PB STYLING

5 ways to combine dresses and skirts with jackets

Dresses and skirts are favorite styles and bring a level of bare legs. That’s why dress, skirt and short lengths ask for a certain balance in combination with a cover-up. But which cover-up do you wear with each dress or skirt length?

Short dress/skirt/shorts, long cover-up

Short dress/skirt/shorts, short cover-up

Equal length

Long dress/skirt, long cover-up

Long dress/skirt, short cover-up

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Joyce

Joyce knows everything about different body types. She excels at providing smart styling tips and tricks to highlight your best features. Additionally, she is the go-to person for occasion outfits with that little extra something.

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Short dress/skirt/shorts, long cover-up

Short dress/skirt/shorts, short cover-up

Long dress/skirt, long cover-up

Long dress/skirt, short cover-up

Combine a short dress, skirt or shorts with a longer cover-up to optically lengthen your legs, while a feminine appearance predominates. Combining different lengths creates a modern styling. A short dress, skirt or shorts showcase(s) bare legs and that offers the possibility to play with silhouettes - a loose-fit dress with a loose-fit cardigan is therefore a must-do. Mix and match different fabrics - think of linen and a knit - for a nice contrast in fabric drape. The look in one color guarantees a serene feel, while several colors and/or prints offer a contemporary look.

A short dress or skirt and shorts can also be paired with a shorter cover-up - from a blazer to a cardigan or a draped poncho. Combining different lengths creates a feminine look. The upper body is elongated, while the shorter cover-up emphasizes the waist and brings balance. Keep the different silhouettes from both the dress/skirt/shorts in mind for a flattering look. Boxy on boxy looks ‘heavier’, while a fitted dress with a boxy cover-up looks super stylish. Wear a loose-fit dress with a fitted cover-up in order to maintain balance.

The simplest option is to (almost) equalize the length of the dress, skirt or shorts with the length of the cover-up. Do you have a mini dress, skirt or shorts, pair it with a thigh-length cardigan or wear a maxi-length dress with a maxi-cardigan or long blazer. Equal lengths offer calmness in the look, and allow you to create contrast with fabrics, textures, colors and prints.

A long dress or skirt with a midi or maxi length immediately offers a modern look, where a combination with a long cover-up offers a playful contrast in lengths. Go for a slightly longer or shorter cover-up than the dress or skirt length for a flattering look. Again, a look in one color offers a serene feel, while different colors and textures add playfulness.

A long dress or skirt optically offers an elongating effect and also brings a modern bohemian vibe. Combined with a shorter cover-up balance is created, where the feminine silhouette predominates - and we love that. Choose a cover-up in comparison with the silhouette and volume of the dress and skirt. For example, combine a fitted shape with a loose-fit cover-up and wear an A-line silhouette with a fitted cover-up to maintain feminine balance.