Mail Bag: Hiding the Top of a Dress

Hi Kasmira!

Love your blog, your writing, your style tips and your sense of humor! Can you help me out with something? I need advice on how to turn a dress into a skirt? I have a strapless white and red eyelit dress that I'd like to wear a top over the dress so it looks like a skirt and a top, but I have no idea what kind of top to cover up with. I see you be very creative with dresses and am hoping you can give me some tips!

Thanks, Jennie

When is a dress not a dress? When you cover the top and call it a skirt. This little trick can get you twice the life out of your dresses. It’s especially helpful if the top of the dress is inappropriate for a more conservative venue (like the office or church).

The easiest dresses to layer over are sleeveless/strapless and of a lightweight fabric. You'll see, below, that I have worn and reworn a strapless, khaki sheath as a skirt. Sleeved dress work, as long as the material is thin. Bulky sleeves don't layer well.

I’ve tried a number of different style tops over my dresses.

1. Cardigan (buttoned) or sweater

I recommend a fitted cardigan/sweater if the dress’ skirt is full. If the dress has a straight or tapered skirt, a looser top will work.


2. Buttoned Shirt

The same rules apply for a shirt as a cardigan/sweater; look for a fitted shape. Shirts with seaming and darts are ideal. Add a belt for more waist definition.


3. Tee

Well, I’ve only tried this once, but I liked it! It works best with a fitted and/or knotted t-shirt.

4. Vest

A vest (or waistcoat) over a sleeveless dress gives you the look of a separates outfit, but keeps you cool.


5. Multiple Toppers

Layer two or more toppers over the dress for dozens of different looks. Try a tank and a shrug. A blouse and a vest. A jacket and a scarf.



P.S. Cover the bottom (with another skirt) and you can triple the potential of a dress.