This Unconventional Dress Trend Is Coming in Hot for 2022

We're all for a cool and slightly offbeat styling trick to take an ensemble to the next level. You know, like wearing your button-down backward, pairing a choker necklace with a turtleneck, or yes, even teaming a dress (or skirt) with trousers. In fact, we wanted to focus specifically on the latter today as it's an easy way to bring a fashion-forward twist to an outfit.

While the elevated look has actually been a styling front-runner for fashion girls for a few years, there's a strong chance it will hit the mainstream market in an even greater way in 2020 as the trend came in hot in the current spring/summer collections. Yep, brands from Gucci to Jil Sander showcased a range of dresses—including shirt and knit styles—over trousers like flares and wide-leg cuts. Sure, it may seem more unconventional in theory, but the layered vibe is definitely worth a try given its high-concept nature.

To highlight further, we rounded up some of the key runway moments featuring this styling trick. And to showcase how to wear the look IRL, we also included inspiration on how style setters are wearing the dress-over-trousers vibe right now, complete with styling and shopping tips. Keep scrolling for more and get ready to jump on this A+ look before all of your friends do.

On the Runway
Jil Sander Runway Spring 2020

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Estrop/Getty Images

The slim black trousers bring an extra layer of dimension to this pleated skirt–and-top Jil Sander look.

Givenchy Spring 2020 Runway

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Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

The baggy trousers bring an extra layer of sleekness to this Givenchy belted leather dress.

Gucci Spring 2020 Runway

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Estrop/Getty Images

While this brown Gucci dress would be beautiful on its own, it's even cooler with the addition of the skinny leather pants.

Akris Runway Spring 2020

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Victor Virgile/Getty Images

Into the monochromatic look? This vibrant Akris ensemble with the sleeveless orange dress and coordinating trousers is where it's at.

Lanvin Runway Spring 2020

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Estrop/Getty Images

A white shirtdress gets taken to the next level with a belt and black trousers. Case in point? This Lanvin outfit.

On the street:
How to wear a lace dress with jeans

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Kristin Sinclair/Getty Images

Styling Tip: Amp up a denim-on-denim look by layering a turtleneck with a maxi dress.

Olivia Palermo Street Style Outfits

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Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Styling Tip: Bring even more texture to a suede maxi dress with leather leggings or trousers.

How to wear a dress with black dress pants

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Kristin Sinclair/Getty Images

Styling Tip: Sophisticated black trousers pair flawlessly with a bold frock.

How to wear a floral dress with black skinny jeans

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Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images

Styling Tip: Unbutton a floral dress to the waist to show off your go-to skinny jeans.

How to wear a sweater dress with jeans

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Styling Tip: Rather than wearing a sweaterdress on its own, consider incorporating denim into the look for a little something extra.

How to wear a dress with trousers

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Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Styling Tip: Split-hem trousers peeking out of a pretty dress are especially high-concept.

How to wear a denim dress with skinny jeans

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Styling Tip: A denim shirtdress with skinnies and booties is a no-fail formula that's always forward.