Kelly Clarkson Proved You Can Wear Sleeveless Dresses Year-Round with This Layering Hack

Snow may still be on the ground, but warm weather is quickly approaching. And Kelly Clarkson’s savvy layering hack is a winter-to-spring ‘fit you can break out now.

On a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the host styled a brown pinafore dress with an asymmetrical hemline over a black fitted long-sleeve shirt — a.k.a. the perfect combination for transitional weather. She tied the look together with sheer tights and black heels.

This isn’t the first time Clarkson inspired us to repurpose sleeveless dresses in colder months — she donned a similar outfit on her talk show last fall. And the best part is, you can style the dress on its own — and ditch your boots for sandals — once the weather warms up. 

Itching to take Clarkson’s layering hack for a spin? We rounded up similar layering tees and pinafore dresses at Amazon, starting at just $15.

Dresses and Tees Inspired by Kelly Clarkson

• Anrabess Ribbed-Knit Long-Sleeve Tee, $15
• Prettygarden Textured Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve Shirt, $23
• Allegra K V-Neck Tweed Pinafore Dress, $50 (orig. $54)
• Hooever Corduroy Pullover Mini Dress, $29 with coupon (orig. $37)
• Bzb Denim Overall Mini Dress, $46
• Ekouaer Turtleneck Shirt, $16 with coupon (orig. $20)
• Floerns V-Neck Corduroy Button-Down Mini Dress, $28 (orig. $33)
• Milumia V-Neck Plaid Pinafore Dress, $36
  

Anrabess Ribbed-Knit Long-Sleeve Tee

This ribbed-knit long-sleeve shirt is available in 30 colors, making it the perfect base layer for a range of outfits. One five-star reviewer said it’s “form fitting with enough stretch in the fabric that it does not feel restrictive.” 

Prettygarden Textured Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve Shirt

If you’re looking for an undershirt with a unique design, opt for this textured long-sleeve top from Prettygarden. It has a slim fit, high neckline, and ruffled cuffs.

Allegra K V-Neck Tweed Pinafore Dress

For the remainder of winter, wear this tweed pinafore dress over a white turtleneck shirt with knee-high boots to the office. And once spring hits, swap your wool coat for a lightweight cardigan and complete the look with ballet flats or kitten heels.

Hooever Corduroy Pullover Mini Dress

Throw this corduroy mini on with a long-sleeve tee of your choice, tights, and Chelsea boots. The tank-style dress will look cute with platform sandals and a floppy hat come spring.

Bzb Denim Overall Mini Dress

Available in sizes S–XXL, this denim overall mini dress can be layered over a long-sleeve tee or cable-knit sweater now, and then styled on its own with cowgirl boots once the weather heats up. Plus, it has roomy front patch pockets.

Ekouaer Turtleneck Shirt

A turtleneck is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in your closet. When Mother Nature can’t make up her mind, use the top’s high neckline and slim fit to your advantage by styling it under dresses and vests. 

Floerns V-Neck Corduroy Button-Down Mini Dress

One five-star reviewer said this corduroy button-down dress “fits wonderfully” and is easy style with a long- or short-sleeve top underneath, while another shopper found the A-line design to be “more flattering” than other pinafore silhouettes. It comes in a variety of neutrals, including black, brown, and navy.

Milumia V-Neck Plaid Pinafore Dress

This pull-on style combines two of Clarkson’s favorite trends: pinafore dresses and plaid designs. The dress has wide shoulder straps, front pockets, and a deep V-neckline; opt for a turtleneck underneath now, then transition to a short-sleeve tee in warmer weather. Choose from sizes XS–3X.