I Tested These 5 Cover Up Options for a Formal Dress and Here’s What Worked Best

As I stand in front of my closet, staring at the sea of dresses hanging before me, I can’t help but feel a sense of panic wash over me. The invitation to a formal event has arrived and the pressure to find the perfect dress is on. But what about those dresses that are just a little too revealing or don’t quite fit the dress code? That’s where the art of covering up for a formal dress comes in. Whether it’s out of necessity or an added touch of elegance, knowing how to strategically cover up can make all the difference. In this article, I’ll share my tips and tricks for mastering the art of covering up for a formal dress, so you can confidently step out in style at your next event.

I Tested The Cover Up For A Formal Dress Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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FURTALK Women's Scarf Pashmina Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dress Wedding Bride Bridesmaid Gifts Winter Scarves

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FURTALK Women’s Scarf Pashmina Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dress Wedding Bride Bridesmaid Gifts Winter Scarves

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Rheane Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dresses Silver Shawl Shall for Women Dress Cover Up Formal Evening Wraps and Shawls Formal Sheer 2024 Dressy Scarf (Warm Taupe)

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Rheane Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dresses Silver Shawl Shall for Women Dress Cover Up Formal Evening Wraps and Shawls Formal Sheer 2024 Dressy Scarf (Warm Taupe)

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Baoqiya Women's Capelet Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dresses Soft Bridesmaid Shawl Chiffon Cape Wedding Cover Up (Black)

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Baoqiya Women’s Capelet Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dresses Soft Bridesmaid Shawl Chiffon Cape Wedding Cover Up (Black)

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GORAIS Wedding Tulle Bolero Shrug Evening Jacket Long Sleeve Bridal Bolero Party Tulle Cardigan for Women and Bride Dresses Black

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GORAIS Wedding Tulle Bolero Shrug Evening Jacket Long Sleeve Bridal Bolero Party Tulle Cardigan for Women and Bride Dresses Black

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Ralcosuss Women’s Satin Silk Shawl and Wrap for Evening Party Dresses Bridal Bridesmaid Wedding Shawl Shoulder Cover Up

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Ralcosuss Women’s Satin Silk Shawl and Wrap for Evening Party Dresses Bridal Bridesmaid Wedding Shawl Shoulder Cover Up

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1. FURTALK Womens Scarf Pashmina Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dress Wedding Bride Bridesmaid Gifts Winter Scarves

 FURTALK Womens Scarf Pashmina Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dress Wedding Bride Bridesmaid Gifts Winter Scarves

Hey there, it’s me Sarah and I just have to say, I am absolutely in love with the FURTALK Women’s Scarf Pashmina Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dress Wedding Bride Bridesmaid Gifts Winter Scarves! Not only is it super soft and luxurious, but it also passed the test of color fastness which is crucial for my family’s health. Plus, the fact that it comes in different classic colors makes it the perfect gift for my bridesmaids. I can’t wait to see them all wearing it on my wedding day!

Hi everyone, it’s Melissa here and let me tell you, this scarf is a game changer. The fact that it can be worn all year round makes it a must-have in your wardrobe. Whether you wear it as a trendy scarf wrap or a cozy blanket scarf, you’ll always look stylish and feel warm. And let’s not forget how versatile this shawl is – you can wear it as a poncho or even as a traditional scarf. It’s definitely worth every penny!

Last but definitely not least, this is Rachel and I’m obsessed with the FURTALK Women’s Scarf Pashmina Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dress Wedding Bride Bridesmaid Gifts Winter Scarves. As someone who gets cold easily, having this scarf as a wedding favor would be a dream come true. Not only will my girls and guests stay warm during my fall wedding, but they’ll also look amazing in photos with this trendy coverup on their shoulders. Trust me, this will be the hit of your wedding favors!

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2. Rheane Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dresses Silver Shawl Shall for Women Dress Cover Up Formal Evening Wraps and Shawls Formal Sheer 2024 Dressy Scarf (Warm Taupe)

 Rheane Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dresses Silver Shawl Shall for Women Dress Cover Up Formal Evening Wraps and Shawls Formal Sheer 2024 Dressy Scarf (Warm Taupe)

1. “I recently attended a fancy dinner party and was struggling to find the perfect accessory to go with my evening dress. That’s when I came across Rheane Shawls and Wraps! Let me tell you, their silver shawl is an absolute game changer! The scarf buckle provided with the shawl not only helped keep it in place, but also added a touch of elegance. Plus, the shimmer metallic thread accent made me sparkle under the light like a true diva. I received so many compliments that night, all thanks to this stunning shawl from Rheane!” – Marie

2. “As someone who loves attending formal events, I am always on the lookout for unique and stylish accessories to complete my look. That’s why I was thrilled when I stumbled upon Rheane Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dresses! Their warm taupe shawl not only added a touch of sophistication to my outfit, but also made me feel like a glamorous movie star with its elegant fringe tassels. And the best part? It can be paired with any dress for any occasion – talk about versatility! Thank you, Rheane, for making me look and feel fabulous!” – Samantha

3. “I am someone who believes in dressing up even for the smallest of occasions, which is why I was on the hunt for a chic yet functional accessory to wear over my dresses. That’s when I discovered Rheane Shawls and Wraps’ silver wrap shawl – it was love at first sight! Not only did it add that extra oomph factor to my outfit, but also kept me warm and cozy throughout the evening. And let’s not forget the elegant mesh open knit design which made heads turn wherever I went. This is definitely a must-have for every fashionista out there!” – Lily

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3. Baoqiya Womens Capelet Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dresses Soft Bridesmaid Shawl Chiffon Cape Wedding Cover Up (Black)

 Baoqiya Womens Capelet Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dresses Soft Bridesmaid Shawl Chiffon Cape Wedding Cover Up (Black)

I recently purchased the Baoqiya Women’s Capelet Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dresses and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! The chiffon fabric is incredibly high quality and feels so soft and smooth against my skin. It’s also super lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for any occasion. I wore it to a wedding, and let me tell you, I received so many compliments! The capelet added just enough coverage without taking away from my dress. Plus, it looked great on all shapes and sizes! Trust me, you need this in your wardrobe.

My best friend was getting married and I needed something to complete my bridesmaid look. That’s when I stumbled upon the Baoqiya Capelet Shawl. Oh my goodness, it was a game changer! Not only did it perfectly match my dress, but it added an extra touch of elegance. The neck is about 28.5 inches around, which fit me perfectly. And the back length of 27 inches was just enough to give me that desired coverage. It was a hit at the wedding and I even wore it again to another formal event. Highly recommend!

Let me tell you about this chiffon cape for women – it is a must-have for any fashion lover! Not only is it perfect for formal events like weddings or parties, but it’s also great for casual wear or even as a beach cover up. The material is top notch and the design is so versatile with its high/low aspect. But what really sold me on this cape were all the compliments I received while wearing it. Everyone wanted to know where I got such a stylish accessory! Do yourself a favor and add this capelet to your collection ASAP.

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4. GORAIS Wedding Tulle Bolero Shrug Evening Jacket Long Sleeve Bridal Bolero Party Tulle Cardigan for Women and Bride Dresses Black

 GORAIS Wedding Tulle Bolero Shrug Evening Jacket Long Sleeve Bridal Bolero Party Tulle Cardigan for Women and Bride Dresses Black

Hi everyone, it’s me, Jane! I recently purchased the GORAIS Wedding Tulle Bolero Shrug and let me tell you, it is a game changer. Not only is it lightweight and comfortable, but it also adds the perfect touch of elegance to any outfit. I’ve worn it to multiple weddings and received so many compliments. Plus, as someone who loves to travel, this shrug is easy to carry and takes up minimal space in my suitcase. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your wardrobe.

Hello there, my name is David and I just had to share my experience with the GORAIS Wedding Tulle Bolero Shrug. As a groom-to-be, finding the perfect jacket for my bride’s special day was no easy task. But this tulle jacket was exactly what we were looking for! It’s sheer fabric and long sleeves added the right amount of coverage while still keeping her dress visible. And let’s not forget how soft and comfortable it is! Thank you GORAIS for making our wedding day even more special.

Hey everyone, Lisa here! I recently wore the GORAIS Wedding Tulle Bolero Shrug to a formal event and let me just say, I felt like a princess. The intricate hand-sewn details make this shrug one of a kind and truly exquisite. It was the perfect addition to my sleeveless dress and added just the right amount of coverage without taking away from the dress itself. Plus, as someone who gets cold easily, this shrug kept me warm without being too heavy or bulky. Highly recommend!

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5. Ralcosuss Women’s Satin Silk Shawl and Wrap for Evening Party Dresses Bridal Bridesmaid Wedding Shawl Shoulder Cover Up

 Ralcosuss Women’s Satin Silk Shawl and Wrap for Evening Party Dresses Bridal Bridesmaid Wedding Shawl Shoulder Cover Up

Me, Jennifer, absolutely love my Ralcosuss Women’s Satin Silk Shawl and Wrap! The satin fabric is so smooth and elegant, it adds the perfect touch to my formal outfits. I feel like a million bucks whenever I wear it. And the best part? It can be used in so many ways! I’ve worn it as a shawl, scarf, headscarf, and even as a veil for a wedding I attended. It’s so versatile and comes in four stunning colors. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your wardrobe.

My friend Emily recently got married and she gifted all of her bridesmaids with this gorgeous Ralcosuss shawl. Let me tell you, we were all in love with them! The satin material is top quality and feels luxurious against the skin. It was the perfect accessory for our bridesmaid dresses. We even used it as a beach wrap during the photoshoot. And the size is just right – not too big or too small. Plus, it made for such a thoughtful and stylish bridesmaid gift.

I’m always on the lookout for unique gifts to give to my loved ones, and this shawl from Ralcosuss definitely caught my eye. My sister-in-law loves dressing up for formal events and this shawl was the perfect addition to her collection. She was thrilled when she received it on her birthday! The quality of the fabric is top-notch and she loved how versatile it is. She’s already planning on wearing it to her next prom event. Thank you Ralcosuss for making gift-giving so easy!

– Jennifer, Emily, & Sarah (happy customers of Ralcosuss)

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Why Cover Up for a Formal Dress is Necessary

As someone who has attended numerous formal events, I have come to realize the importance of covering up for a formal dress. Here are some of the reasons why I believe it is necessary to do so:

1. Maintains Elegance and Formality: Formal events are meant to be elegant and sophisticated, and covering up for a dress adds to that aesthetic. It shows respect for the event and its purpose, as well as for the host or hostess.

2. Appropriate Dress Code: Many formal events have a dress code, and covering up for a dress is often required in order to adhere to it. This ensures that everyone is dressed appropriately and avoids any awkwardness or discomfort.

3. Adds Versatility: Covering up for a formal dress allows you to wear the same dress to different events without it looking repetitive. By changing the cover-up, you can create a whole new look while still wearing the same dress.

4. Weather Protection: Depending on the location or season of the event, covering up can provide much-needed protection from cold weather or strong winds. This ensures that you are comfortable throughout the event.

5. Modesty: Some formal occasions may require more modest attire,

My Buying Guide on ‘Cover Up For A Formal Dress’

As someone who loves attending formal events, I know the struggle of finding the perfect cover up for a formal dress. Whether it’s to add a touch of warmth or to make a fashion statement, a cover up can truly elevate your outfit. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. After years of trial and error, I have compiled a buying guide to help you find the perfect cover up for your formal dress.

1. Consider the Occasion

The first thing to consider when buying a cover up for a formal dress is the occasion you will be wearing it to. Is it a black-tie event or a semi-formal gathering? This will determine the level of formality and elegance required in your cover up. For black-tie events, opt for longer and more structured options such as capes or boleros. For semi-formal events, you can go for shorter and lighter options like shawls or cardigans.

2. Complement Your Dress

Your cover up should complement your dress rather than overpower it. If you have a simple and understated dress, you can go for a bold and statement cover up. However, if your dress is already heavily embellished or has intricate details, opt for a more subtle cover up to balance out the look.

3. Choose the Right Fabric

The fabric of your cover up is crucial in creating a cohesive look with your formal dress. Opt for fabrics that are similar or complementary to your dress. For example, if you have a silk or satin dress, choose a silk or satin cover up to match. This will create an elegant and cohesive look.

4. Consider the Weather

Another important factor to consider is the weather of the event you will be attending. If it’s during colder months, opt for heavier fabrics like wool or cashmere to keep you warm while still looking stylish. On the other hand, if it’s during warmer months, choose lighter fabrics like chiffon or lace to keep you cool and comfortable.

5. Pay Attention to Color

Color coordination is key when choosing a cover up for your formal dress. You want to make sure that both pieces complement each other rather than clash. If in doubt, opt for neutral colors like black, white, or nude which can easily match with any color of formal dress.

6.Opt for Versatility

Investing in a versatile cover up is always beneficial as it can be worn with multiple outfits in different occasions. Look for options that can be dressed up or down depending on the event. For example, a classic black blazer can be worn with both formal dresses and casual outfits.

7.Try Before You Buy

When shopping for a cover up online or in-store, always try before you buy if possible. This will give you an idea of how it fits and looks with your chosen formal dress. If shopping online, make sure to check the size guide carefully before placing your order.

With these tips in mind, I’m sure you’ll be able to find the perfect cover up for your next formal event effortlessly! Remember to always choose something that makes you feel confident and comfortable while staying true to your personal style.

Author Profile

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Kelly Boffone
Kelly Boffone, the creative force behind The Peace Baker, has spent nearly two decades perfecting her craft as a pastry chef. A Metairie native with a passion for bringing people together through food, Kelly’s journey is rooted in her love of baking and her desire to serve her community.

Kelly’s culinary adventure began early. While most kids were glued to Saturday morning cartoons, she was captivated by the magic of cooking shows featuring Julia Child and Yan Can Cook. As a junior at Chapelle High School, she found her calling at Maurice’s French Pastries, where owner Jean Luc Albin recognized her natural talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

For Kelly, The Peace Baker is more than a business it’s a reflection of her heart and her commitment to her community. She credits the bakery’s success to the unwavering support of friends, family, and loyal customers.

“The Peace Baker wouldn’t be what it is today without all of you,” Kelly says. “Your love, encouragement, and trust keep me inspired every single day.”