Best Outerwear for Your Dirndl: Sweaters, Jackets & More

Although the winter months are not typically the season for wearing dirndls, those who love dirndls will find a way! And let’s not forget that sometimes the fall (which is totally dirndl dress wearing season) can often be chilly as well. To keep warm and stylish while wearing a traditional dirndl, you need the right outerwear. A sweater, jacket or coat is a must for any dirndl dress (especially when it's cold or your blouses are short sleeved!).

Not sure what to look for when shopping for outerwear to wear over your dirndl? Here are a few tips:

• Look for an item that’s relatively lightweight and not too bulky. You don’t want your outerwear to overpower the beauty of the dress itself!

• Choose something with a snug fit – you don’t want it to be so loose that it looks like you’re wearing someone else’s coat.

• Consider choosing a color that will compliment the colors of your dirndl without taking away from them. Opting for a neutral shade in black, gray, or even white can provide the perfect backdrop for your dress.

When it comes to outerwear, there are plenty of options that will work nicely with your dirndl. Whether you're going to a local German restaurant, you have a German club event, or even everyday wear wearing a dirndl dress can get chilly. (I mean unless you live in a place like Florida, Texas or southern Cali… in which case I'm very jealous of your weather).

Add Warmth to your Dirndl Dresses

But should you want to wear a dirndl when the weather is less than ideal for a dirndl outfit, you'll most likely want to wear a sweater or jacket. It’s important to have something warm and cozy to layer over your dirndl especially if your blouse is short-sleeved. There are a variety of options available to keep you comfortable and stylish.

Sweaters are by far the most popular choice for wearing over a dirndl, but there is much more than just sweaters. Vests, boleros and shrugs are also great options. They can provide warmth while still showcasing your look underneath them. A well-chosen cardigan or light coat can also add extra style points to an outfit while keeping you warm. If it’s cold out and you need something more substantial, there are heavier wool coats that will do the trick. Longer jackets like a duster can be worn to complete the traditional dirndl look and keep you warm throughout the night

No matter what season it is or how chilly the outside may be, with the right outerwear you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for warmth when wearing your favorite dirndl dress. So embrace the chill and look fabulous doing it!

Deciding on a style can be hard, but the best outerwear for your dirndl should always be both fashionable and functional. You want something that will complete your look without sacrificing warmth or comfort. Here are a few of my favorite outerwear pieces to help you make the perfect choice.

Sweaters to Stay Warm in your Traditional (or not so Traditional) Dirndl Outfit

A cropped cardigan is your best bet for a traditional dirndl. Why? Because traditional dirndls have a natural waistline and a cropped cardigan will stop at the natural waist. This sweater style is the best way to compliment your dirndl without taking away from the essence of the dirndl style. One of our customers said that she found some at Old Navy for $20 and I got mine at Target a few years back. These are not always in style, so it might be hard to find. BUT! There's probably an online store with a wide selection of cropped cardigans to choose from. So once you get a good one, hold onto it. 

It can be easier to find is a basic cardigan which you can wear unbuttoned with traditional dirndls. It’s a more casual look, but also very comfortable. Also, it can be a great way to add some color or pattern to your dirndl. Try wearing a solid-colored cardigan and a printed dirndl for extra flair.

And if you want to join the trend, get an oversized cardigan or one with fringe details on the bottom. But make sure that it’s not too long and doesn’t cover up your dirndl skirt, otherwise, you won’t be able to show off that beautiful fabric. You can also wear this look in reverse - have an over-the-top cardigan but opt for a more neutral (but still colorful) dirndl skirt. This will keep your outfit from looking too busy.

Draped Sweater

Sweaters with open-draped sides are a great choice as well. Although it changes the silhouette of the dirndl, it doesn't cover up the detailing of the bodice. These sweaters are pretty easy to find and if you go with a color like black or grey, you can get lots of use out of it, because it's a great style for every day.

Draped sweaters work really well with more ornate and contemporary dirndl dresses or embroidered patterns. The draping is a great contrast to the more structured bodice of the dirndl. You can also dress up your look with a patterned or embellished sweater for an evening out.

The draped sides give you some room to breathe, while still keeping you looking pulled together. The best part about these sweaters is that they are versatile and work with many different types of dirndls. Whether you’re wearing more traditional styles or more contemporary dirndls, it will always look great.

Long Sweater or Duster

In my opinion, as long as your sweater isn’t 4 or more inches longer than your dirndl, a long sweater or duster is such a cute look!

Not only is it fashionable, but it also adds extra warmth and coverage. The great thing about this look is that you can pair it with any skirt length, depending on your preferences. For example, if you’re wearing a mid-length dress, then wearing a long sweater will help balance out the silhouette and create an overall more elegant look. On the other hand, if your dirndl dress is short, adding a long duster will keep you warm while also giving some extra coverage. No matter the skirt length this style looks amazing with any dirndl!

Plus, you can find a sweater that’s the same color as your dirndl for a uniform look, or go with something bolder if you want to make more of a statement.

Again, having the front open to show the detailing of the dirndl is key and these styles are great for that. If you are wearing a long sweater, make sure that the neckline of your dirndl is visible and not hidden by the sweater. This look is so classic and timeless and great for any occasion!

This one is a bit of a no-brainer. If you have a nice wool sweater from Germany or an heirloom piece from your oma, it’s a great choice for a simple traditional dirndl like the Everyday Dirndl. Wool sweaters can really pull together more traditional outfits. It’s an easy way to warm up your look while keeping it casual. A Trachten sweater is a lightweight wool or tweed jacket that is the perfect addition if you want to add a little more tradition to your outfit. It pairs well with a more modern dirndl and looks great with both long, mid length, and short skirts.

You can also find some great options online that don’t have to break the bank. If you have a dirndl with lots of intricate and/or embroidered details, it’s probably best to go with a more plain sweater so as not to take away from the dress itself. A more traditional dirndl will really complement this type of sweater.

Jackets to Stay Warm and Complete your Dirndl Look

While the jean jacket finds itself on trend one season and than out the next, it’s a great staple piece to keep on hand and it’s adorable with a dirndl dress. The jean jacket is a classic piece that pairs well with any dirndl and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. They come in a variety of styles and colors making it easy to find the perfect jean jacket for your look.

A denim jacket is also great for layering over blouses with long sleeves in the spring and fall when it’s not quite warm enough to wear lighter clothing, but too warm to bundle up in a winter coat. My absolute favorite thing about jean jackets is that you can doll ‘em up with pins! Edelweiss pins, vintage pins, and collector pins from your trips to Bavaria… all will match with a denim jacket. Get creative and show off your style! Be ready to hit any Oktoberfest celebration in style!

Simple, chic, and warm. These jackets typically end at the natural waist which is ideal for wearing with dirndl dresses. While you can’t load them up with decorative pins, you can easily keep this go-to jacket in your closet for years and years. Try it with a denim dirndl dress for an edgy vibe. When shopping for a jacket look for one with clean lines, like a boxy fit, and warm colors like brown or black. This way you can wear it with any color dirndl. For something extra special, try a cropped leather (or faux leather) jacket in an unexpected color like baby blue or pink!

Additional Coat Inspiration

If you’re in a colder climate, consider pairing your dirndl with a heavy winter coat. A classic wool peacoat works great for adding a little extra warmth to your look without detracting from the beauty of your dirndl. Another option is a soft down jacket in an earthy hue that will keep you warm while still making the dirndl stand out. For a more casual look, opt for a lightweight bomber or parka jacket. Whichever style you choose, make sure that it matches the color and pattern of your dirndl for a cohesive look.

Finally, for those cooler evenings or special occasions when the weather is still warm enough to be comfortable outdoors, an unlined blazer makes an excellent choice as it can easily be taken off and stored away if need be. Take this opportunity to pick a blazer in a bold color or pattern to make your dirndl really stand out. Adding a belt at the waist will let you cinch the look together and give it some extra style points. No matter which outerwear options you choose, you can be sure that your dirndl will look stylish, elegant and weather-ready.

Whether you are wearing traditional or modern style dirndl dresses, there are plenty of outerwear options that will keep you looking stylish while keeping you cozy! So go ahead and make sure you have the perfect piece of outerwear for your dirndl dress this season.

Scarves and Shawls to Accessorize your Dirndl Dresses

While not everyone’s style preference if worn right it can add to an outfit (even though it's covering a bit of the neckline!). This scarf will offer a lot of warmth… to the point where you might not need a jacket. Wrap yourself up in the soft, cozy fabric when you’re out and about doing errands or just taking a stroll. This style of scarf is also great for layering if you’re looking to add some extra pizzazz to your look.

To make sure it doesn’t become too much or overpower the traditional feel of your dirndl, pick out a scarf that has some subtle colors and patterns. Consider choosing a plaid or tartan-style blanket scarf for something timeless and classic that will still stand out from the crowd. The downside is that it will most likely cover up the detailing on your dirndl or one of your blouses. So… win some, lose some I suppose.

Edelweiss Scarf

If you’re going to wear a scarf with your dirndl… might as well have an edelweiss on it, no? Soft to the touch, this scarf will keep you warm and cozy, while still looking stylish! Whether you’re heading to an Oktoberfest celebration or just want to show off your German heritage in style – this scarf will be sure to make a statement. Plus, the edelweiss symbolizes courage and hope – a perfect addition to your wardrobe! So grab one today and let everyone know how proud you are of your traditions! Again you run into the conundrum of covering up some of the dirndl… but hey, it’s with edelweiss!

Shoes for a Cold Day in a Dirndl Dress

Shoes

When it comes to footwear, there are many different styles that you can choose from to help you stay warm and look great in your dirndl. For a traditional and classic look, you can’t go wrong with knee-high leather boots – they are comfortable and will keep your feet warm while looking stylish. Heeled ankle boots are a great option for those who want to add an extra touch of femininity to their dirndl look. For a more casual style, try pairing your dirndl with sneakers or loafers. Don’t forget about the socks! Knee-high woolen socks or even trachten socks will help keep you warm and add some color and texture to your outfit - while still keeping you warm.

If you’re going for a more casual look, try pairing your dirndl with ankle boots or loafers. You could also opt for something a bit funkier like sneakers or high-top Converses to really make your outfit stand out. Whatever style of shoe you choose, make sure it compliments the colors and fabrics of your dirndl and accessories for an overall put-together outfit.

Bonus Tip

To stay EXTRA warm during those chilly days layer a vest under your cardigan or light jacket. Vests are a great way to add warmth without making your outfit look bulky. Again you risk covering up any eye-catching blouses, but the right vest can still elevate an outfit and keep you warm. Choose from classic styles such as cable-knit, quilted, down vests, faux fur, and more – the possibilities are endless!

No matter where you’re headed in your dirndl, make sure you have the right outerwear to ensure you look and feel great! Sweaters, jackets and wraps are all great options for keeping you warm while still showing off your dirndl.

Look for heavier sweaters with folk-inspired patterns or even a classic cable-knit sweater. A fitted cardigan also looks great with a dirndl and can add just the right amount of warmth without sacrificing style. For colder climates, opt for a parka jacket or heavy coat in an earthy shade or traditional plaid to give your look an updated feel.

Wraps and shawls provide extra coverage and make a statement when paired with your dirndl ensemble. Choose a wrap in neutral colors like black, grey or navy that contrasts against the bright hues of the dress. Or select a bolder print or texture to really turn heads. You can also choose a wrap that doubles as a scarf for extra wearability and versatility.

No matter what outerwear you choose, make sure it's comfortable and fits you well so you can look your best in your dirndl. Whether it's Oktoberfest or any other special occasion with the right accessory pieces, you’ll be ready to take on any occasion in style! With so many choices available, finding the perfect outerwear for your dirndl is just a few clicks away. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to show off your dirndl and stay warm and fashionable this season!

Looking for more Dirndl Style tips & tricks? Click the link to get access to our official style guide! >> https://bit.ly/dirndlstyle