Which jacket to wear with a dirndl? Never freeze again at the Oktoberfest

The question of which jacket to wear with a dirndl might not be on your mind with the current temperatures—but Oktoberfest comes quicker than you think, and then it's best to be prepared. When the weather doesn’t cooperate during your Wiesn visit, you don’t want to ruin your chic dirndl with a boring old jacket. But don’t worry—we’ll show you how to stay warm without compromising style. With the right jacket, you can highlight your dirndl look while keeping cozy. So even if late summer turns into early fall, these tips will have you ready for anything!

Which jacket goes with a dirndl?

In general, you can’t go wrong with a simple, solid-colored jacket in a muted tone. A cute brooch, trim, or small embroidery can add a little flair. As for the material, match it to the style of your dirndl. Trendy and youthful designs pair well with a casual denim jacket, but that wouldn’t suit more traditional styles. For those, a classic felted trachten jacket is the better choice.

Unconventional jackets can work with a dirndl too!

If you prefer a less conventional look, try a corduroy jacket with your dirndl. This '70s trend fabric is back in fashion and can look both stylish and classic. For a safe option, stick with the good old cardigan. Bonus: it’ll fit right into your everyday wardrobe too.

Which cardigans complement the dirndl look?

Cardigans with knitted patterns look especially charming with a dirndl. Whether it’s a loose crochet design or a chunky cable knit, everything goes! If your dirndl is subtle and simple, you have free reign when choosing your jacket. You can either accentuate the minimalistic design with a sleek cardigan, or go for a statement piece. If your dirndl already stands out with bold colors, lots of detail, and embellishments, choose your jacket with more care.

What are the jacket no-go’s with a dirndl?

Since every dirndl is unique, it’s hard to give blanket rules about which jackets match your specific outfit. But you can definitely rely on the classic process of elimination. Here are some jacket styles that are absolute no-go’s with a dirndl:

• fancy, stiff blazers
• fully closed jackets
• fleece
• sport jackets
• hoodies

Stylish contrast? Easier said than done…

To those inspired by fashion magazines like Grazia, Elle, or Glamour to try a “bold fashion clash”—take it from us: pulling off a daring combo isn’t as easy as it looks. Often the result is less “style break” and more “style fail.”

Be cautious with tone-on-tone combinations as well. Getting an exact color match is nearly impossible unless your dirndl jacket is from the same brand. Even the slightest mismatch will be noticeable, so best to avoid trying.

Better to go for soft color gradients…

Remember the color wheel from art class? Who would've thought it would come in handy! The rule is simple: complementary colors (opposite on the wheel) should be avoided, as they create too much contrast.

Instead, go for subtle variations within the same color family. For example, pair pastel yellow with bright sunshine yellow. Be mindful of clashing shades—a pink-red combo can look great, but it can also go terribly wrong. Avoid overly busy pattern mixes as well. If your dirndl is already covered in floral prints, opt for a plain-colored jacket.

How should a jacket fit over a dirndl?

The magic of a dirndl lies in its flattering fit and curve-enhancing shape. It’s a shame to hide that silhouette under a bulky, oversized jacket.

So be sure to get help from a knowledgeable sales associate when choosing your dirndl jacket. A good rule of thumb: check the shoulder seam. The jacket should not pull across the back, shoulders, or arms—otherwise it’ll look more like sausage casing than a tailored fit.

Another absolute no-go: wearing your jacket closed over the dirndl! Zippers or buttons are usually just decorative—not functional.

So remember: wear your dirndl jacket open. No compromises, even if the wind is chilly. If you're going to hide your entire dirndl under a jacket, you might as well not wear one at all.

Still unsure what jacket works with a dirndl? A plain, solid-colored cardigan is always a safe and stylish choice! And let’s be honest—after the second Maß beer, you’ll probably be warm enough to ditch the jacket anyway.