Black + Bright

I’m usually more of a skirt girl because of the versatility factor. To me, dresses tend to feel a bit limiting. Sure, you can switch out your shoes, accessories, and jacket, but there are only so many ways you can wear a dress. Unless, of course, it’s an LBD. In which case, the possibilities are kind of endless!

I’ve seen a lot of girls wearing sweaters over dresses to mix it up, but I recently saw Julia rocking this look and was inspired to give it a go.

gifted LA Made Sweater (20% off with code BOWS20) / Marc By Marc Jacobs Tote (loving this coral version for spring!) / gifted Karen Kane Dress / Ray-Ban Wayfarers / gifted Just Fab Sandals / Zara Necklace

Photo Credit: Hallie

Have you worn a sweater over a dress before? What are some of your secrets to getting more wears out of your dresses?

PS – Check out my post yesterday for another one of my favorite LA MADE pieces and don’t forget to take advantage of their 20% off promo code for Bows & Sequins readers! (BOWS20)

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39 Comments

  1. 4.3.13
    Jocelyn said:

    I’ve never done the sweater thing, but I have recently been popping pencil skirts over my shift dresses. It gives such a sleek look. .

  2. 4.3.13
    Lauren said:

    I’ve tied a button down over my dresses before to get more use out of them but never tried a sweater. I like the way you knotted it for a little more fitted look. I just might have to try this!

    Fizz and Frosting

  3. 4.3.13

    I love this look! I keep trying to make the sweater-over-dress thing work for me, but every time I try to knot my sweater it just looks too bulky and weird. Maybe I’ll try it with a tissue-thin tee next time.

  4. 4.3.13
    Rachelle said:

    I ‘m more of a skirt girl as well. Love your sandals.

    xo
    http://pinksole.com

  5. 4.3.13
    Ashley J said:

    I think this is my all time favorite outfit you have worn!

  6. 4.3.13

    I LOVE sweaters and shirts with dresses, it makes dresses so much more versatile! I love the bright pop of color with the LBD. Cute outfit!

  7. 4.3.13
    natasha said:

    Your sandals are too much fun! Love it 🙂

    xo, tasha
    twenty-something blog

  8. 4.3.13
    AJ said:

    I’ve never done a sweater over a dress, I will have to try it! Your heels are amazing, are they comfortable?! I’ve never ordered anything from Just Fab.

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

  9. 4.3.13

    Super cute! I’ve turned dresses into tops by either tucking the bottom into pants or layering another skirt over it.

    http://www.preppypanache.com

  10. 4.3.13
    viv said:

    Gotta have those heels!

  11. 4.3.13
    Kayla said:

    I love it Jessica! Those shoes are SOOOO great!! : )

    Kayla
    http://www.lovelucygirl.com

  12. 4.3.13
    Olivia said:

    Those sandals are to die for!! Yellow, brown, and black is an amazing combination!

  13. 4.3.13

    I love wearing dresses as skirts and those shoes are amazing!!!!!
    walkinginmemphisinhighheels.com

  14. 4.3.13

    i LOVE layering over dresses! and yay…we are twinsies! i have the same shoes! =)

    xoxo, jenn
    the stylish housewife

  15. 4.3.13
    Imogen said:

    The bright top against the black looks amazing.

  16. 4.3.13
    Rose said:

    Um, hello, LOVE the shoes!! I frequently feel the same way about dresses, there’s only so much you can put over them (especially with certain styles).

    xx
    Rose
    Blonde in this City

  17. 4.3.13
    christin said:

    love this, so much. great idea putting a pop of color over a LBD!

  18. 4.3.13
    Kodi said:

    When I saw the first picture, the first thing that popped into my head was “OMG THOSE SHOES!” — and I never say/think “OMG” anything. Are they comfortable? If you say yes I’m totally clicking “add to cart”.
    -Kodi
    grey et al

  19. 4.3.13
    Shira said:

    This look is so great from that sweater to those awesome shoes….I must get myself a good LBD dress!
    sequinsandpolkadots.blogspot.com

    • 4.3.13
      Jessica Sturdy said:

      Definitely recommend Karen Kane! They have a great selection with a lot of different cuts!

  20. 4.3.13
    Chelsea said:

    I’ve worn sweater/dress combos before and I love how it changes the purpose of a dress. Such a good way to get a little more wear out of your favorite dresses! You look gorgeous, as always.

    xoxo,
    Chelsea & The City
    Be sure to check out my eShakti giveaway!

  21. 4.3.13

    okay totally regret not buying those heels now so stylish! I am obsessed with this entire outfit!
    xo stylelista
    http://www.stylelistaconfessions.com

  22. 4.3.13
    amy said:

    I think a sweater over a dress is a great way to change things up. I love those sandals with this look!

    Amy

    Fashion and Beauty Finds

  23. 4.3.13
    Lara said:

    Great look! Love those shoes – so stunning. You always have the best heels!

    xox Lara http://www.weheartbeautyblog.com

  24. 4.3.13
    Andrea said:

    I can’t say I’ve ever paired a pullover sweater over a dress before, but I like this combo! You always look so lady like 🙂

    xoxo,
    Andrea

    http://www.andreaeveryday.com

  25. 4.3.13

    FAB shoes!

    xo,
    Tiffany
    http://shoeschampagne.blogspot.com

  26. 4.3.13

    Your sandals bring the whole look together! And we love the sweater and dress combination!!!

    Trendy Mondays – your online fashion destination for independent European designer brands

  27. 4.3.13
    Carly said:

    I want this outfit for my date tonight….can we somehow transport it to Chicago?

  28. 4.3.13

    Just this winter I started wearing sweaters over dressed and button-downs and turtlenecks underneath my dresses. It really helps expand my wardrobe!

  29. 4.3.13
    Nikki said:

    I love layering over dresses with sweaters and shirts! I feel like it increases my wardrobe options!

    I love the yellow and black together and I love it with the shoes!! You look adorable!

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

  30. 4.3.13
    Danielle said:

    THOSE SHOES ARE EVERYTHING! Love the black + yellow. Not a combo I would attempt, but seeing it on you is inspiring!

    xx!

  31. 4.3.13
    Agi said:

    Love this look. I love how versatile dresses can be. We think that skirts are more versatile but we forget to give credit to dresses, especially simple black ones.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.com

  32. 4.3.13

    Wearing a hot pink sweater over a black dress today. Great minds.

  33. 4.3.13
    Ashley said:

    New to your blog and I love it! Can we talk about how awesome your shoes are too? So great. I need to try mixing up my dresses as skirts more, but I somehow always forget. You rocked it!

  34. 4.3.13
    anngelik said:

    I am loving this outfit especially your shoes, they are stunning.

    -Vogue&Heels
    vogueandheels.com

  35. 4.3.13
    Nora said:

    Love this combo and those shoes are gorgeous!

    Nora

  36. 4.3.13

    Ok – those shoes are AMAZING!!!!

  37. 4.3.13
    Kylie Rae said:

    I too was inspired by Julia’s look and I am so glad you experimented because it looks wonderful! And, how do you always have the best shoes my dear?! 😉

    xo shimmermepretty.com

  38. 4.4.13
    Sabrina said:

    I looove sweater over dresses, it transforms them.
    Your heels are so pretty!
    xo
    http://polkadottedpearl.com