how to wear a summer dress in winter: denim jacket over bronze satin dress
Image via @hangwithanna

There’s so much to love about fall and winter: the holidays, brisk outdoor activities, sweater weather. But having to pack away our favorite summer frocks? That can be a major bummer. Spoiler alert: It’s absolutely possible to keep some of your go-t0 warm-weather pieces in rotation once temperatures start to drop. Ahead, we’ve got a few tricks for how to wear a summer dress in winter and fall.

Spaghetti straps, short sleeves, pale colors, and lightweight materials might seem counterintuitive to fall and winter dressing, but the secret to extending the life of your summer dresses lay in the styling. Layering pieces, outerwear, and rich, fall-worthy accessories can totally take some of your favorite warm-weather styles into cold-weather territory. Extending the life of our wardrobe go-to’s and getting more bang for the buck? Yes. Please. Scroll on to see how we transformed a few of our summer dresses into fall/winter must-haves.

1. Accessorize with Luxe Fall Extras in Dark Hues

cream prairie dress with western boots and croc embossed bag as example for how to wear a summer dress in winter

It’s no secret we are crushing hard on prairie fashion for fall. The western-chic look has gotten an edgy upgrade this season and we’re here for all of it. A cream dress for autumn? Absolutely. By pairing this light, wispy frock with luxe textures and dark tones–in this case, applique contrast leather boots and a croc-embossed handbag–you’ve created an instant fall outfit. Don’t forget the sculpted gold hoop earrings! Pro tip: Throw a leather moto or suede jacket over this on brisker days.

2. Warm Up with a Denim Jacket and Boots

bronze satin dress, denim jacket and black lace up boots outfit as as example for how to wear a summer dress in winter

Fall is definitely denim season and a jean jacket will give new life to that satin spaghetti-strap dress you loved over the summer. With suede mid-calf lace-up boots, your flirty hot-weather favorite is ready for cooler weather, so no need to say goodbye for the season! For more coverage when temperatures dip even further, try layering a fitted tee or bodysuit under the dress or add black tights.

3. Layer A Turtleneck Underneath a Summer Dress

floral sundress with black turtleneck, mini bag, and white sneakers as example for how to wear a summer dress in winter

If we swear by any transitional outfit hack, it’s this one. Stock up on thin, long-sleeve turtlenecks to wear under sundresses, slip dresses, and more during the fall and winter, and you’ll up your cold-weather outfit options significantly. Hint: This styling trick also works with summer tanks and camis, so get ready to layer up! For a cool-cute finish, throw on sneakers and a structured bag.

4. Throw on a Bomber Jacket and High Tops With a Floral Maxi Dress

green bomber jacket, pink floral maxi, and white sneakers as example for how to wear a summer dress in winter

Those pretty long dresses you lived in all summer? Yeah, you can wear them in fall and winter, too. Mashing up a pastel floral maxi dress with a sporty olive green bomber jacket and high-top sneakers gives this girly staple a sporty, seasonally-appropriate twist. Long sleeves, closed toes, can’t lose.

We want to see how you wear a summer dress in winter and fall! Show us on Instagram @Lulus using #lovelulus