Wearing a dress over pants is one of those things fashion girls do that I used to feel like I could never pull off. But it’s actually a styling trick that’s relatively easy to do and you really don’t have to be a street style star or fashion editor to do it, I promise. It also happens to be very practical. Layering a dress over pants looks chic, keeps your legs warmer than tights (without the risk of runs), gives dresses that cool tomboy contrast, and extends your wardrobe by essentially turning a dress into a top or jacket.
While I know it feels like a trend and probably one of those scary trends only fashion editors should try, this styling trick actually has staying power. I would argue people have been doing a variation of the look for decades, and if you hit the right proportions, it can look so cool. Not to mention, it’s a simple way to cover your bum or a food baby or baby bump, all of which I’ve found clutch at different points in my life (or let’s be serious, week).
The key to making a dress over pants work is sticking to tailored silhouettes—a shift dress over tailored trousers, or an A-line skirt over skinnies. You don’t want to look bulky or lumpy. The pants must be perfectly tailored and the dress has to be the right hemline and proportion — either a mini or midi length. From there, you basically treat the shirt like a dress and just pull on your pants.
Here are some more tips to keep in mind for how to wear a dress over pants:
Choose the right dress: Not all dresses work well when worn over pants. Shift dresses, shirt dresses, tunic dresses, and maxi dresses are some of the styles that tend to work best. You’ll want a dress that is not too fitted and has a loose or flowy silhouette.
Select complementary pants: The type of pants you choose should complement the dress and the overall look you’re aiming for. Skinny jeans, leggings, wide-leg pants, or culottes are all good options. Make sure the color and fabric of the pants work well with the dress.
Consider the length: You can choose a maxi dress with a slit or high-low hemline to show off longer pants, or opt for midi or short dress. Pants should hit at the ankle or longer to lengthen and avoid visually cutting you in half.
Use a Belt to Define Your Waist: If you want to define your waist or add some structure to the outfit, you can cinch the dress at the waist with a belt.
Still sound confusing? I find a picture is worth a thousand words, so I just like to copy these cool examples of how to wear a dress over pants when I’m feeling the look. And if you want to tip toe into it, try a sweater dress or shirt dress over leggings with boots or cute flats.
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