I am always wondering if I need to take a jacket with me, especially now we're in September and the weather is on the turn. And with the weather being so unpredictable right now, I've started to realise that a lightweight jacket isn't just a possible buy during the summer months, but a necessity. I tend to rely on a few transitional jackets to wear with my floaty, airy dresses. Not only do they keep me warm, but they can make a more casual summer dress look smarter for the office, and ward off any aggressive air conditioning chills too. Right now, I'm not ready to delve into autumnal dressing so consider this your transitional dressing code.
- Oversized blazer: Topshop Oversized Blazer, £52 / $87.50
- Linen trench: Mango Linen Trench Coat, £59.99 / $59.99
- Fringed: Free People Suede Fringe Jacket, £158 / $168
- Denim: M&S Cropped Denim Jacket, £29.50 / $57.99
- Utility: Scamp & Dude Utility Jacket, £140 / $198
There's an art to finding the right jacket to wear with a summer dress. The two need to work together, balancing out any extremities in proportion and style. That's not to say you can't go for a super formal jacket with a beach dress, but it can take a little trial and error to find the right fit.
A roomy jacket, for example, will balance out a figure-hugging dress while a cropped jacket looks beautiful with something more voluminous, as it cuts off at the waist and balances out a wider hem.
© GettyI love a duster coat or lightweight trench with a midi, falling lower than the dress, and they're great for more formal dresses too. Denim jackets also look stunning with white, gingham, striped or leopard dresses. A fringe jacket and cream dress are a match made in heaven, and you can really lean into any boho vibes with a suede tasselled jacket.
Don't dismiss a fringed, utility and boho-inspired jacket either, just because festival season is over - obviously one with a hood is even better when it's rainy season.
© GettyNaturally, you want to be wise to the material and fabric of a jacket. While you need something with some warmth, look for lightweight fabrics like cotton, denim and linen. Suede is a more dense fabric and will keep you toasty, so bear that in mind when you're pairing it with your summer dress; you want to be cosy, not sweat-drenched.
How I chose the best jackets to wear with dresses
- Lightweight fabrics: Suede and leather aside, I've kept this edit on the airy side with lightweight fabrics featuring heavily.
- Price: A jacket can be on the expensive side, but I've made this edit as price inclusive as possible with pieces ranging in price.
- Availability: I've chosen pieces that are in stock in plenty of sizes.
The best jackets to wear with dresses
1. Utility Jacket
A utility jacket is perfect festival fodder. Channel your inner Kate Moss or Alexa Chung and even wear over sequins.
Scamp & Dude Khaki with Studded Bolt Utility Jacket
© Scamp & Dude2. A Leather Jacket
If you need something a little more hardy than a utility jacket for your summer festival, a leather jacket is always a good idea. Honestly, it pairs with everything from linen dresses to floral minis and chuck on maxi dresses. Size up for the oversized look, or try a cropped version if you prefer something a little more close fitting.
3. An Oversized Blazer
A winner whatever the weather, this instantly smartens up a summer dress for the office. Works well with most summer dresses, including mini to maxi. ASOS stocks a great range if you want something on the budget side.
Karen Millen Compact Stretch Essential Oversize Tailored Blazer
© Karen Millen4. A Linen Trenchcoat
A long, linen trench coat adds the drama to a simple T-shirt dress or cami maxi.
5. Duster Jacket
For a formal event, you can reach for a blazer or a long, breezy duster coat. They're a chic addition to a wedding guest dress, or even a casual slip linen maxi.
6. The lightly quilted jacket
I think a floral quilted jacket thrown on over a summer dress looks country chic; the bolder and brighter the pattern, the better.
7. A Fringed Jacket
Take your dresses into the colder months with a suede fringed jacket. Wear with denim dresses, slips or floral midis.
8. A Denim Jacket
If you don't already own one - and know how useful one is - make it your mission to buy one before winter sets in. Whatever your dress, this will be your saviour.
9. Bomber Jacket
Bomber Jackets in cord fabrics are great for autumn, and bring a fall vibe to any summer dress.
10. A barn jacket
Floral dresses and barn jackets are the combo you never knew you needed. It's cottagecore coded.
Denim
