting both pieces individually. Black has a slimming effect, making it an exquisite choice for outerwear and dresses alike, while white reflects the light and has a crisp, polished look.

Get creative

Celebrate a friend’s birthday wearing an edgy leather jacket with a sequined mini and heels. Create the perfect festival look by coordinating a denim jacket with a feminine floral dress and sneakers. Or meet friends for lunch wearing a baseball-style jacket with a flirty above-the-knee dress. The greatest advantages of a jacket—other than their warmth—are the numerous styling opportunities they offer and the chic results they produce.

A great jacket—as well as jewelry, handbags, and footwear—can give new life to a dress that’s been relegated to the back of the closet for a few seasons now. For more help finding the perfect jacket to wear with a dress, book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor.