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While you may feel inclined to pack away your hot strapless dresses at summer's end, there are ways you can rock them during colder months. All you have to do is layer up and you’ll turn a sundress into a snow-dress with ease. Whether your strapless gown is for a black tie affair or for a night out at the bars, you can wear it through the cold by donning a few key top layers.
A Cardigan
A cardigan is a practical layer that can add a pop of color to your look or stay neutral but will amp up your ensemble while keeping you warm. Wear your cardigan unbuttoned and hanging open or with a combination of buttons fastened. Also, don’t hesitate to wear this layer as a true piece of your outfit and throw on a belt over it to marry your two garments.
A Blazer
To take the drama up a notch, don a structured blazer with your strapless dress. This will make a simple sheath dress work-appropriate or turn a day dress into a clubbing one. Play around with embellished blazers or dramatic flares like puffed shoulders to add visual interest. For a true menswear-inspired blazer, try the boyfriend blazer, which runs a bit larger. Even if this blazer is the same length as your strapless confection, the combination works.
A Leather Jacket
If edgy is your middle name, throw on a leather jacket over your dress. The key to making this look work is to choose a structured and fitted jacket to avoid looking like you’re wearing your boyfriend’s coat. For extra edge wear a jacket with lots of hardware or stay simple and skip it.
A Vest
Zanna Roberts, a senior fashion editor at “Marie Claire,” recommends donning an oversized vest as a light overcoat and alternative to a blazer. Though this isn’t for very cold weather, it will add some warmth to an early spring or fall ensemble while also adding depth to your look. You can further incorporate the vest into your outfit by belting it and merging your two pieces.
