unexpected combinations: dress over pants
The first time I rocked a dress over pants was 1992. I was, ahem, much younger and just thought the combo was so cool. So edgy. So different. Dress! And Pants! Together! Genius!
I also remember how comfortable it was. I liked that that the pants allowed me to bend over and move around comfortably in a dress.
Fast forward 20 years later and it’s back. We started to see the dress-over-pants thing this past spring and I have to admit…it made me terribly nostalgic. I know the rules about revisiting trends you have lived through once before, but I have never been one for hard-and-fast rules when it comes to fashion.
I will be the first to admit, trends like this can feel contrived and silly. Like when I see The Man Repeller doing a skirt over pants I think, “Only her.”
But experimenting with different ways to wear the same tried-and-true pieces in your wardrobe? To me, that’s just plain fun. I am a personal stylist, though, and I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t give some direction on this whole dress-over-pants deal. So if you’re into it, feeling it or just curious about it, read on:
Tip One: Try Monochromatic
The shift dress was made for this trend because it feels and acts like a tunic. Going monochromatic with cigarette pants has a fun ’60s vibe, but is also completely work appropriate. Because it is all one color, the dress did not break my leg line (i.e. make my legs look shorter) as dramatically as it would have if it were a pattern or different color.
I wore this look to a meeting for an upcoming fashion fundraiser we are planning with PopNod for The Urban Alliance. I paired the look with another trend this season–the mule. I felt polished and pulled together, but in line with my creative line of work (no suits need apply).
Tip Two: Think Light
I am not the only DC Style Factory stylist to get into this trend. This past week, my assistant N’jeri rocked her own boho version of the dress-over-pants. “I feel so beachy and carefree in this outfit.” N’jeri’s dress-over-jeans look breathed new, edgy life into those airy, floaty summer dresses. I love the combination: effortless weekend look.
Tip Three: Pair with Flares
I have also been wearing my shorter dresses with flares and trouser-style jeans. The key is proportions. Opt for a shorter dress. A flare usually breaks your leg line right below the knee (where the flare starts) so keeping the dress a few inches above the knee keeps your legs looking longer.
Tell us — will you be giving this trend a day in court this summer?
- About the company
DC Style Factory is a personal shopping and styling service for men and women looking to add polish and individuality to their wardrobes. We believe personal style is for anyone who wants it — regardless of age, size or budget.
