K/D: casual dresses ETA: passing on.

Do people still wear dresses over pants? I have two casual dresses I am trying to figure out how to wear. Both are too short for me to wear as dresses, so I thought tunic-style could work.

I tried to style them, but I feel like I’m bordering on maternity/frumpy and wonder if I should pass them on. Can you help?

#1-3 Hinge sleeveless shift dress. I tried an olive jacket and a pink cardigan.i think the wash of the jeans works for a column of color, but something feels off.

#4-5 ModCloth shirt dress. I don’t think V neck works for me, but I like the tie waist. Bomber jacket is usually worn over chunky sweaters and heattech; it feels too big for this dress.

Are there other combos I should look at, or just cut my losses and move on?

ETA: Thank you to everyone for your comments! I wore #1 around the house yesterday (it was my fave of the 5 versions) and just wasn't feeling it. I tried a cropped leather bomber, a lighter washed cropped denim jacket, white jeans, black leggings, but it still didn't feel right. I would have to shop for something to get it to work, so I am moving on. NEXT!

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

5 years ago

Anonymous

The first 4 look ok to my eye, though maybe better with a darker or heavier shoe. The last the jacket definitely looks big compared to the dress fit.
But the main thing is it sounds like you're not happy with the combo! Life's too short to not feel your best

Synne

Veteran

I only like the green dress on you, not feeling the navy one, sorry. It is kind of cute though, but I have no idea on how to style it. Btw, I absolutely love your color palette! I have noticed in your posts that you are fairly consistent with your wardrobe colors, and they go beautifully with your hair. I am inspired!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES

Dresses over pants are FABULOUS, and a look I personally like to wear. You wear the look very well, Nemosmom.

I love what you did in #1 to #3. You look GREAT and are doing 2019 your way. That's what it's all about. Agree that V-necklines aren't your best neckline - high five. But not bad!

I wear my dresses over cropped flares and not over skinnies - just to change things up.

SarahD8

I like the first look especially but I concur with suntiger -- if you're not feeling it, don't force it.

One thing that I will say is that with longer tunics/short dresses like this over pants, I like them with a distinctly cropped top layer. So the formula becomes short-over-long-over-lean. Maybe give that a go if your closet can support it and you feel like playing further?

Column

I would hem dresses a bit to lengthen legs and look more tunic-y...but that is just me. Glad Angie gave the looks thumbs up!

nemosmom

Thanks for your input, everyone!

A few years ago, I would have worn them with leggings, cardigan, and riding boots, but I’m not loving that look for me anymore...

smittie

All of them are really cute!
I'm confused about why the v-neckline is not good. To me, it looks really good--better than the crew neck. Hmm...

I like to wear dresses over pants, so to me, these outfits are great.

DonnaF

I’ve become a big dress over (cropped) pants fan. Have you thought about trying those dresses over lighter colored pants, especially the green one?

Sara L.

I like all of these except the last one. My problem is more a color issue with the dark blue jeans and the black jacket. I would like them to match, but that's my matchy-matchy tendencies coming through.

jussie

I think these look really nice on you. I say go for it.

rachylou

I wear dresses over pants. In fact, bought a few recently to do just that. I LOVE the first dress for this look. I’m admittedly not keen on the second. The shoulders feel wide to me.

Actually yes, agreeing with Rachy. I think it's not the v but the shoulders of the dress-something in the width or length of sleeves. A sleeveless v neck may work well.

Jessikams

I do this kind of look for travel / flying— stretchy jegging with a loose tunic dress on top. I agree with you that it’s not the most stylish or fashion forward, but it sure is comfy and practical!

Stagiaire Fash

I agree with Sarah that the first dress wants a short jacket. Do you have one in that coral color?

The second one says “I am a summer dress” even when the sleevelessness is covered up. Try it with bottoms that are lighter in weight and color, or bare-legged with some of the clunky sandals that are coming out now.

I hope this look lingers, because I have one I want to wear this way too.

Category