I Said I’d Never Wear Dresses Over Pants Again, But Here We Are

In the long list of “worst outfits I’ve ever worn” — which I run in my head at least once a week — a single dress-over-pants ensemble stands out. The year was 2007, a time when Disney channel stars like Ashley Tisdale and Miley Cyrus, as well as now-established actresses like Anne Hathaway and Zoe Saldana cemented dresses over jeans as the must-have look of the era. And so, as the trendy kid I’ve always been, I tried it for myself via an aqua blue, spaghetti strap, babydoll dress, paired with straight-leg jeans and silver ballet flats. 

This memory alone was jarring enough to make my body shake in fear when TikTok started welcoming back the trend. Much like your elderly neighbor telling you to get off their lawn, I kept having fantasy arguments in my head with TikTok creators young enough to have never lived through the style’s original era, always thinking back to that one awful outfit. But when designers also started embracing the styling trick, I had to — if only for the sake of my profession — keep an open mind. 

Take, for example, the fall 2022 runways, where designers like Nanushka, Chloé, and Givenchy included dresses-over-pants ensembles in their lineups, and spring 2023, for which New York-based wunderkind Peter Do featured the controversial trend en masse. Yet, they were worlds apart from the iterations popularized by Disney channel starlets. Chloé’s fall 2022 collection showcased neutral leather shirt dresses over wide-leg pants, while Nanushka paired a jumpsuit with a pencil skirt, leaving just a tiny peek of the pants around the ankles. Then, there was Givenchy, which opted to have models wear boot-pant hybrids with flirty, ruffled frocks. 

These versions alone were enough for me to take another jab at the trend. After all, much like corsets, butterfly tops, whale tails, and micro mini skirts, everything old (and embarrassing!) can be made cool again. 

Here’s how I’m updating the trend for 2022… 

Turn up the volume

Voluminous frocks and wide-leg pants have been defining trends of the 2020s so far, which is why pairing the two is not such a bad idea. Since dresses over pants is already a fabric-heavy trend, going for a ‘more is more’ approach gives the trend a modern update. 

Go asymmetrical 

The reality is, that styling a dress over pants is a daunting task. After all, the latter was meant to be worn by itself, so it can feel a tad jarring to have it suddenly serving as a top. Thankfully, asymmetrical hemlines are currently on trend, which makes the transition a bit easier. 

Maxi is the new mini 

In case you missed it, mini skirts are on their way out. Maxi skirts and dresses are the preferred hemline for the upcoming months. And while you may think that a maxi dress can’t be paired with pants, I’m here to change your mind. Let a bit of your jeans peek underneath the dress for an unexpected twist in a casual outfit. 

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Upgrade Your Black Blazer From These 33 Picks That Feel Anything But Meh

For such a widely respected wardrobe staple, the black blazer can start to feel, well, pretty lackluster. Of course, it's a timeless item — and if you work in a traditional work environment, might even need. Plus, street style stars have influenced the casual blazer to be part of everyone's daily 'fits. However, if you're still wearing the same old piece that you bought at your local mall in 2010, you may be due for an upgrade.

It only takes a few standout variations to restore your faith in this trusted closet essential. Lately, we're seeing fitted styles mixed with oversized cuts, double-breasted fronts, boxier silhouettes, and even fresh fabrications like corduroy and faux leather. If you're feeling extra bold, you can go totally untraditional with a sleek long version. Maybe even cropped? All we're saying is, if the first word you think of when you look at your black blazer is "underwhelming," you're not alone. That's why we've found the next best thing.

Click on for 33 styles that will restore your faith in black blazers, we swear.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Classic Cut Black Blazer

Wear it to the office, wear it on a night out, wear it over a matching sweatsuit. Need we say more?

Everlane The ’80s Blazer, $, available at Everlane

1.State One-Button Stretch Crepe Blazer, $, available at Nordstrom

Free People Olivia Blazer, $, available at Free People

The Kooples Black Crêpe Suit Jacket, $, available at The Kooples

Oversized Black Blazer

There's nothing more effortless than throwing on an oversized black blazer with some jeans and calling it a day.

Eloquii Oversized Faux Leather Blazer, $, available at Eloquii

Miss Selfridge Oversized Blazer In Black, $, available at ASOS

H&M Oversized Single-Breasted Blazer, $, available at H&M

The Frankie Shop Bea Single-Breasted Oversize Blazer, $, available at Farfetch

Textured Black Blazer

Try mixing up your jacket wardrobe with a blazer in corduroy or a knit. These fall fabrics are a no-brainer way to add texture to an outfit. We've also included a dazzling sequin option for those who are looking to add a bit of pizzazz to their look.

J.Crew Eloise Sweater-Blazer, $, available at J.Crew

COS Slim-Fit Double-Breasted Corduroy Blazer, $, available at COS

& Other Stories Sequin Party Blazer, $, available at & Other Stories

River Island Plus Sequin Oversized Blazer In Black, $, available at ASOS

Cropped Black Blazer

Give your hips some wiggle room with a fun cropped style that's easy to pair with the high-waisted bottoms of your choice.

Dynamite Cropped Collarless Blazer, $, available at Dynamite

Maeve Cropped Double-Breasted Jacket, $, available at Anthropologie

Torrid Studio Luxe Ponte Crop Collarless Blazer, $, available at Torrid

Zara Tied Cropped Blazer, $, available at Zara

Long Black Blazer

A longer blazer is great for layering in colder temps and can even serve double duty as a dress.

Alo Yoga VIP Blazer Trench, $, available at Alo Yoga

Reformation Veda Crosby 90s Longline Leather Blazer, $, available at Reformation

Topshop Longline Blazer In Black, $, available at ASOS

Alexia Admor Ellie Classic Boyfriend Blazer, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Fitted Black Blazer

Pair a fitted black blazer with trousers to exude the confidence that comes with a power suit.


Good American High Shine Compression Sculpted Blazer, $, available at Good American

Ganni Striped Single-Breasted Blazer, $, available at Farfetch

Alice + Olivia Breann Piped Fitted Blazer, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Mango Fitted Suit Blazer, $, available at Mango

Leather Black Blazer

Does it get any cooler than a chic black leather blazer? I think not.



REMI x REVOLVE Chloe Faux Leather Blazer, $, available at Revolve

Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Blazer, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch

Urban Outfitters Jules Faux Leather Blazer, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Deadwood Brooke Leather Blazer, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Double-Breasted Black Blazer

Did you know the double-breasted jacket was originally designed as a more casual and informal blazer option?

Karen Millen Boucle Double Breasted Blazer, $, available at KAREN MILLEN

Madewell Caldwell Double-Breasted Blazer: Two Button Edition, $, available at Madewell

Wildfang Empower Double Breasted Blazer, $, available at Wildfang

Zara Tailored Double Breasted Blazer, $, available at Zara

Mango Double Breasted Blazer, $, available at Nordstrom

H&M Oversized Jacket, $, available at H&M

COS Tailored Blazer, $, available at COS

We The Free Everly Cord Blazer, $, available at Free People

Eloquii Leather Wrap Blazer, $, available at Eloquii

Helmut Lang Crop Rider Blazer, $, available at Shopbop

IRO Summy Tie Belt Jacket, $, available at Verishop

Halogen Soft Belted Blazer, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

DRAE Black Faux-Leather Boy Blazer, $, available at SSENSE

Universal Standard Meg Short Blazer, $, available at Universal Standard

Of Whonder Ethel Jacket, $, available at Of Whonder

Scoop Boyfriend Blazer with Scrunch Sleeves, $, available at Walmart

Ellos Plus Size Long Wool Blend Blazer, $, available at Amazon

Vetinee Lapel Pocket Blazer, $, available at Amazon

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