Do You Dare to Wear a Dress Over Pants? Here’s How to Do It Right

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Photographed by Phil Oh; Acielle / STYLE DU MONDE

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Styling a dress with pants might conjure up images of an outfit that is completely shapeless. Here’s the thing: When done right, this unlikely pairing is anything but baggy and frumpy. With the right mindset and the best pieces, a billowy dress worn over a pair of sleekly tailored pants could very well become your favorite look for spring.

Take some notes from what we’ve seen on the streets around the world. In Oslo, we spotted the subdued union of baggy tan trousers and a long yellow smock dress. In Copenhagen, it was all about the possibilities of a great pair of leggings worn in tandem with a tiger-print mini. For a slightly more playful route, try an eclectic dress, like the one we’ve selected from Chopova Lowena, with a pair of great high-rise jeans in a dark blue. More romantic? Cecilie Bahnsen does a winsome shirt dress with a high neck in the softest shade of baby pink that’s just asking to be matched with cute cropped leggings or even a pair of bicycle shorts.

Here, our favorite ways to style this truly delightful in-between-seasons layering trend.

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Coach Romantic Minidress With Stud Embellishments

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Sandro 7/8-Length Leather Trousers

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Chopova Lowena Technical Shell And Wool Midi Dress

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Slvrlake Denim Beatnik High-Rise Slim-Leg Jeans

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Cecilie Bahnsen Alberte Dress

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Khaite Jane Cropped Stretch-Knit Leggings

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Paco Rabanne Button-Detailed Cotton-Jacquard Midi Dress

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Chloé Caravan-Print Silk Trousers

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Tory Burch Anchor-Print Dress

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Live The Process Knit Flare Pant

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Totême Lomello Dress In Honey

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The Range Cotton-Blend Twill Cargo Pants

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Caroline Constas Lola Open-Back Metallic Fil Coupé Chiffon Maxi Dress

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Matin Crinkled-Cotton Wide-Leg Pants

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Freepeople Sunlit Minidress

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La Prestic Ouiston Riviera Polka-Dot Silk Trousers

Solid Striped Disco Crepe Slip Dress

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Bode Tie-Detail Striped Cotton Pants