7 Ways to Style a Sundress That Go Beyond Basic

What To Wear

May 28

A split horizontal layout showcasing group street-style inspiration for summer dresses, featuring a grey tiered mini dress with a denim jacket, a white floral midi dress, a yellow striped maxi dress, and casual canvas sneakers. — Photo Credit:@allieprovost , @hannahsrmnn

A sundress is the summer equivalent of a little black dress simple, reliable, and almost impossible to get wrong. But if you've been wearing yours the same way every time (dress + sandals + done), there are a few styling upgrades that can make it feel completely different. And if you are part of the big thigh committe then welcome to the club I found the perfect shorts to wear under every dress listed below.

1. Layer a Button-Down Over It

A woman styling a white and blue floral midi dress by layering an unbuttoned light-wash denim shirt over it, paired with brown leather slide sandals and a woven brown shoulder bag. — Photo Credit:@autumlovedaily

Throw an oversized white or chambray button-down over your sundress, left open. It adds dimension, it works as a light layer for air-conditioned restaurants, and it immediately makes a basic floral dress look more fashion-forward.

Abercrombie Floral Midi Dress

A woman modeling a light blue and white floral print midi dress from Abercrombie, featuring a square neckline, thick tank straps, a structured bodice, and an A-line skirt with a subtle tier.

$120 at Abercrombie

Amazon Denim Button Down

A close-up street style shot of a woman wearing an oversized, light-wash denim button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, styled over a casual outfit while holding a smartphone.

$38 at Amazon

2. Belt It

A street-style shot of a woman smiling while walking across a city street, wearing a vibrant yellow and white vertical-striped maxi dress styled with a floral woven waist belt, white ankle-strap heels, and a pink quilted mini handbag. — Photo Credit:@allieprovost

A woven leather belt at the waist changes the entire silhouette of a sundress. It creates shape, draws the eye to a flattering point, and makes a looser sundress look more polished. Especially effective with A-line or shift-style dresses.

Front Zip Midi Dress

Close-up of a light blue sleeveless midi dress featuring a structured front zipper detail and a matching fabric belt with a silver buckle at the waist.

$525 at Nordstrom

3. Add a Vest

A linen or denim vest over a sundress is one of those combinations that feels very editorial. It works best with spaghetti-strap sundresses where the straps peek out from under the vest. Finish with mules or ankle boots.

Denim Vest

$38 at Amazon

Backless Sundress

A front view of a woman modeling a sage green cotton halter maxi dress, featuring a deep V-neckline, a tiered skirt silhouette, and an open back design.

$56 at Amazon

4. Swap the Sandals for Sneakers

This one sounds obvious, but the type of sneaker matters. White leather sneakers or retro-style kicks give a sundress a cool, off-duty vibe. Skip the athletic sneakers you want clean lines, not running shoes.

Drop Waist Midi Dress

Front view of a sleeveless black midi sundress featuring a fitted bodice, a dramatic dropped waistline, and a full, gathered pleated skirt.

$49 at Amazon

Nike Airmax

$100 at Amazon

5. Throw On a Structured Bag

Street-style shot of a woman wearing a voluminous, sleeveless white cocoon maxi dress with a low scoop neckline, styled with a brown leather shoulder bag, black ballet flats, a chunky black pendant necklace, and black sunglasses. — Photo Credit:@taffymsipa

If you usually grab a tote or crossbody, try carrying a structured top-handle bag with your sundress. It elevates the entire outfit instantly. A mini structured bag in a neutral tone does the most work.

Tie Back Maxi Dress

Front view of a vibrant red maxi dress from Lulus, featuring a halter neckline, a structured O-ring cutout detail at the waist, and a flowing, tiered floor-length skirt.

$79 at Lulus

Bucket Hobo Bag

$45 at Amazon

6. Layer Jewelry, Not Clothes

A woman styling a white off-the-shoulder smocked maxi dress with ruffled tiers, accessorized with a small woven straw handbag, chunky gold bracelets, a delicate gold necklace, and black sunglasses. — Photo Credit:@hannahsrmnn

When it's too hot for layers, let jewelry do the heavy lifting. Stack thin gold necklaces, add a mix of rings, and wear statement earrings. A sundress with layered gold jewelry looks intentional without adding a single extra garment.

Belted Off The Shoulder Dress

Front view of a blonde woman modeling a cream-colored, off-the-shoulder mini dress with long billowy sleeves, a smocked elastic neckline, and a flirty tiered skirt.

$79 at Lulus

Colorful Chunky Necklace

A close-up of a vibrant cobalt blue statement necklace featuring large, chunky square resin beads separated by small gold spacer beads, finished with a textured gold center charm and an adjustable gold chain clasp.

$15 at Amazon

7. Pair With a Denim Jacket (Tied at the Waist)

A mirror selfie of a woman styling a casual summer outfit featuring a light blue tiered mini sundress with a smocked bodice, paired with an oversized denim jacket, white crew socks, and white sneakers.

Instead of actually wearing the jacket, tie it loosely at your waist. It creates visual interest, adds a pop of texture, and is genuinely useful when the temperature drops in the evening.

Styling tip: The neckline of your sundress determines a lot. Square necklines pair well with shorter necklaces. V-necks love a pendant. Strapless sundresses work best with statement earrings.

Mini Floral Sundress

Front view of a vibrant yellow mini sundress featuring a delicate white floral print, a ruched sweetheart bustline with a tie detail, and short tie-strap shoulders.

$37 at Amazon

Cropped Denim Jacket

Close-up of a woman styling a casual summer look with a cropped dark-wash denim jacket worn over a heather grey knit crop top, paired with trendy asymmetric crossover-waist jeans.

$32 at Amazon

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Autum Love

Autum Love is the founder of AutumLove.com and MensOutfitsDaily.com. With a BFA in Fashion Design and certifications in Body Image and Virtual Styling, she’s all about keeping style real, practical, and confidence-boosting. Autum’s mission is simple: to help women look good and feel even better, no matter where life takes them.

Her expertise has been featured in Newsweek, Apartment Guide, StyleCaster, and InStyle, where she shares fresh, no-nonsense fashion insights. For Autum, style isn’t just about clothes—it’s about showing up as your best self, every day.

http://www.autumlove.com