How to Change Up A Dress With Accessories and Layers

Do accessories and layers make a difference to a basic outfit? YES! Here’s an example of how little changes can make a big difference to your outfit. This is one dress worn 7 different ways to give you some ideas to switch up one piece this spring.

One of the most important things that I try to teach you is about closet versatility. I want you purchase pieces that can be worn in lots of different ways, and learn how to wear them with various layers and accessories to create a completely different outfit.

I shared how to do this a few weeks ago with jeans and a sweater — you can see the post RIGHT HERE and I got requests to do this same thing with a spring dress. So here are some various outfit ideas with one dress.

I hope this is helpful and shows you how versatile a piece can be with just a few changes.

One dress, seven ways with different accessories and layers

1. Add casual layers

This is probably the easiest and most expected of the layers… a denim jacket is a given! Choose a denim jacket that isn’t overly cropped, but is on the shorter side like mine so your waist still stays accentuated. Longer jackets can cut in a weird spot, making your middle look wider.

Also, I chose sleek sneakers for a casual feel, but you could absolutely do flats or sandals or wedges or anything you’d like.

MADEWELL DRESS (wearing size XS) | SIMILAR DENIM JACKET | ABLE SNEAKERS (code MERRICK15 for 15% off) | SIMILAR GOLD HOOP EARRINGS | AMAZON APPLE WATCH BAND

2. Try with statement accessories!

Since this dress is more simple, even with a subtle print, it’s perfect to add statement jewelry and shoes. These lace up wedges and oversized earrings stand out and make this dress ready for date night or a spring party.

MADEWELL DRESS (wearing size XS) | SOLUDOS ESPADRILLE WEDGES | NICKEL AND SUEDE EARRINGS (code MERRICK10 for $10 off) | COCOS BEADS AND CO BRACELETS (code MERRICK for 20% off)

3. Wear your dress with a blazer

A blazer is a great option to make the dress feel more work appropriate. I chose this navy blazer, and although I mentioned above in the denim jacket outfit that a cropped length is more flattering, I think the slim cut and monochromatic color makes it work. If it was a white blazer, I think it would look too jarring against the dark blue, so I would go for a shorter length in that case.

I paired with nude heels for a sleek and dressy look, plus a little extra lift to offset the longer length blazer that sometimes creates a shortened look. But you could do wedges or flats with an elongated toe.

MADEWELL DRESS (wearing size XS) | MADEWELL BLAZER (wearing XXS) | SIMILAR NUDE PUMPS | SIMILAR OVERSIZED HOOPS | COCOS BEADS AND CO BRACELETS (code MERRICK for 20% off)

4. Layer a sweater over the dress

This is one of my favorite ways to switch up a dress…layer a sweater over it! It takes some trial and error to find a sweater that works well over the top of a dress…it can’t be too thick or it’ll look bulky, but it can’t be too thin or the dress underneath will show through.

I added a belt to tuck the sweater hem into so it created a nice clean look.

MADEWELL DRESS (wearing size XS) | LOFT SWEATER (wearing size XS) | AMAZON BELT | MADEWELL LOAFERS (true to size and very comfy!) | SIMILAR OVERSIZED HOOPS | COCOS BEADS AND CO BRACELETS (code MERRICK for 20% off)

5. Add a belt!

A belt is a really easy way to mix up a dress. If your dress has a waist tie, swap it out for a belt. Or even if your dress doesn’t have a defined waist, like this one does, you can belt it anyway to create a waist!

MADEWELL DRESS (wearing size XS) | MADEWELL BELT | MADEWELL LOAFERS (true to size and very comfy!) | COCOS BEADS AND CO BRACELETS (code MERRICK for 20% off)

6. Layer a moto jacket

A moto style jacket is one of my favorite styles of jacket. This one is a short length too, which helps keep the outfit from feeling boxy with the wider skirt of the dress. I paired with neutral ankle boots, and statement earrings to keep the attention up at my face!

MADEWELL DRESS (wearing size XS) | SUEDE JACKET (wearing size XS) | SIMILAR TAN BOOTS | AMAZON OVERSIZED GOLD EARRINGS

7. Easy summer accessories

I love pairing a dress with a baseball hat. It feels unexpected and chic. It doesn’t work for every dress, but for some!

I finished the outfit with simple sandals for an easy summer outfit.

MADEWELL DRESS (wearing size XS) | WALMART HAT | SIMILAR LEATHER SANDALS | CHIC MAMA JEWELRY HOOPS (code MERRICK20 for 20% off ) | COCOS BEADS AND CO BRACELETS (code MERRICK for 20% off)

I hope this helps you see how versatile your closet can be!

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