So, how do you wear this season’s coat dress over pants without looking frumpy or overwhelmed by layers of clothing? For cues on mixing and matching, we look to style-setter Olivia Palermo.
Olivia Palermo completes her chic coat dress look with a polished side braid, pearl earrings, and flawless makeup at the Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar opening in London on November 7, 2012 (Credit: Sakura / WENN)
Olivia Palermo: A Style Icon’s Approach
The pretty socialite has mastered the art like a pro, sporting looks you never would have thought could work. Case in point: the outfit she wore at the Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar store opening in London, England, early this month.
Departing from her usual blazer-and-skinny-jeans combo, Olivia opted for a short cream coat dress layered over a black long-sleeve sweater and sleek black leather pants. She finished the look with bold blue pointy pumps that added both contrast and subtle elongation to her 5-foot-5-inch (165.1 cm) frame.
Olivia Palermo pairs a cream coat dress with black leather pants and bold blue pointy pumps, adding a vibrant pop of color to her sleek layered look
Olivia delivered another polished look, effortlessly combining layers and textures. While the outfit appears casual and spontaneous, it clearly reflects her keen eye for detail and thoughtful styling.
Breaking Down Olivia’s Look: Key Elements
How to Wear a Coat Dress With Pants (Olivia-Inspired)
If you want the look without getting lost in fabric, follow these streamlined tips:
- Pick the right coat dress.
Choose a tunic length with a clean silhouette. Shorter sleeves let your sweater peek through for contrast. - Balance with slim pants.
Offset volume with skinny or slim-cut trousers. Dark shades help streamline and elongate the leg. - Layer with intention.
Style the coat dress over a lightweight sweater or staple knit for depth without bulk. - Finish with sleek heels.
Pointed stilettos sharpen the layers and add a polished, feminine finish.
Assemble these pieces, and you’ll have a modern, Olivia-inspired outfit that feels clean, balanced, and chic. And if you’re looking for even more ways to make the coat dress trend your own, take a cue from Jennifer Lopez’s take on the look.
Inspiration from Celebrities: Jennifer Lopez’s Take on the Trend
Jennifer Lopez wearing Rachel Zoe’s Cameron tuxedo jacket dress outside Fun Radio in Paris on June 15, 2011 (Credit: Sakura / WENN)
The year before, Jennifer Lopez stepped out in a tailored coat dress from Rachel Zoe’s Fall 2011 collection. At 5ft 4½ (163.8 cm), she proved how a sharp silhouette can elongate the frame and add instant polish.
Jennifer Lopez shows off her toned legs in a crisp white coat dress, perfectly styled with matching Casadei stiletto pumps and a metallic clutch
From chic tailoring to bold statement pieces, these looks show just how versatile the coat dress can be. But who do you think wore it best? Let’s take a closer look at some unforgettable celebrity moments.
Celebrity Coat Dress Moments: Style Inspiration from the Stars
Coat dresses remain a staple on red carpets and at fashion events. Here are some standout moments where celebrities have embraced this trend:
👗 Celebrity Coat Dress Moments:
- ✨ Paris Jackson at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 — captivated in two ensembles: a Stella McCartney trench coat dress with Bordeaux vegan slingback pumps, and a white Nina Ricci blazer mini dress styled with Rene Caovilla crystal coil sandals.
- 💫 Sofia Carson channels 1960s mod style in a winter white Nina Ricci coat dress with black trims and a matching scarf, paired with sleek black bow-back pumps.
- 🔥 Blake Lively’s edgy David Koma leather coat dress featured a blazer bodice and fringe details, styled with bold Christian Louboutin Lipstrass Botta Alta boots during the Another Simple Favor London tour.
- 🌟 Rita Ora exudes glamour in Emanuel Ungaro at the Isle of MTV concert photocall in Malta, donning a gold-accented Autumn/Winter 2013 dress coat that radiated refined elegance.
These fashion moments highlight the versatility and timeless appeal of coat dresses, which are embraced by celebrities on red carpets and global stages.