How to Wear One Dress Different Ways: 10+ Style Tips for New Looks

If you’re feeling bored with your wardrobe, there’s no need to go out and buy new clothes. You can make an old dress look completely new again by adding some layers or a few accessories. With a few styling tricks, one dress can turn into a new outfit for every day of the week!

Method 1
Method 1 of 12:
Add a thick belt to define your waist.[1]

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    If your dress is a little flowy, make it A-line with a belt. Tie it just below your waist and above your hips to create an hourglass shape for your figure.[2]
    • Throw on some ballet flats and grab a small handbag for a simple daytime look.
    • Take your dress out on the town with some booties and a clutch.

Method 2
Method 2 of 12:
Layer with a T-shirt for a casual look.[3]

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    Turn your dress into a skirt with this simple trick. Put your dress on, then slide a T-shirt on top of it.
    • If you want your shirt to be a little cropped, tie it in a knot so it sits at your waist.
    • Pair your look with some sandals or wedges for a cool summer vibe.
    • Pull your hair up and accessorize with some dangly earrings and a bracelet or two.

Method 3
Method 3 of 12:
Look tough with a bomber jacket and sneakers.[4]

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    Dresses don’t have to be feminine. Pull on your dress, then pair it with low top sneakers and a silky bomber jacket.
    • You can wear any kind of dress, but this look works best with a long slip dress.
    • Try wearing a black dress and bomber jacket, then adding a pop of color with your sneakers.
    • Grab a small backpack to hold all of your essentials, and accessorize with a thin necklace.

Method 4
Method 4 of 12:
Tuck your dress into pants to make a shirt.[5]

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    This look works best with a mini dress since there’s less fabric to work with. Roll your dress up until it hits the top of your thighs, then pull on some trousers to complete your look.
    • If you’re going for a fancier outfit, try some wide-legged trousers with kitten heels and a handbag.
    • If you’re sticking with a casual outfit, go with some straight legged trousers and ballet flats instead.
    • Accessorize with a small handbag and a few dainty necklaces.

Method 5
Method 5 of 12:
Get cozy with an oversized sweater.[6]

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    If it’s cold out, it’s time to layer up. Pull on your dress, then add a large chunky sweater on top to cover up your arms while staying cute.
    • If you’re wearing a mini dress, put on some black tights to keep your legs warm throughout the day.
    • Pair your look with loafers for a masculine vibe, or go for some booties to stay comfy and cozy.
    • Add a few bangles or bracelets to complete your look.

Method 6
Method 6 of 12:
Tie a button-up in front to look flirty and cute.[7]

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    Who says button-ups are just for the office? Put your dress on, then add an oversized button-up on top. Instead of buttoning it, tie the 2 ends together in front of your belly button.
    • Let your hair hang loose and pop on a pair of sandals to go with this summery outfit.
    • Accessorize with a wide brimmed hat and a few sparkly rings on your fingers.

Method 7
Method 7 of 12:
Try a short dress over pants for a modern style.[8]

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    You’ll look ready to go to an art gallery at a moment’s notice. Pick a mini dress that hits about mid-thigh, then put on some white or black skinny jeans underneath.
    • Pair your outfit with some thin sandals and a thick belt to complete the look.
    • Add some chunky jewelry to play up the artsy nature of this outfit.

Method 8
Method 8 of 12:
Dress up with a structured blazer.[9]

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    If you want to take your dress to work, this look is for you. Put on your dress with some kitten heels, then add a structured blazer on top.
    • Pair your look with some stud earrings and a small handbag to look professional.
    • Black dresses go great with plaid blazers, while colored dresses look nice with neutrals, like brown, tan, or cream.

Method 9
Method 9 of 12:
Get sporty with a jean jacket.[10]

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    Denim never goes out of style. Pull on your dress, then add a cropped denim jacket to keep your arms warm.
    • Pair your look with some white sneakers and a backpack to look cool and casual.
    • If you’re going for a more streetwear look, wear an oversized denim jacket that reaches down to mid-thigh.

Method 10
Method 10 of 12:
Mix it up with a simple scarf.[11]

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    Sometimes all you need is an extra accessory! Tie a scarf loosely around your neck to stay warm and add a pop of color to your dress.
    • If it’s chilly out, layer up with a cardigan and some tights underneath.
    • Pair your look with some ballet flats or some booties for a cute and casual outfit.

Method 11
Method 11 of 12:
Layer a skirt over your dress to make it more versatile.

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    Dresses can be a little fancy, so make it casual with a skirt instead. Pull on a mini dress, then slide a skirt up to your waist for a 2-piece look.
    • Try wearing a slightly shorter skirt over your dress for a fun, unexpected look.[12]
    • Accessorize with a simple necklace and a small handbag.
    • Pull your hair back with a bandana to complete this fun outfit.

Method 12
Method 12 of 12:
Keep your legs warm with a pair of tights.[13]

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    Your summer dress doesn’t have to stay in the closet all winter long! Pull on a pair of tights to stay warm in any outfit.
    • Wear sheer black tights to go with almost anything, or spice up your look with patterned or printed ones.
    • Pair your outfit with a cozy hat and a warm jacket to stay warm.
    • Accessorize with a few bracelets and a thin necklace to make your tights the star of the show.

Community Q&A
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  • Question
    How can I style a dress to make it different?
    Susan Kim
    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
    Susan Kim
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Adding accessories really allows you to dress down a dress or a skirt. For example, you might put on a belt below your waist, or you could even use a fanny pack for more of a streetwear vibe.

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvWo7qQnZEc&feature=youtu.be&t=77
  2. ↑ Susan Kim. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvWo7qQnZEc&feature=youtu.be&t=103
  4. ↑ https://www.phillymag.com/shoppist/2016/05/19/one-dress-six-ways/
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2btCqHejx4&feature=youtu.be&t=149
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2btCqHejx4&feature=youtu.be&t=288
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvWo7qQnZEc&feature=youtu.be&t=157
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVoSUIO-RY0&feature=youtu.be&t=207
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJIQchxnl3A&feature=youtu.be&t=163
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lJcZsnYho&feature=youtu.be&t=86
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvWo7qQnZEc&feature=youtu.be&t=259
  3. ↑ Susan Kim. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_KYbSUQs8E&feature=youtu.be&t=292
  5. ↑ Susan Kim. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.

About This Article

Susan Kim
Co-authored by:
Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
This article was co-authored by Susan Kim and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. 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 9,642 times.
19 votes - 76%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: August 25, 2021
Views: 9,642
Categories: Dresses and Skirts