One of the questions I’m asked most often is how to layer a dress. Whether you’re trying to get a little more warmth, make a dress feel more casual, or dress it up for a different occasion, adding the right layer can completely change the look.
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Today I’m sharing seven easy ways to style one simple dress. I started with Quince’s 100% European Linen Tiered Maxi Dress and created seven completely different outfits using pieces you may already have in your closet.
The dress itself is a great staple for summer. It’s made from 100% European linen with a stretchy smocked bodice and adjustable straps that make it comfortable to wear all day. Although it’s unlined, I don’t find it to be sheer. It fits true to size, and I’m wearing it in an XS.
Here are seven simple layering ideas that can help you get even more wear out of your favorite dresses.
My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size, that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.
1. Add a Cropped Cardigan
A cropped cardigan is probably my favorite layer to wear with dresses. It adds warmth without hiding your waistline or overwhelming your frame.
Because the cardigan ends at your natural waist, it helps maintain your proportions while making a sleeveless dress appropriate for cooler mornings, air-conditioned offices, or evenings out.
Similar Cardigan XS | Dress XS | Sandals | Bag
2. Try a Cropped Short Sleeve Cardigan
If a long-sleeve cardigan feels too warm, a cropped short-sleeve cardigan gives you the same polished look with a lighter feel.
Sweater XXS | Dress XS | Sandals | Bag
3. Layer with a Cropped Vest
Cropped vests a great layering piece for a dress. I like to opt for one that has a high neck, it’s the easiest to go with dresses with different straps.
Worn buttoned over the dress, the vest creates definition at the waist while adding structure to a soft linen silhouette.
Vest XS | Dress XS | Shoes | Bag
4. Tie a Silk Scarf Around Your Waist
Sometimes all a dress needs is a little definition.
Instead of reaching for a belt, try tying a silk scarf around your waist. It adds color, texture, and personality while softly defining your shape without feeling bulky.
Dress XS | Scarf | Shoes | Bag | Earrings
5. Wear a Denim Shirt Instead of a Denim Jacket
A denim jacket has always been a classic layering piece, but lately I’ve been reaching for a denim shirt instead.
It gives you the same casual feel while looking lighter and a bit more modern.
Shirt XS | Dress XS | Sandals | Bag
6. Add a Cropped White Button-Down
A cropped button-down gives a relaxed vibe while still highlighting your waist.
Leaving it open creates a lightweight third layer. In this case I went for white but you could go denim, printed or a color depending on the dress you’re layering with.
Shirt Petite XS | Dress XS | Sandals | Bag
7. Layer a Cropped Top Over Your Dress
One of the easiest ways to completely transform a dress is by wearing a cropped top over it.
For this outfit, I chose a crochet top, but almost any cropped top that hits at your waist will work. The dress instantly becomes a maxi skirt, giving you a completely different outfit without buying anything new.
This trick works especially well with fitted bodices like this Quince linen dress because the top layers smoothly without adding bulk.
Top XXS | Dress XS | Sandals | Bag
Final Thoughts
A great dress doesn’t have to be limited to one look. With just a few simple layering pieces, you can dress it up, dress it down, or make it work through multiple seasons.
