5 Dreamy Ways to Style Your Modest Dresses

When it comes to modest dresses, it’s not just the dress that makes the outfit; how you style it up is key for helping you tie your look together. The right accessories can be the difference between looking effortlessly chic or all dressed up, taking your favorite dress from casual to glam (and back again) in an instant. 

Here, we’ve rounded up five fun and functional ways to style your modest dresses, showing you just how versatile your wardrobe can be… 

1. Team Basic Styles with Colorful Layers

 Shop these styling essentials: Burgundy & Rust Color Block Cardigan, Charcoal Color Block Cardigan

Basic never has to mean boring. We all have a one-color dress (or three) in our wardrobe, and they’re perfect for layering with cozy cardigans in color block styles. Team a black midi with bold brights for an easy, breezy weekend outfit. Or, if you prefer neutrals, look to muted tones, such as dusky pinks, dove grays and soft taupes over any shade of dress. Top tip: aim for a silhouette that stops a few inches above the hem of your dress, so your stylish color contrast is easily visible.

2. Add an Oversized Scarf for Chilly Days

 Shop these styling essentials: Taupe Knit Stitched Scarf, Honey Plaid Pasha Knit Scarf

Of all the winter accessories, an oversized scarf might be the most versatile. You can wrap it around the collar of your coat outside, then wear it as an easy cover-up if it’s cold inside. Also stylish with modest skirts, scarves in neutral colors work perfectly, as they pair as well with black or white items as they do with brighter, jewel-toned dresses. 

3. Wear Floral Prints with Muted Tones

 Shop these styling essentials: Hunter Green Waffle Knit Cardigan, Navy Soft Knit Cardigan

Floral print dresses work all year round, from spring to summer and fall to winter. To keep them transeasonal, try adding a chunky knit over the top in the cooler months. Our go-tos for pairing with prints are simple, single-tone cardigans that complement the color palette. For example, hunter green contrasts beautifully against mustard yellow, while navy blue pops against… well, pretty much every dress. 

4. Add Ankle Boots for Style and Comfort

Shop these styling essentials: Beige Panelled Chelsea Bootie, Taupe Block Heel Ankle Bootie

Because we all need a good pair of boots in winter; opt for ankle-height styles with flattering midis. The length of the dress and the cut of the boots are perfectly proportioned to look stylish – day and night. Opt for dark brown or black boots if you’re going on a winter walk (where they’re bound to take a beating), then switch to elegant beige booties for a dressier take. We love cream Chelsea boots for church or dinner with friends.  

5. Dress Up with Pointy Toe Shoes

 Shop these styling essentials: Taupe Pointy Toe Wooden Heels, Duo Print Rose Pointed Flat

Instant glam comes courtesy of pointy toe shoes, whether flat or heeled. They’re a flattering shape that suit every occasion, giving your modest look an extra-stylish twist. Choose nude and blush tones for a timeless feel that complements every dress color, from classic black to boho camel. They’re an all-year-round staple. 

Looking for more cold-weather dressing tips? Discover six stylish outfits for winter walks, featuring all the cozy layers you could possibly want.