A good summer dress is a wardrobe staple. An outfit in one that can easily be dressed up or dressed down, and perfectly airy for hotter days, we’d be lost without them. Whether you’re opting for trending polka-dots, midi-length hems or beloved leopard print, there’s a style to suit everyone this summer.
And while we might be in the midst of a heatwave, we live in the UK baby, so a temperature drop or a bout of rain is always just around the corner. Pairing the right jacket with your dress of choice isn’t the easiest of tasks — not to be dramatic, but outerwear can truly make or break an outfit. Even if there’s no storm on the horizon, you'll likely have a calendar stacked with weddings, festivals and holidays, meaning you’re going to need a jacket for those chilly evenings.
Fear not — below we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to jackets that will work with your dresses, and not against them.
Bomber jacket and maxi dress
A bomber jacket is a classic for a reason — there's almost nothing it doesn't go with. Characterised by its puffy, often oversized silhouette, it perfectly balances out a figure-hugging maxi-dress. Alpha is the OG bomber brand, but plenty of high-end and high-street fashion brands offer a wide variety of versions. We love this wearer's patch-embellished one.
Trench coat and colourful mini dress
Another classic! A trench coat is perfect for spring/summer due to its lightweight nature, as well as often being showerproof. The traditional beige colourway is offset here by the wearer's zesty yellow mini dress — you can replicate with dresses in bright and pastel shades. As trench coats are usually on the longer side, they're a style that work well with shorter hemlines. It's all about balance.
Suede jacket and linen dress
Suede jackets are having a moment — embrace the style's free-spirited, boho vibe by pairing with a lightweight, floaty dress. It's giving major Chloé vibes. Finish off with super comfy yet chic ballet flats.
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Tweed jacket and asymmetric dress
This one's for the maximalists. Clash prints, colours and textures with a statement tweed or checked jacket and romantic, ruffled dress. The jacket adds a real level of ladylike polish, while the coloured tights and asymmetrical hem of the dress keep things fun and interesting.
Windbreaker jacket and slip dress
We have Miu Miu to thank for making the humble windbreaker a must-have item. No longer reserved for outdoor hikes, you can now wear practical jackets with evening-wear — who'd have thought it? This wearer has leaned into the sporty vibes by pairing her white slip dress with a pair of ultra-flat trainers.
Racing jacket and floral dress
Print clashing is always a big yes in our book. Matching your jacket to your dress can look a bit dated, so don't be afraid to mix things up like this wearer. A vintage racing jacket adds a tough, modern edge to her green floral maxi dress.
Blazer and tiered mini dress
A blazer draped over the shoulders of any outfit instantly elevates it. This wearer has contrasted her tulle, tiered mini dress and candy pink stillettos with a sharp, black blazer — bookmark this for major summer wedding guest inspo.
Cropped jacket and fringed maxi dress
Cropped jackets of any kind work brilliantly with dresses, because they allow you to show off the real star of the outfit. While we love this wearer's red patent leather number, the boxy, cropped cut means the fringed hem takes centre stage. Think about the proportions of your jacket versus your dress — it makes a real difference to the overall silhouette.
Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.
Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.
