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How to Style a Short Dress Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Layer over leggings or pants. 2 Pair with a cardigan. 3 Slide on some boots. 4 Match your accessories. 5 Slip on some sneakers. 6 Pick out open-toed shoes or sandals. 7 Layer with a turtleneck. 8 Wear over a long-sleeved shirt. 9 Play around with texture. 10 Slip on tights. 11 Grab a clutch. 12 Wear a necklace. 13 Add a belt. 14 Slip on a pair of bike shorts. + Show 11 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Susan Kim and Janice Tieperman
Last Updated: November 17, 2024 References
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Susan Kim and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 61,104 times.
Short dresses are the chameleons of your closet—you can dress them up for a night out, or layer them with other garments for a relaxed outfit. Rifle through your wardrobe and see what kinds of shoes and accessories you can transform into a fun, stylish ensemble. Whether the weather is warm or cool, your short dress will be able to get the job done.
Steps
1
Layer over leggings or pants.
Download Article
Transform your short dress into a long, flowing top. You don’t have to stow away your short dresses once chillier weather hits! Instead, adapt your outfits to the cooler temperatures with a bit of mixing and matching. Stay warm by slipping on your favorite pair of pants or leggings, and then layer your dress overtop.[1]XResearch source
For example, you can pair a short dress over a pair of slacks for a work-ready outfit.
You can layer your dress over a pair of jeans for a more relaxed outfit.
Advertisement 2
Pair with a cardigan.
Download Article
Pick out a long cardigan that’s a little longer than your dress. Your cardigan can help keep you comfortable and warm without overwhelming the rest of your outfit. You can use this in place of a coat or jacket, if you’d like.[2]XResearch source
Long cardigans are a great pairing with mini dresses.
To add a bit of contrast, pick a cardigan that’s a different color than your dress.
3
Slide on some boots.
Download Article
Balance out your ensemble with long boots. These shoes are a great option for cooler weather, and help keep your legs insulated and warm in the cooler months. You can try a knee-high variety, or keep your legs covered with thigh-high boots instead. If you don’t have any long boots, opt for a pair of ankle boots instead—these can be a fun, casual addition to your dress without taking away from the rest of your outfit.[3]XResearch source
For example, you might pair some ankle boots with your favorite midi dress.
Long boots go great with short, thigh-length dresses.
Advertisement 4
Match your accessories.
Download Article
Pick a handbag that matches with some element of your dress. Take a look at your outfit’s color scheme—is your dress a solid color, is there a pattern or accent that you can play around with? Search through your closet for a handbag that matches part of your dress’s color scheme, which will help your outfit look really striking and dynamic.[4]XResearch source
For instance, if you’re wearing a gray dress with red accents, you might grab a red clutch to match.
If you don’t have any matching accessories, pick out something neutral-toned instead, like a black clutch.
5
Slip on some sneakers.
Download Article
Don’t be afraid to dress your outfit down. There’s no right or wrong way to style a short dress, especially when it comes to sneakers! Slip on a pair of sneakers, tennis shoes, or Converse—anything lying around your closet will do. [5]XResearch source
For instance, you can slip into a pair of white tennis shoes for a sleek, minimalist look.
You also jazz up your outfit with your favorite pair of Converse.[6]XResearch source
Advertisement 6
Pick out open-toed shoes or sandals.
Download Article
Complement your outfit with a relaxed pair of shoes. Boots and sneakers are all well and good, but they don’t offer you a lot of breathing room when the weather gets hot. Pick out your favorite pair of sandals—it doesn’t matter if they’re fancy or casual. Take a look through your closet and see what your options are![7]XResearch source
For instance, you can wear a simple pair of slide-on sandals with your short dress.
You might spruce your outfit up with a pair of lace-up sandals.
7
Layer with a turtleneck.
Download Article
Wear your dress over a turtleneck to stay cozy. Short dresses are light and fun, but they can leave your arms feeling pretty chilly when the cool weather hits. There’s no need to fear—slip on a turtleneck before getting into your dress.[8]XResearch source
You can pick out a turtleneck that matches your dress, or pick out a patterned shirt to go beneath.
Advertisement 8
Wear over a long-sleeved shirt.
Download Article
Prepare for chillier weather by layering your dress over a long-sleeved shirt. You can play around with neutral tones, or pick a top that matches your dress—the choice is yours! [9]XResearch source
For instance, you might pair a neutral-toned dress with a light-colored long-sleeved shirt.
You might pick out a neutral-toned shirt that goes well with just about any short dress.
EXPERT TIP
Susan Kim
Professional Stylist Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Susan Kim Professional Stylist
On cold days, you can also try layering different dresses or dresses and skirts. If the dress has an A-line skirt, for instance, you might layer it over a longer lace dress. Try playing around with different fabrics, like combining corduroy and lace!
9
Play around with texture.
Download Article
Mix and match different materials when styling a short dress. Pick out a pair of shoes that are made with a different material than the rest of your dress. Then, grab a jacket or cardigan that’s made from something different than your shoes and coat. This is a great way to dress up for chilly weather, or just add a little extra dimension to your look.[10]XResearch source
For example, you might pair a cotton dress with a pair of leather boots, along with a wool coat.
You can pair a quilted jacket with a faux leather dress and some suede shoes.
Advertisement 10
Slip on tights.
Download Article
Keep your legs warm without distracting from your dress. Leggings and pants are a great way to stay warm, but they can distract away from your dress. Instead, slip on a pair of tights, which are a bit thinner and more subtle.[11]XResearch source
Tights are a great option if you’re planning on dressing up for the occasion.
If your dress is patterned, it's best to stick to solid-colored tights. If your dress is a solid color, though, you can play around with bolder patterns, like polka dots.[12]X Expert Source Susan KimProfessional StylistExpert Interview
11
Grab a clutch.
Download Article
Pick out a small handbag to keep your outfit balanced. Large purses and handbags have their place, but they can look a bit out-of-place with a shorter dress. Instead, switch your regular purse out for a clutch, so your outfit doesn’t look off-kilter.[13]XResearch source
Advertisement 12
Wear a necklace.
Download Article
Pick out a short dress with a low neckline. Slip on a long necklace that falls beneath your collarbone, so your jewelry can be the focal point of your outfit. Feel free to play around with neutral tones—this will complement just about any outfit.[14]XResearch source
For example, you might pick out a long crystal or diamond necklace to go with your short dress.
Square-cut dresses look great with long necklaces.
13
Add a belt.
Download Article
Give your dress a little extra dimension with a tasteful belt. Secure the belt around your waistline—this accessory will help split your outfit in half, and add a really stylish touch to your outfit. You can’t go wrong with neutral tones, like black, brown, or tan![15]XResearch source
Advertisement 14
Slip on a pair of bike shorts.
Download Article
Stay covered up by wearing a pair of bike shorts beneath your dress. Accidental slips can be a big worry if you’re wearing a short dress. Don’t worry—bike shorts are a comfortable, flexible option that keep covered throughout the day. These won’t be visible under your dress, but they can give you a little peace of mind.[16]XResearch source
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How can I make my short dress look casual? Susan Kim Professional Stylist Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Susan Kim Professional Stylist Expert Answer Wear the belt low to give the look more of a street-style vibe. For an even more casual look, toss on a fanny pack over your dress! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
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Tips
A long necklace can look great with your dress, especially if your dress has a low neckline.[17]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Susan Kim Professional Stylist This article was co-authored by Susan Kim and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. This article has been viewed 61,104 times. 11 votes - 91% Co-authors: 12Updated: November 17, 2024 Views: 61,104 Categories: Dresses and Skirts | Personal Care and Style News In other languages Portuguese Japanese Korean Spanish French Indonesian Dutch Vietnamese Hindi German Arabic Chinese Thai
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Layer over leggings or pants. 2 Pair with a cardigan. 3 Slide on some boots. 4 Match your accessories. 5 Slip on some sneakers. 6 Pick out open-toed shoes or sandals. 7 Layer with a turtleneck. 8 Wear over a long-sleeved shirt. 9 Play around with texture. 10 Slip on tights. 11 Grab a clutch. 12 Wear a necklace. 13 Add a belt. 14 Slip on a pair of bike shorts. + Show 11 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Susan Kim and Janice Tieperman 
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Co-authored by: Susan Kim Professional Stylist This article was co-authored by Susan Kim and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. This article has been viewed 61,104 times. 11 votes - 91% Co-authors: 12 Updated: November 17, 2024 Views: 61,104 Categories: Dresses and Skirts | Personal Care and Style News In other languages Portuguese Japanese Korean Spanish French Indonesian Dutch Vietnamese Hindi German Arabic Chinese Thai 
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608 
Transform your short dress into a long, flowing top. You don’t have to stow away your short dresses once chillier weather hits! Instead, adapt your outfits to the cooler temperatures with a bit of mixing and matching. Stay warm by slipping on your favorite pair of pants or leggings, and then layer your dress overtop.[1] 
Pick out a long cardigan that’s a little longer than your dress. Your cardigan can help keep you comfortable and warm without overwhelming the rest of your outfit. You can use this in place of a coat or jacket, if you’d like.[2] 
Balance out your ensemble with long boots. These shoes are a great option for cooler weather, and help keep your legs insulated and warm in the cooler months. You can try a knee-high variety, or keep your legs covered with thigh-high boots instead. If you don’t have any long boots, opt for a pair of ankle boots instead—these can be a fun, casual addition to your dress without taking away from the rest of your outfit.[3] 
Pick a handbag that matches with some element of your dress. Take a look at your outfit’s color scheme—is your dress a solid color, is there a pattern or accent that you can play around with? Search through your closet for a handbag that matches part of your dress’s color scheme, which will help your outfit look really striking and dynamic.[4] 
Don’t be afraid to dress your outfit down. There’s no right or wrong way to style a short dress, especially when it comes to sneakers! Slip on a pair of sneakers, tennis shoes, or Converse—anything lying around your closet will do. [5] 
Complement your outfit with a relaxed pair of shoes. Boots and sneakers are all well and good, but they don’t offer you a lot of breathing room when the weather gets hot. Pick out your favorite pair of sandals—it doesn’t matter if they’re fancy or casual. Take a look through your closet and see what your options are![7] 
Wear your dress over a turtleneck to stay cozy. Short dresses are light and fun, but they can leave your arms feeling pretty chilly when the cool weather hits. There’s no need to fear—slip on a turtleneck before getting into your dress.[8] 
Prepare for chillier weather by layering your dress over a long-sleeved shirt. You can play around with neutral tones, or pick a top that matches your dress—the choice is yours! [9] 
Mix and match different materials when styling a short dress. Pick out a pair of shoes that are made with a different material than the rest of your dress. Then, grab a jacket or cardigan that’s made from something different than your shoes and coat. This is a great way to dress up for chilly weather, or just add a little extra dimension to your look.[10] 
Keep your legs warm without distracting from your dress. Leggings and pants are a great way to stay warm, but they can distract away from your dress. Instead, slip on a pair of tights, which are a bit thinner and more subtle.[11] 
Pick out a small handbag to keep your outfit balanced. Large purses and handbags have their place, but they can look a bit out-of-place with a shorter dress. Instead, switch your regular purse out for a clutch, so your outfit doesn’t look off-kilter.[13] Advertisement 
Pick out a short dress with a low neckline. Slip on a long necklace that falls beneath your collarbone, so your jewelry can be the focal point of your outfit. Feel free to play around with neutral tones—this will complement just about any outfit.[14] 
Give your dress a little extra dimension with a tasteful belt. Secure the belt around your waistline—this accessory will help split your outfit in half, and add a really stylish touch to your outfit. You can’t go wrong with neutral tones, like black, brown, or tan![15] Advertisement 
Stay covered up by wearing a pair of bike shorts beneath your dress. Accidental slips can be a big worry if you’re wearing a short dress. Don’t worry—bike shorts are a comfortable, flexible option that keep covered throughout the day. These won’t be visible under your dress, but they can give you a little peace of mind.[16] 
Susan Kim Professional Stylist Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.