(Style)

Whether You Like It Or Not, The Dress-Over-Pants Trend Is Taking Over

It’s easier to style than it looks.

by Emma Childs and Claire Fox
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Christian Vierig/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

If you’ve ever wondered how to style a dress over pants, you’re not alone. It’s a tricky and, at times, polarizing combo to pull off — but luckily, the trendsetting fashion crowd has plenty of outfits for you to garner inspo from. Tap for 20 wearable dress-over-pants ensembles.

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Found: the coolest “groutfit” you ever did see. A knit tunic dress in a decadent slate color pairs flawlessly with tailored work pants in a similar gray shade. Then, consider slipping into a pair of trendy ballet flats to add the final touch of effortless luxury.Christian Vierig/Getty Images
How about partaking in the ‘80s style revival? Don a puffy-sleeved dress in an electric hue (vibrant turquoise, for instance), and then offset the retro frock with a black turtleneck and trousers.Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images
Hello, craftcore. If you own a statement knit dress — whether you made it yourself during a recent testing-any-and-all-hobbies phase or purchased it from an expert crafter — consider styling the cozy piece atop a neutral capri pant.Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images
For your next big night out, style a sheer chain mail gown over neutral trousers. Then, participate in the lingerie dressing trend by utilizing a black bra as a top. Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images
You truly cannot go wrong with a matching set — especially one made of silk and done in an eye-catching graphic pattern. Team a luxe dress with its matching trouser counterpart for an easy, breezy, and elegant ensemble.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Prints on prints on prints! If you own a pair of printed trousers, lean into the statement nature of the piece by teaming it with more patterned separates. Then, as the final touch to your look, slip into a neutral smock dress to balance out the eclectic combo of graphics.Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Add a down-to-earth spirit to a preppy-inspired apron dress by teaming it with baggy blue jeans and a white turtleneck tee. Oh, and, of course, don’t forget to finish the look off with your favorite dadcore sneakers.Christian Vierig/Getty Images
For a luxe-meets-edgy approach to the dress-over-pants trend, try an all-leather look. A sleek mini dress atop dark trousers is a foolproof combination. To add some softness, tie a colorful cardigan around your shoulders as a makeshift scarf.Christian Vierig/Getty Images for Ermanno Scervino
If you’re hoping to add a bit more drama to your daily style, wide-leg trousers teamed with a billowing button-down dress will be a look to add to your outfit repertoire. The key here is to button just a few closures, à la the It-girl approved curtain styling hack.Christian Vierig/Getty Images
A dress with an asymmetrical hem — either via playful ruching or a high-low design — is ideal for layering with trousers. You can then throw on an oversized blazer for some added tailored finesse.Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images
For those who’ve been eyeing the strategic minimalism trend (aka streamlined style with a slight edge), a white dress paired with matching trousers is the perfect thoughtfully simplistic ensemble.Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Oh, and who could forget about the statement collar trend? Finish off a poplin dress and baggy blue jean combo with a colorful collar in a kitschy design.Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Slip into a pair of dark-wash blue jeans when wearing a pastel-hued midi dress for an eye-catching contrast of tones. Plus, only a slight sliver of your bottoms will be visible, creating a cheeky peek-a-boo moment.Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Pro tip: Turn your favorite evening gown into a wearable statement piece by layering sleek trousers underneath. It’ll serve as a nod to the growing trend of elevated daytime dressing.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Or, how about teaming a printed mini dress with extreme, fresh-out-of-the-'70s bell-bottoms? It creates a wholly unique shape that mimics the effect of a mermaid-style silhouette.Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Incorporating a dress into a menswear inspired look mixes structure and softness for an instantly cool outfit. In lieu of a shirt, try wearing a button-up maxi dress under a suit blazer and trousers instead.Christian Vierig/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
The mini dress sometimes doesn’t get enough love in the dress-over-pants arena. This monochromatic look pairs a black strapless mini over a pair of baggy leather pants — and the green sunglasses and faux fur bag really pull the edgy but refined look together. Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Matching cargo pants and long fingerless gloves? Incredible. Layering this beige slinky silk halter-neck dress with an asymmetric hemline over a pair of pale pink cargo pants melds feminine colors and fabrics with modern streetwear elements.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
With a voluminous white puff-sleeved midi dress over straight-leg blue jeans and a varsity jacket tied around the shoulders, this day look screams cool, casual, and playful.Christian Vierig/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Bold and simple at the same time, this dress-over-pants combo lets color and structure do all the work with its bright yellow ruffle sleeve button-up midi dress and red flared pants that peek out underneath for an artsy color contrast. Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

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