3 Modest, Cozy Jewel-Tone Dresses

Updated: Aug 14

2-pc dress: Amazon, similar here S-XL / Shoes: Vionic / Scarf: Amazon / Beret: San Diego Hat Co / Kilt pin: similar here / Rings: Swarovski, similar here / Earrings: Amazon

Jewels really are a girl's best friend. Their vibrant, illuminating colors make them flattering companions.

Modest jewel-tone dresses

Bring the dazzle of gemstones to your wardrobe with these three modest midi dresses, each in a solid jewel tone. All of these effortless frocks are suited for fall, winter, and spring.

The styling video

1. Eliza J sweater dress

Dress: Eliza J / Scarf: Vera Bradley / Brooch: Amazon / Bag: Style & Co, similar here / Shoes: Vionic

This Eliza J sweater dress is a deep shade of teal sapphire. It's made of a smooth, substantial rayon-nylon knit. Its reflective sheen allows it to be dressed up easily.

The dress comes with a detachable self-belt. Keep the belt in place with the thread carriers at the side seams.

To emphasize the fit-and-flare cut, I've styled it with a lightweight petticoat slip underneath, and cinched the belt into a half-bow.

A solid-colored dress allows freedom to accessorize with prints. The printed black and white scarf is by Vera Bradley, queen of cheerful patterns.

It's made of an absolutely sumptuous, smooth, cool-to-the-touch rayon. In the 1st and 3rd photos, you can see I've embellished the scarf with a leaf-shaped brooch.

You can watch a video tutorial on tying this printed scarf here.

2. Tiered puff-sleeve dress

Dress: Amazon / Shoes: Vionic / Sash belt: Amazon / Layering tee: Spanx / Scarf: Amazon / Cardigan: Amazon Essentials / Watch: Citizen, similar here

This versatile ruby dress has a forgiving fit and three flattering tiers. It's made of a 100% cotton ponte knit. Size small measures 47" long.

It comes in seven other colors, including jewel tones like garnet pink and emerald green.

I've cinched this loose-fitting dress at the waist with a black satin sash. The middle photo below shows the dress without a belt.

I appreciate the keyhole at the back neckline. Other modest necklines disturb makeup or headwear when getting them on and off. Not this one. The keyhole even secures closed with a cute, fabric-covered button.

For extra coverage, I'm wearing Spanx 'arm tights' in shade 'rosy pink' underneath. I also recommend this Halftee crop-top. It comes in several colors, in sizes XS-4X.

I also love the dress layered with this jewel-tone duster cardigan. The description lists it as 'burgundy,' but the color is actually an amethyst purple. For reference, the x-small measures 38" long.

Watch my video tutorial on tying the black floral infinity scarf as a headwrap.

3. The ribbed two-piece

2- pc dress: Amazon, similar here S-XL / Beret: San Diego Hat Co / Scarf: Amazon / Shoes: Vionic / Kilt pin: similar here with Swarovski crystals

This two-piece sweater dress (sold out; similar here) is a stunning shade of dark turquoise. The rayon-nylon sweater knit fabric is ribbed and very stretchy.

The set has numerous interesting design elements. The turtleneck top has bishop sleeves. The long cuffs can be comfortably folded back. The skirt's vertical ribs make you look taller and slimmer.

Woman in teal beret and modest sweater dress

There are so many different ways to arrange the two pieces. Wear the top tucked in or out. Position skirt's wide elastic waistband just below bust, low on the hips, and anywhere in between.

For reference, size small's top is 23" long, and its skirt is 34" long.

For a dressy occasion, I think the set would look smashing with sleek pointed toe pumps and cascade earrings.

For fullness under the teal beret, I'm wearing this volumizer cap. The tutorial here shows how to smooth and shape a wool beret.

The shoes

Ballet flats: Vionic

While I love earth tones, I find the cool undertones of these jewel colors look striking with black. Black's depth emphasizes the richness of the saturated colors.

Thus I've paired all of the above dresses with these black flats by Vionic. The soft leather, elastic edging, and arch support make them a dream to wear.