Solids, Prints and Colors

• Wear a dress that complements and does not clash with the jacket. Wear a printed dress only if the jacket is a solid and wear a solid-colored dress only if the jacket has a print, even it is a border print. Choose colors carefully. When matching the dress and jacket, complementary colors contrast well, such as orange sherbet or bright salmon with baby blue or navy. Pair a neutral, such as taupe or ivory with a bold color such as black, brown, white or a primary color. Silver or gold works well with neutrals. Avoid mixing blacks and browns, as they are too similar to each other.
  
  

Warm or Cool Weather

• If your dress is below the knee, such as mid-calf or longer, your legs may be the only skin showing in this ensemble. In warm weather, dare to go bare legged or wear sheer hosiery from a fine hosiery store. In cooler climes, wear tights that match the hem of your dress or that contrast with the ensemble. Stick to neutral shades of ivory, taupe, navy, black or brown. Alternatively, wear knee-high boots in cooler weather. For warmer climates, drape the jacket over your shoulders or roll the jacket sleeves to three-quarters length.
  
  

Formal or Informal, Edgy or Girly

• There is no hard and fast rule that a dress must be as formal or as informal as the jacket. Wear a cotton or denim dress to dress down a structured blazer or a flowy silk, georgette or satin dress to dress up a structured blazer. A floral dress underneath a leather jacket makes an outfit girly and a leather dress underneath a printed jacket makes it edgy.
  
  

Structured or Casual Looks

• Belt the dress underneath the jacket for a tailored look, especially if wearing a structured blazer. Alternatively, wear a tulle slip under the dress to give the skirt dimension and to add curves to the ensemble. A bell-shaped or tulip skirt works well with a cropped jacket. Button the jacket over the dress to make the ensemble formal. Unbutton the jacket to show off the dress for a casual look.
  
  

Dress and Jacket Length

• The dress length should be suited to the length of the jacket. For instance, a shorter dress works best with a cropped jacket. Avoid pairing a short dress with a long jacket. A maxi dress can be worn underneath a cropped or waist-length jacket, but it should not be worn underneath a jacket that extends past the waist.