Contrary to what this outfit may say, I’m actually not at the bottom of the idea barrel when it comes to this remix challenge. In fact, this outfit was one I wanted to try before I even started the remix.
But … I can’t tell if I really like it or really don’t like it.
I had this idea that when I layered this dress over these jeans I’d emit this cool artist vibe. But each time I look at these photos, I have a totally different reaction. Like I’m into it on second, then I’m not.
Jury’s still out. And it might be out forever.
Even still, for such a seemingly simple outfit, it’s got a lot going on in the styling department.
Styling notes:
Dress over jeans / If this is your thing, do it. It’s a quick way to make a statement. Even if it’s not your thing, might as well give it a try at least once, right? No one said you have to wear it outside of your house. :)
All black, with accessories in brown / Sporting all black from head to toe is one of my favorite ways to make an impact. But what to do with accessories? Keep going with black? Or add other colors? Personally, I like to add one color for a bit of interest — this time I went with brown, because I feel most myself in brown and black.
All black, different textures / Lets get technical. When I wear one color from head to toe, I like to use contrasting textures — like silk and denim — to add interest within that single color.
Rolled sleeves / You can hardly tell, but I gave the sleeves of this dress one extra roll. It might seem like the most minuscule detail ever, but it created more of a cap sleeve which adds a little bit more femininity to this all-black look.
Cuffed jeans / I didn’t cuff my jeans but I should have. Not loving the super bunchy jeans and shoe combo.
I’d give this outfit a C. It’s still within my style, but it’s on the outskirts. The pieces themselves are comfortable, but I kept having to fidget to keep the dress from getting stuck on the front button of my jeans. And the dress just didn’t have that usual flow because of the friction of the jeans underneath. I like the concept, but I think it just might work better with different pieces.
Where would I wear this?
I have no idea. :)
So tell me, do you ever pair dresses with jeans? If so, how do you deal with the whole dress-caught-on-the-jeans-button thing? You’re probably all thinking, “Wear leggings!” but I’m kind of interested in figuring out how to successfully execute a dress-with-jeans look.
Also, how’s your challenge going? Learned anything interesting yet? I sure have, and I’m excited to share it with you on Friday. In the meantime, three more outfits!
Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:
01 | Dress (old) | Similar (made responsibly) | Similar (made responsibly for under $55)
02 | Black jeans (old) / similar by Mott and Bow (made responsibly)
04 | Necklace (old) / Similar
05 | Bag gifted by ONA | similar (made responsibly)
• • •
xo,
I think this would look really pretty if the dress was a black print rather than solid black.
Its a great outfit, but I agree, the lines would have been cleaner with a long cuff on the jeans.
This is actually a “go to” look for me when I am stumped for what to wear and feeling a little thick through the middle:)
I’d give it a B. I like the brown accessories with the black garments.
Keep them coming!!
this totally takes me back! I used to wear jeans with dresses as a teenager all the time when I worked at a cool beach/art supply shop! I still want to do It occasionally these days, and sometimes I do! because I secretly love the look. But I always wonder if I look too young doing it now that I’m in my 30’s! Actually I was at an outdoor, early fall, in a tent, wedding a few weeks ago. After dark there was a campfire and I totally popped a pair of skinny jeans on under my dress! it seemed totally appropriate for that venue. that said, I want to wear it to work, but it always feels a little… I don’t know… off? so sorry I don’t know. but I love this series!! it’s so fun to check in every morning! I would totally have done it too, except I have two young children, and I honestly change clothes 2 or 3 times a day…due to all the smeared food on my clothes! :)
I too would have cuffed the jeans. ;) And, for me, the only thing I would have changed would have been to grab a cognac brown bag as opposed to one that more closely matched my shoes. I think layering the shades of brown here (or shades in any outfit) would have made the outfit feel more dynamic. Otherwise I think it’s a totally killer combination — and a GREAT way to style what has been such a summer wardrobe workhorse for yourself for cooler weather.
Great inspo Caroline! I love that you’re taking bigger risks with this challenge and willing to share in the ones you might not feel super certain about. :)
I really like it on you. I wonder if keeping the brown bag, but switching to black shoes would help. It might streamline the look.
I never feel quite right in my black jeans. I want them to be “me” but I always feel sloppy instead of put together. It’s something I’m trying to sort out. I might try this look. How is the black silk dress holding up to wear? It’s a piece I’m considering adding to my wardrobe.
I was thinking this same thing! Or perhaps instead of black shoes, a strappy sandal that didn’t have much to it. I think the shoes seem to be competing with the rest of the outfit. Since the crux of the outfit is that the dress and the jeans compete with each other naturally (b/c they’re not normally worn together), going with a different shoe might help the rest work.
In any case, I love the experiment! I’ve had dresses and jeans work well with they’re heavier dresses (so they lay pretty well) and have a slight a-line structure (so they don’t snag on the button as much). Loving the remix so far – thanks for this posting adventure. :)
Hi meganleiann! The dress is holding up great. It is such a workhorse for my closet — so versatile and doesn’t show a lot of wrinkles or dirt or dog hair. I coudn’t be happier with it! :) xo, Caroline
This outfit is right up my alley. I do wear long shirts/tunic dress with jeans. Love it!:) Your necklace is an awesome touch. Yes I would also cuff my jeans but overall love your outfit!:)
http://www.hellohappytimes.com
I think it is cute, except for the shoes. Maybe some delicate sandals would go better or even the black flats you had worn in previous remix outfits. I’m sure it is difficult to experiment with only 10 pieces. Usually when I’m experimenting, I try on practically my whole closet!
Looking forward to seeing more dresses and jeans combos from you. I have wanted to try it as well but not too sure how either!
http://www.thriveorsurvive.us
So funny! I would give this outfit an A. I love jeans with a dress. Beautiful necklace. xo
I agree with Victoria 100%!
I like this outfit! For me the combination of the dress with the pants is really cool and hopefully finally you will feel the same for your outfit :) You inspired me even to wear also a dress with denims!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Love black + camel! :) I have one of these belts and use it all the time… It keeps everything all smoothed out when you have a shirt or tunic hanging over your jeans.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SXA4T42/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1474900039&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=stretch+belt&dpPl=1&dpID=41RjLbgSR5L&ref=plSrch
De-lurking to say: for me, jeggins are the way to go if you want jeans under dresses.
I use Dorothy Perkins ones (who I love because they have some larger sizes and are affordable) but I don’t know if you have them in the US?
They’re super comfortable, do have back pockets (but no front pockets) and no buttons, which is a great combo for me.
I love it! Very chic! I agree with cuff ing the jeans, showing a little skin between the pant and the show would make the whole outfit seem lighter. Also, a heavier silk dress like the ones from Cuyana flows better and may solve your button problem.
First thing I thought when I saw the picture was “what a cool artist vibe”, so count that as a vote for it!
I have so many shirts with tiny holes right where the jeans button is because of that bunching problem. I think it’s actually the little corner of denim above the button that catches the fabric of the shirt – sometimes I take a paper clip and just clip it together with the back fold so it doesn’t stick out, and that helps.
I’ve been reading your blog forever and haven’t commented before – but I love it, it’s helped me so much to figure out my own style and let go of unrealistic expectations and pressures. So glad you’re doing this remix, I was missing the outfit posts!
Man, I live in the dress with jeans look. Generally I deal with the button problem in a few different ways:
1. For me, first off, it is all about accepting that there will be a bump there and moving on.
2. Then I try a different style of dress. For example, dresses with a tight bodice and a loose a-linr or half/full skirt tend to work best. There is enough fabric and volume down there to avoid the bump, and keep the skirt from hitting the button.
3. If I want to do the look with more of a body con dress, then I opt for bottomless jeans like my pair of Liverpool jeans that my boyfriend envies because they are almost leggings – almost. However they provide just a bit more structure than leggings (and warmth!) Which I prefer.
Hi Carley, great tips! Thank you for sharing :) xo, Caroline
I too love the look just as you have done it…but if it doesn’t feel right for whatever reason move on. Clothes need to feel good to make you feel good! As far as the jeans button issue a cami or tank over your jeans solves the problem and if the right fabric might even improve dress fabric flow.
Hi Terry! That’s a great tip about the camisole. Thanks for sharing! :) xo, Caroline
I absolutely love this outfit with black and brown! Also like the dress over the jeans, I am going to try that myself sometime :D
Hey Iris! I hope you try it! Why not, right? Let me know how you like it :) xo, Caroline
I’m not usually the one for dresses over jeans but this totally works. It gives off a very New York SoHo vibe.
Hey Melody, I’ll take that! Thanks :) xo, Caroline
I love this outfit! I think you look very nice. I wear dresses over jeans a lot, but I don’t really have the problem of dress stuck on jeans, for some reason.
I remember the jeans over dress look. But it does look very put together with a black dress and black jeans. I love the different textures with the browns too. I do wear a jumper dress or tunic over jeans, but I suppose they just look like long tops, really.
Funny how little details can make all the difference. Today I put on a loose pair of harem/joggers but remembered they irritate me as they a just a bit too voluminous. I will stick with them but when I come to replace them I will choose some that are a slimmer fit. It’s a learning curve.
Hey Tanya, that is so true. The tiniest details can take an outfit from an A to a C just based on comfort alone. It might be something that no one would ever notice, but it’s just enough to bug ya! :) xo, Caroline
I love the dress over jeans look. I do mine with a shirtdress, jeans and a blazer. I can wear that with booties or even heels. I’m petite, so flats are difficult because then the look can overwhelm my frame.
Hi Nicole, that sounds like a really cute styling option to throw a blazer over the dress! Seems like it would take that artist vibe to another level. :) xo, Caroline
It might work better with a long button down (checked) shirt that can double as a shirt and a dress. Also, if the fabric is a little bit stiffer, it might not get stuck on the jeans button. Personally, I’m not into the dress-over-jeans-look, but that’s just because my grandma always said it’s something they only wear in the desert. However, Texas is basically desert (temperature wise), so you’re good ;) I do like the long-checked shirt-over-jeans-look.
Lol, lots of notes here, everyone seems to (dis) like a different aspect of the outfit. I just don’t like the dress + jeans combo, jeans is so sturdy and structured that the contrast with the flowy dress just seems too awkward to my eye. Silk tops with jeans, on the other hand, I like, but I feel a visible waistband and / or a belt is needed to make the transition.
I don’t know why this works, but I like it! I think the high-low hem of the dress makes it look more thoughtfully put together.
I agree with you, I think it would be perf if the jeans were cuffed. :)
I think this particular dress works really well over jeans!
I love this outfit! And I think you pull it off really well. The messy bun,the top knot, and the long necklace are nice touches.
I actually just really freaking love this look. I actually think the bunchy jeans add to that artist vibe you were going for. It’s very “I have more artsy things to think about”. Plus black and cognac brown are my fave color combo ever ever ever.
The dress length is perfect for this- to me it’s almost a tunic rather than a dress. I almost never wear short dresses, so my knee-length and midi ones wouldn’t work with denim. Such a shame!
Same for me. All of my dresses at the moment are knee-length or longer.
Kellie! Haha – the “I have more artsy things to think about” is cracking me up! :) xo, Caroline
I think if you belted it you might enjoy it better. Mostly because it is black on black. I think it works for you and your silhouette. If I wore this as a plus size gal, I’d probably get frumpy vibes only because my silhouette would be very different. I would definitely have to belt my middle. :)
I actually think it’s kind of perfect just as it is, and your hair in a bun is a great detail. I don’t think you look like an artist exactly, more like a movie producer (someone very busy in the art world…) Most of my summer dresses are longer so they look awkward with jeans, but I have a fitted sweater mini dress that I like to wear with jeans and boots in winter. The button does stick out in a stupid way, so I try to bunch the part of the dress around my midriff a little to conceal it. It also makes me look a little slimmer–extra bonus…
I’ve never tried dress-over-jeans for exactly the tactile reasons you point out. I just don’t think I could deal with it. A dress floaty enough to look good with the structure of the jeans will get caught on the buttons or heavier fabric. A dress of similar weight fabric would look like you’re bundling for a winter trek.
Perhaps this was the issue with the button shirt over cami yesterday. I know that button shirts over cami/tees is a great look, and practical for changing temps, but it just doesn’t feel comfortable to me.
Personally, if a dress has gotten a little too short from accidental over-drying or suddenly realizing I bought it in early college and maybe my comforts with hem-lengths have changed, then I toss it on over jeans. I think the dress is a little too long to work, but tunic-like dresses can work really well over jeans if the dress is a little on the short side. I also agree about the jeans, they need to be almost legging-like in order for the silhouette to work. Love the black and brown combo! Need to try asap! <3
Hey Kelsey, I love that you’re extending the wear of your dresses that aren’t the perfect length anymore by throwing it over jeans. And yes! Black + brown is one of my favorite color combos! Let me know how it works for you :) xo, Caroline
Hey Kelsey, I love that you’re extending the wear of your dresses that aren’t the perfect length anymore by throwing it over jeans. And yes! Black + brown is one of my favorite color combos! Let me know how it works for you :) xo, Caroline
Well I think this outfit is lovely. As you said, it has kind of an ‘artist vibe’ I really like.
xx
Renaud | http://xxmuchlove.blogspot.com
I’m really digging this look on you. Dress and jeans is my go to, and was my identity during my 20s pretty much. I would even add to the swishy but edgy image by adding a long scarf, not loudly patterned but perhaps an embroidered one, in wool (bearing in mind my autumns in the Southern Hemisphere could take a wool scarf). Hang the bunching of the dress on the front button too – it adds texture I’m sure!
Hey Cindy! That sounds cute! I will have to keep that in mind for my winter looks :) xo, Caroline
Wow! – that was my first thought when I saw this outfit. Then I thought you look like a really cool artist :) Seriously! For me it’s perfect, even with the jeans uncuffed. I’d wear it myself if I had similar pieces.
Sometimes I wear jeans with a top and my denim shirtdress over it – I leave it unbuttoned, tie it in the back and then it looks like a more casual version of a light coat. I love this look!
It is cute! I actually think the glasses are what makes the outfit! Agree with others that a heavier dress fabric and/or a lighter (and shorter) jean and/or a lighter or flatter shoe would make it even better. It’s a little too heavy on bottom for the super light top. (A denim jacket or moto jacket thrown on top might balance it but would change the look.) Excited to look into some of the jean/jegging ideas recommended in the comments!
Hey Lynn! Yes, I like that idea of balancing the outfit with a jacket. Great styling option :) xo, Caroline
My fav so far
Love it all, I think the brown and gold accessories tone it down a notch and your hair up showcases the outfit.
Hi Caroline- Just wanted to let you know I’ve been following your blog for a few years and I love it. Your thoughtful approach to shopping and your outlook on owning clothes (aim for a smaller number of higher quality pieces) has improved my life in a small but significant way. Although I’ve never done a capsule wardrobe, I follow many of your guidelines and I love doing all of my shopping for a new season in one fell swoop. It’s great to plan it out, buy a few key pieces, and then not even think about shopping until the next season! I feel liberated from the tyranny of sales and fear of missing out. Thank you!
Amy, thank you for sharing! That makes me so happy to hear. It is such a relief, isn’t it? :) xo, Caroline
I personally love the uncuffed jeans with the dress look! I think the hair updo and glasses really do send out this artistic look. That necklace looks great with the solid black piece! I have this beautiful vintage watch in a chain that I’ve been wanting to wear more but I just feel it doesn’t look great with some of my tops… so a simple tunic/dress may be just the thing to combine it with.
Perfect for Fall!
http://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
http://www.fashionnotfear.wordpress.com
Dress + cuffed pants is my go-to work outfit! I add a blazer and I feel casual, professional, and most importantly, ME. Today it’s a plaid tunic/dress situation, black cuffed pants, black blazer, black booties, black purse, BIG silver jewelry. I wear this combo in the winter with knee high boots, but often swap the bottoms for velvet leggings. For the same reason you mentioned the silk/denim combo, I think the velvet adds such a nice contrast.
Yes! I wear basically this outfit all the time. Tan booties + black jeans + little black dress. I think it looks great on you, and I definitely agree that cuffed jeans help out this style. I’ve never had my dresses get caught on the front button of my jeans though. I wonder why that’s happening? Now I have to try rolling the sleeves of my short-sleeved dresses! As always, thanks for the inspiration!
i.e. the pants button issue: I use one of these http://www.target.com/p/bematernity-by-ingrid-isabel-beband-black-m-l/-/A-50028172?sid=2779S&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=&adgroup=&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9033604&lsft=,gclid:CLvJidK3sM8CFQVqfgodOqcMgQ,gclsrc:aw.ds&gclid=CLvJidK3sM8CFQVqfgodOqcMgQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
Yes, they’re from the maternity section, but the small size is GREAT for preventing holes in your pretty dresses and blouses where they’ve rubbed against your pants button!
Oh my stars–I so love this! It may be my absolute favorite outfit from your blog in all the years I’ve been reading. (Which really, really makes me wonder what is going on with my attempts at fashion…)
Caveat: I don’t consider myself very fashion-conscious, and my younger cousin has told me I can be relied on to put great things together in the wrong way every time. So… don’t listen too closely to me!
But, seriously, this speaks to me. I love the little imperfections. It seems to say, “I’m so awesome that I look great in whatever I wear, but I can’t be bothered to spend too long in front of the mirror fiddling with minor clothing details–my life is so full of more important things!” It actually does look like you just pulled something from your closet and threw it on–and you’re rocking it.
I really like the “rawness” of the silk dress/tunic over actual jeans rather than leggings. I like the unrefined feel of the wrinkled jeans, and the implication that you don’t have a million variations of perfect pieces just waiting at your fingertips. And that particular dress manages to hang so cleanly over the jeans, not bunching or looking thick and hot.
Ponderings:
I remember a friend told me once that bad acting calls attention to itself. You watch it and think, “Wow, there’s a lot of acting going on!” It’s true for writing, too: when you become aware that the author is writing, rather than just aware of the author’s thoughts, you know it needs some editing or rewriting. I have an idea that I feel something similar about clothing. When an outfit looks so carefully styled (even carefully unstyled), I think it loses its appeal to me. Most of your outfits, while casual and easy-going, seem so clean & perfect. I don’t think it’s bad styling (contrary to the bad-acting-example), but I think it’s a clue to my own preference with clothing, and what would be my own style.
Thanks for including this outfit & giving us opportunity to explore our own reactions to it!
This is my favorite outfit on your blog so far! (I think I’ve been following you for about a half a year or so). Funny that you give it a C while I’d give it an A+. :) But we are all different. Plus I didn’t have to deal with all the comfort problems you encountered while wearing it. I love all black and lately I’ve been really into camel brown leather so to me this looks perfect. I’d wear it in a heartbeat. I’ve never worn dresses over jeans, mostly because I don’t have/wear dresses at all. But your dress looks like a tunic to me and a tunic is a shirt, right? :) And what’s the difference between a mini dress and a tunic anyway? Tom-ei-to – tom-ah-to. :) So please, do figure out where you could wear this outfit and wear it, it looks great on you. The un-cuffed jeans are not a faux-pas on my list either, they make your legs look longer. :)
I love this! Simple and effective! I often wear a similar combo and it’s one of my go to outfits for the weekend.
I would just give the jeans a mini-cuff, just enough to un-wrinkle them from your ankles. Doing a big cuff or bringing up the length too much would make your legs look too short and you could end up looking stumpy. Overall, I think this is a fun outfit! I remember doing the dress-over-jeans look in high school and college in the 90s and early 2000s!
Love your blog, it inspired me to create my own seasonal capsules. With limited closet space in our room, it has really worked for me to have a dressy capsule in the closet and a casual capsule that barely takes up 2 of my 3 dresser drawers. I just changed over to a fall capsule, which, in Louisiana, is basically a summer capsule with a different color palette!
I actually really like this outfit! You could totally wear it out shopping, for coffee, to dinner, etc. Super cute and flattering!
Just found your blog – love the styling! I wear dresses over jeans a lot – mainly to disguise a long torso/short leg syndrome (remember Trinny & Susannah rules?!!) I often wear a merino sleeveless slip under – keeps you cool in summer/warm in winter and this disguises the button thing
I’ve been experimenting with jeans & dresses this fall too, as I loved the ease & look of just throwing on a dress in the summer. A good combo for me has been black skinnies with my tencel light denim coloured button-down shirtdress. It looks cute & the smooth tencel glides nicely over the button.
Sometimes I find the jeans to be not cozy enough for me so I’m looking for a non-Jean bottom option to wear with my dresses. Any tips for how to wear leggings with dresses & flats (sneakers ideally – I walk a lot :). I don’t quite feel like I’m pulling off that look.
A little late in the game but I do like this outfit. I’m thinking of doing something similar myself.
For me I think, it’s your hairstyle that needs tweaking. Maybe instead of a bun, try a fun sideswept boho braid.
As a Texas girl myself, I can’t wait for your Winter 10 challenge. ☺