It can be difficult to know what to wear over a formal dress when it is cold and you have a formal event to attend. Whether it’s a wedding, a Christmas party at the office, a dinner, or any other event, I know that it can often be difficult to choose the extra layer that will go well with the dress.
You may feel that nothing works and that anything you add will just destroy your entire outfit. However, there are some easy tricks you can use to make sure you stay warm without sacrificing style.
Keep reading this article to find 10 clothing items that will do the trick!
- Topcoat
- Cape coat
- Fur coat
- Fitted blazer
- Princess coat
- Reefer coat
- Shawl
- Oversized blazer
- Peacoat
- Cocoon coat
Table of Contents
10 Clothing Items to Wear Over a Formal Dress When Cold
Topcoat
A topcoat is a great clothing item to wear over a formal dress when it is cold outside. Topcoats are usually made from wool or cashmere and are designed to keep you warm.
They are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find one that compliments your outfit.
Topcoats typically have a button-up front and a collar. Some also have pockets, which can be handy for carrying around small items like your phone or keys.
When choosing a topcoat, be sure to pick one that is the right size. You don’t want it to be too big or too small. Wearing a topcoat over your formal dress will keep you warm and stylish at the same time.
Cape coat
Another elegant choice, maybe the most elegant, is the cape coat. Cape coats are typically made of wool or another warm fabric, and they come in a variety of styles.
Some cape coats have a hood, which can be helpful in keeping your head warm. Others have fur trim or other embellishments that make them look extra stylish.
Cape coats are available in many different colors, so you can find one that matches your formal dress perfectly.
Wearing a cape coat over your formal dress will keep you warm and stylish at the same time. When choosing a cape coat, be sure to pay attention to the material and style to find one that best suits your needs.
Fur coat
A fur coat is a great option for keeping warm while wearing a formal dress. It will add an element of luxury to your look and will definitely keep you warm.
If you are worried about looking too flashy, opt for a coat in a neutral color like black, brown, or beige.
You will find many options when it comes to length and design. You can opt for a longer one or one that is short; however, for a formal dress, I think a longer one would be better.
You can also opt for faux fur or real fur, depending on your preferences. Whether you wear it open or closed, this coat is a great choice for your formal dress because it has the same level of elegance and will also keep you warm.
Fitted Blazer
A fitted blazer is the perfect clothing item to wear over a formal dress when it is cold outside. A fitted blazer will keep you warm without adding bulk.
It will also give you a polished look. This type of blazer is fitted because it hugs your waist beautifully and flatters every type of body.
You will find many options available, considering the fact that this type of blazer is very popular.
Choose one that is in the same color palette as your dress; you can also opt for the easy choice and you can choose a black or white blazer.
Princess coat
This is one of my favorite types of coats from this list. It is so glamorous and elegant that it immediately makes you fall in love with it.
The most beautiful examples of antique glitz are princess coats. They were very popular in the 1950s. A princess coat is a perfect clothing item to wear over a formal dress when it’s cold outside.
This type of coat is usually made of wool or cashmere, which will keep you warm and comfortable.
Princess coats often come in long lengths, which will protect your legs from the cold. They also have a fitted silhouette, which will flatter your figure.
These striking fitted coats featured long skirts, nipped waists, lovely shawl collars, and stunningly extravagant giant sleeves.
Reefer coat
A reefer coat is a great option for those who need to dress formally but also want to stay warm. The reefer’s double-breasted construction ensured that the buttons were placed out to the sides, preventing ropes from becoming tangled in the buttons.
The buttons of the reefer coat were etched with anchors, which was another distinguishing characteristic. Additionally, polished and engraved anchor buttons are still used on genuine contemporary reefer jackets.
Reefer coats are typically made of wool or another type of heavy fabric. They are often knee-length or longer, which helps to keep the wearer warm.
Reefer coats can be worn over suits or other formal clothing, such as a formal dress. They are a great option for those who need to dress formally but also want to stay warm.
Shawl
A shawl is a great option for covering up a formal dress when it’s cold outside. Shawls come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find one that matches your outfit.
They can be made from a variety of materials, including wool, cashmere, and cotton. Some shawls even have fringe or other embellishments.
Shawls are easy to wear, too. You can simply drape them over your shoulders or wrap them around your body.
They can also be worn as a scarf or headscarf. Shawls are versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
If you’re looking for a way to stay warm while still looking chic, a shawl is a great option.
Oversized blazer
An oversized blazer is the perfect clothing item to wear over a formal dress when it’s cold outside. The blazer is not a clothing item that is meant to be worn only in the office.
The right blazer can easily become the extra layer that you need over your formal dress.
It will keep you warm without making you look too bulky. Plus, you can always take it off if you get too warm.
This type of blazer is different from the classic, fitted blazer and it creates a baggy look. It is perfect for many types of dresses, but I would not wear it if the dress is very elegant and with many accessories because it might clash.
An oversized blazer is a good choice because it will keep you warm while still looking chic. Try one on with your dress and see if they match.
Peacoat
A peacoat is a great clothing item to wear over a formal dress when it’s cold outside. Every fall and winter, peacoats are elegantly updated in order to stay current.
They have stood the test of time. During the winter months, you may stay warm and look stylish by donning a peacoat.
Peacoats are typically made of wool, which helps to keep you warm. They also have a stylish look that can dress up any outfit.
Peacoats typically come in dark colors, such as black, navy, or gray. This makes them a great choice for wearing over a formal dress.
Choose this type of coat with your formal dress and be surprised by how many compliments you get.
Cocoon coat
A cocoon coat is a great choice for covering up a formal dress when it’s cold outside. Cocoon coats are loose-fitting by definition with voluminous sleeves and lack of structure, making them ideal for layering over a thick knit.
The statement look created by the contrast of volumes dispels any dowdiness that may otherwise be felt while covered in several cold clothes.
The coat will keep you warm without adding bulk. The cocoon shape is also very flattering.
This is especially appropriate for those of you who like to keep a low profile while maintaining an excellent appearance.
It is not flashy in any way, which is generally a good thing in daily life. The fact that it is quite simple to execute is another major benefit. Nothing form-fitting or with exposed flesh.
Final Thoughts
Given the diversity of these clothing items to wear over a formal dress when cold outside, I am sure that you will find one option available for you, whether it is a blazer, a coat, or a shawl.
Whether we are talking about winter or late autumn, you should not go out without a coat or an extra layer over.
There are really a lot of options to dress well in winter, even with a maxi dress. Don’t leave your coats at home because you don’t want to ruin your outfit.
These types of clothes will still allow you to look very stylish while keeping you warm. Any of the items presented above are a good option and will still preserve the elegance and style of your outfit.
No matter how beautiful the dress is, your health is more important so don’t make the mistake of wearing just the formal dress.
Dresses & Cold Weather Related Articles:
What Shoes To Wear With Dresses In Winter
How to Wear a Maxi Dress in Winter
What Shoes to Wear with a Maxi Dress in Winter
What Shoes to Wear with a Maxi Dress in Fall
