Yes, It’s A Dress (Two Dresses, Actually)

Two layered Eileen Fisher dresses worn by style blogger Susan B with a Givenchy bag. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

I fully expect this outfit will get a mixed reaction, but allow me stipulate for the record: I love it.

Wearing: earrings (similar) | dress as vest (Regular/Petite) |
silk dress  (Regular/Petite)| bag | jeans | bracelet | watch | shoes

Layered Eileen Fisher Dresses

Not only am I wearing a dress…I’m wearing two of them at once. The black one is a mandarin collar dress that buttons all the way down the front. The other is a printed silk tank dress. When I saw the two hanging together in the dressing room, a lightbulb went off. Out of sheer laziness I tried them on this way over my jeans and loved the result.

Eileen Fisher dress worn as a long vest by style blogger Susan B. in this dress over pants outfit

I’m usually hesitant about going sleeveless, but this look works better that way. Especially with the jeans, the extra bit of skin showing keeps it from feeling too heavy.

style blogger Susan B. wears a long Eileen Fisher dress layered over a silk dress. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Even le Monsieur really liked this outfit. I have some other ideas for styling both dresses that don’t include the jeans….

style blogger Susan B. wearing Eileen Fisher dresses, a French Kande bracelet and Givenchy Pandora bag.

There was only one thing that this look needed….

Jewelry designer Kande Hall and style blogger Susan B. at the French Kande studio

…some fabulous layered necklaces from French Kande! HERE and HERE. I wore this to a blogger event at the French Kande studio on Saturday. That’s my friend and jewelry designer Kande Hall. (And she’s wearing pieces from the soon-to-be-released Fall collection…can’t wait to see the rest.)

refreshment table at the French Kande blogger event. Details at une femme d'un certain age

Kande and her husband Lenn opened the doors to their design and manufacturing studio last weekend and hosted a blogger brunch event. I had a splendid time and truly enjoyed the opportunity to meet some fabulous women! The refreshments were pretty awesome too.

refreshments at the French Kande studio blogger event.

Photos in Marina Del Rey by Tannaz. Instagram here.

Would you wear a dress over pants look?

Dress Over Pants Options…

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146 Comments

  1. Why not ? After all a less than full-length dress is the same as a long tunic . And either over trousers just reminds me of salwar kameez which us (South) Asians have been wearing since ever ! I like the combination you have there and envy your being able to wear something sleeveless .

    1. rukshanaafia, thank you! I actually love the look of a salwar kameez, think the proportions are elegant and graceful.

  2. The links take you to regular (not petite) size dresses … is that what you’re wearing and, if so, what size, please?

  3. I love that look and have started doing it myself (usually with a dress, long vest, and leggings). It’s very comfortable, put together, and cute! Thanks for another idea.

  4. If it’s warm enough to go sleeveless I think that adding the jeans is a little contrived. It’s very nice and I would certainly wear the dresses with sandals by themselves

    1. I’d be more inclined to wear leggings. On us shorties capri leggings are practically full-length, though show more ankle and are prettier in the summer. The jeans look a bit heavy. I love salwar kameez – elegant and practical. A professor friend from India wears it often, though she is from a Hindu background (salwar kameez seems to be more common among ladies of Muslim culture), as she find saris very restrictive, beautiful though they are.

  5. I love this outfit! It’s totally Eileen Fisher, very artsy and creative — and flattering in you. The longer length of the dresses is very elegant, and makes you appear taller. I wouldn’t have thought to wear the dresses with jeans, but I like it! That said, on warm summer days, I’d probably wear leggings in place of the jeans. I’ve heard you shouldn’t wear black leggings in the summer — I don’t necessarily agree with that — but I can’t wear any sort of dress above the knee without leggings, as my legs don’t show well 🙂

    1. Thanks so much Cindy! I think leggings have become a year-round option, provided they’re comfortable.

  6. It’s my go-to combination most of the time. My knees are not my best feature and although I love midi dresses, too much fabric can swamp me, so a knee length dress plus some form of trouser is what I love best. It’s sometimes a bit hard, though, to add a top layer for warmth, since shorter cardigans or jackets mean that there are too many different lengths going on.

    1. Hi Jan, it sounds as though you’ve worked out a good formula for you. What about a knee-length topper?

  7. Very sharp look! Knowing now that you are ‘vertically challenged’ height wise like myself I am not so leery of EF outfits which always seemed to look best on tall thin waif like creatures or else the frump factor was huge. The only things I cannot wrap my head around are the very heavy looking bag and shoes. Jury out on the jeans. But kudos on accepting the sleeveless challenge, so many women ( who have nothing to worry about) feel that over 60=no sleeveless tops…unless cover up is needed for practicality, religious or professional reasons why should we care! This is what ‘the right to bare arms’ should mean in your Constitution!

    1. Thanks, Ainsivalavie! I agree the bag is a little heavy, but it was the only one I had that felt like the right color. 😉

  8. I rarely wear dresses, so thats off the table (with the top of me being three sizes larger than the bottom of me, there are few dresses that suit), but I have no problem at all with the concept of a dress worn with pants, but I thing that the jeans are a mismatch. I think the dresses deserve either very skinny black pants, or leggings, but I also think the overall look seems too warm looking for summer. If it is warm enough to be sleeveless, jeans plus two dresses seems to be too many clothes.

  9. A maxi long vest would work the same over the dress.
    Cool look. However in the heat all those pieces may be too much. I dislike my upper arms so I would need some sleeves. Very creative.

  10. This combination is PERFECTION and you look stunning! Long, lean, modern and effortless! I wouldn’t change a thing.

  11. Love the outfit, it suits you so well! I was thinking with the first photos that it needed a necklace and then, boom!!!, you picked the perfect one. Since I love the long sweater look, I think this is something I would definitely try….thanks for sharing.

  12. Love, love! I’d use this with leggings–which I don’t wear now, because I’m at a loss as what to wear over them (I’m on the tall side, so tunics aren’t always the right length.)

    1. Just wanted to add…I’m going to consider the olive duster dress, which I think would look fab with the leopard slides you featured recently.

  13. I often wear this look – it sort of makes a dress less ‘vulnerable’-feeling and girly. And dress covers up tum/bum! You can do it with dresses that would feel too short to wear on their own or with tights and make them work. Just think of them as long tunics. I like them over yoga pants too.

  14. The “two dresses” as one, look great. However, the cropped jeans underneath add bulk and cut your legs off in yet another place (at the dress hem line, the jean hem line, and at the top of the shoes), which in my opinion, is not flattering. I would leave the jeans out on this one.

  15. I would not normally but….. I really love the way it looks on you. I just may have to try it!!! Also as far as sleeveless goes, for years I would not go sleeveless because no matter what I did the upper arms would only firm up so much. Now.. I go sleeveless….I accept it and its really not so bad… I work at it daily. Love the look!!!

    1. Thanks, Michele! I think at some point comfort just has to win out. 🙂 And I’m pretty sure our arms never look as bad as we think they do.

  16. I own the black mandarin collar dress and love it. You have given me a new styling idea! I won’t be wearing it over jeans, but might try it over leggings.

  17. I think the combination looks great. You’ve got me thinking about buying the black dress now. I already have another EF dress I wear with jeans but it is a knit with handkerchief hem.

  18. I love this combination on you in so many ways. It brings your edgy self into the equation a bit more, imho, especially with the jeans. If, as some have said, this combo, because of the jeans, suits a slightly cooler temp than the bare arms, would you carry a light pashmina or something similar to throw over those arms of an evening?

    1. Thanks, Frances! For a chilly evening I probably would add a wrap. I usually run cold, though was pleasantly surprised that the two times I’ve worn this out (both on not-particularly-warm days) I was actually quite comfortable, and not chilly at all.

  19. I love it. I have been eyeing the dress which by it’s self is perfect for the hot Texas summer. However it is often freezing inside public places. You are my inspiration to buy the dress and a topper of some sort.
    I am so jealous that you were at the FK offices! Your blog lead me to FK and I love it. I am waiting impatiently for the fall collection to buy my next piece. Maybe! There are so many pieces I want already.

    1. Stephanie, thanks so much! If I were to wear this to a restaurant or movie theater, I’d definitely bring a wrap or other topper. Everyone turns their a/c up like crazy here in the summer.

  20. I think you look fantastic. There is nothing wrong with your arms. The temperature is climbing to over a hundred degrees in parts of Los Angeles today. Stand up for the right to bare arms!

    I wear dresses over pants all of the time in cooler weather. However, I wouldn’t wear them today. Actually, today is a day to stay inside with the drapes closed and drink iced tea. I’m going to go start some now.

  21. LOVE this! One of my favorites of yours. I think the jeans underneath are inspired. Envious of your ability to go sleeveless, as I’m not (too much crepe). Kande necklaces are terrific, too. I do think the purse is too heavy, but the rest of the outfit is perfection!

    1. Hi Weezie, thanks! I actually have a fair amount of crepey skin on my arms too. (I moisturized like crazy before shooting and the light was soft.) I recently saw a closeup of Anna Wintour in one of her sleeveless dresses, and you know what? So does she! So if it’s good enough for Anna… 🙂

      1. I must have seen the same Anna Wintour pic as it reaffirmed my decision to remain sleeveless in our New Zealand summers. Absolutely love the look. So streamlined and polished.

  22. The look seems off balance to me like it’s too many layers at the bottom especially with jeans. Both the dresses are simply beautiful.

  23. I think it’s really flattering and I like the look, but I personally dislike wearing so many layers of clothing so I’d wear the dresses and skip the jeans.

  24. Love, love, love this outfit! One of your best ever!

    Not only do I love the two dresses over jeans, but also the black and tan combo. I’ve always loved black and shades of brown together. So chic, although I rarely have the nerve (or the right pieces) to wear the look myself. I think the outfit looks fine, perhaps better without the addition of the long necklaces. The added necklaces just seem to weigh it down.

    The multiple, straight layers make you look amazingly thin. I guess it’s all a matter of proportion. Thank you so much for showing us the way.

  25. I’m not sure about the outfit for me, but looks great on you. The silk dress looks to be the same fabric as an EF top (with attached camisole) I purchased at Nordstrom last week for my European trip next week. Plan in wearing it for the dressier evenings on the cruise. Also bought black EF dress … my fourth! May have a black dress fetish…

  26. I love this outfit. I probably would not be able to wear two layers on top as I run hot, but I can and have worn light tunics/dresses over jeans on occasion. Thanks for the reminder to wear them more often! Like Guermantes said, this technique transforms the dresses from vulnerable/girly to almost as utilitarian as the jeans.

    I’d like to see more of these looks, perhaps geared toward even warmer weather.

  27. I love it! I am not about to wear anything above my knees anymore and I am getting braver about considering going sleeveless. Love French Kande…I can get in a lot of trouble there!

  28. I think it looks great! I have a long black open vest, similar to the piece you have on. I’ve hesitated wearing it…I think it needs something long paired with it, like your dress! I might also try a look like that with leggings. Thanks for the inspiration! I love the French Kande pieces, too…just wish they were not so pricey!! Can you ever find a sale on them???

    1. Thanks, Sheri! Because the French Kande pieces are made to order, I don’t think they go on sale.

  29. I like it and would wear it myself with cropped leggings instead of jeans. I frequently wear dresses with leggings, and if it’s chilly I add a sweater almost the same length as the dress. Footwear is sandals or boots, depending on the season.

  30. I love this outfit on you. That first picture is so flattering! Who’d a thought of layering not one but two dresses? You’re a inspiration.

  31. No. Dresses over dresses, yes. Dresses over leggings, yes. But dresses over heavy pants, no. They always remind me of some of the little girls in our neighborhood who would wear frilly dresses over jeans. They were immigrants from a very conservative country, and this was their parents’ way of marrying the conservative customs of their home with what they perceived to be Western style. Quite practical, by the way, but there are prettier choices.

  32. You look wonderful. You also have nice upper arms. This gives me ideas for what could be a wedding guest look.

  33. I like the look. I have seen tunic dresses over leggings too. Showing more skin on top really frames your face. The bag and jeans do make things look a little heavier so the Kande necklace helps balance the weight. I love the earrings on you but a larger scale but lightweight earring would look nice too. I can see that picking shoes to go with a midi would be a challenge. I have seen some versions of gladiator sandals and nude-colored suede ankle boots with longer skirts. (I guess with the longer skirt, a dark gladiator sandal still shows some skin but has strong lines in the design.)

    If you want to see how they are showing a midi on the runway, you can go to the website tagwalk and search for midi. Also, since the dresses are by EF, you could see how she styles the dresses.

    1. I forgot to reply to an earlier outfit where you wore a print pajama top from J.Crew. I have seen you post and outfit with orange print slides and I thought the print pajama top and orange slides could be an interesting combination in the same outfit if you decide you want to go crazy with color some day.

  34. Oh Susan! You are such a delight. I love this posting… I was so surprised when I scrolled down. . . and read there’s only on more thing this outfit needed… That photo of you and I put a BIG smile on my face! Thank you for being such a kind and generous friend.

  35. I love it! I remember seeing women with dresses worn over their jeans in the south of France many years ago and I loved it then, too! I wear dresses over leggings all the time but I’m not sure if that counts.

  36. This looks fabulous on you! I will certainly be giving it a go when we come into summer Over here in Australia. Keep inspiring!

  37. No mixed reaction here – a beautiful outfit on you and would be just as flattering on many figure types. I agree that the sleeveless provides the perfect balance to the jeans. Nice job.

  38. This looks great on you Susan! I have the long sleeved version of this dress and am wearing it today with skinny jeans – taking inspiration from your outfit. The sleeveless dress is on my wishlist now. Perfect for Australian summer as a dress or for layering as you have done, and as a vest in cooler weather.

  39. I would not wear dresses over jeans, but then I wouldn’t wear jeans to a social event anyway. Jeans are not elegant and I consider them work pants.

    1. Here in Southern California we’re all very hard workers….we wear our jeans everywhere. 😉

  40. Beautiful look; so elegant and current. I would be curious to see the black mandarin-collar dress by itself over jeans, too.

  41. I love a good short dress over pants or leggings but always have a difficult time finding the right dress/tunic. I wish for the days when a short dress looked okay on me but alas no more. Thank you for posting the option, those pieces look great on you!

  42. I think it’s brilliant! I’m tall, so dresses I like but are too short on me can be re-purposed just like this — over cropped pants or jeans or leggings so that it reads more like a long tunic, not a dress. The only thing I’ve found is that the look works best for me over slim or skinny pants.

  43. Very nice styling on you. I’d like it better as an outfit if the pants were leggings, and black. And if the shoes and bag were in a brighter color. It’s a great overall look!

  44. I hate to be the dissenter, but I have never understood the whole dresses over jeans/trousers/leggings look. You have such a trim figure with well-toned arms that I would have liked to have seen you wearing the patterned dress on its own, although you looked very stylish in the photo (with the other woman) – but then again, I couldn’t see the jeans

    1. Hi Susan, thanks. I think dress-over-pants is one of those looks that people either like or they don’t, and that’s OK.

  45. I love this look! I have dreaded the summer dresses that end above the knees because I am not comfortable sitting and tugging down on the hem. I have started to wear knee-length dresses over slim pants/slim jeans and they are so comfortable and stylish – and I don’t worry about the hem riding up when I sit down.

  46. For the record, I love it too! It completely works! Also, for the record you gave the best coverage of the French Kande event!

  47. Love the look. Not to be a party pooper but that entire outfit with the purse is about 3 grand. That does not count any of the pricey French Kande you might add. Unless you find these pieces on sale, it is not worth it to me But it looks good.

    1. Perhaps, but I don’t re-purchase the outfit every time I wear it. 😉 Both the shoes and bag are items I wear several times per week, so I anticipate their cost-per-wear over time will actually be pretty low. Thanks!

  48. I think you look amazing! Very elegant and cool. I tend toward smaller handbags just to keep the weight down, so I would have gone with a smaller bag, but you’re right about the color being just right.

  49. This looks so beautiful on you. If you were tall like me at 5’9″ would you change anything to look nice on me also? I have never thought about this look on myself, seems I have worn the same things for years. At almost 63 years I need to just pull everything out of my closet and start over. Seriously I love your blog and love the clothes you put together. I want a simple pull together wardrobe. I do still work in an office but it is casual attire. Can you help me, maybe suggest post that you have?
    Thank you.

    1. Hi Donna, thanks! I think this outfit idea would work well for taller people as well. I’ve been working on an updated post on wardrobe basics, hope to have it done within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, my recent post on Wardrobe Soulmates might help you get started.

    2. I am almost as tall as you are (and about the same age). I wear this kind of outfit all the time and often get compliments about it and inquiries as to where I bought its components. Because of your height, I think you could also wear the two upper pieces with wider trousers than Susan’s jeans, if you wish. For me, that is breezier and cooler, for summer, than a form-fitting pant (or leggings).

  50. This outfit reminds me a little bit of the style called Lagenlook, although your version is streamlined and more practical.

    Your necklaces were the perfect touch!

    1. bellsonme, thank you! I’ve always liked some lagenlook outfits, though they’re often hard for me to carry off due to the volume.

  51. Love this! EF makes such beautiful versatile pieces and a shirtdress is a perfect opportunity to layer. I have a H&M shirtdress I wear unbuttoned as a long kimono cardigan. I also started layering dresses after I got frustrated finding comfortable slips to wear under my sheer linen dresses. Most slips were cut very small and in polyester, which seemed at odds with wearing an airy linen oversized dress. So I bought a few slip dresses that can be worn on their own but I will also layer under other dresses.