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 (Credit: Sakura / WENN)
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
Now, if you’ve been wondering how to wear a coat dress with pants without looking like you are drowning in piles of fabric, why not follow Olivia’s style here? We analyzed her outfit and broke it down into several simple tips:
1. Selecting the Perfect Coat Dress
If you want Olivia’s look, you must be sure you pick the right coat dress – unique enough to stand out, with the right length and silhouette.
Because you’ll be wearing it with pants, it’s best to pick one that isn’t too long; a tunic length would be ideal. Also, wear something with shorter sleeves so your sweater can show. If you have the moolah, you can try this gorgeous piece from Cacharel:
An abstract print and oversized, boxy fit give a retro wool coat from French brand Cacharel a cozy cocoon profile
2. Choosing the Right Pants to Complement Your Look
This season’s coats and coat dresses are a bit exaggerated in shape. So, it’s best to neutralize the volume by pairing them with slim or skinny pants that hug the legs and ankles.
Pick a dark color, as it has a slimming and lengthening effect. Here’s a luxe piece from J Brand for those who can afford it:
Skinny J Brand ankle pants with front pockets in soft, stretch leather are a statement piece
3. The Importance of Layering: Adding a Sweater
As you can see, instead of wearing the coat dress as-is or alone, Olivia mixed it with other items to show a different way to wear it.
Try a fitted long-sleeved sweater for a layered look that isn’t too bulky:
Loose-knit cashmere fashions an airy red sweater from Enza Costa that is perfect for layering
4. The Final Touch: Selecting Footwear
Lastly, to steal Olivia’s style, finish your look with sexy, pointy stilettos. For the combo we put together today, classic black will do since pops of red are already present in the other pieces:
With the cool combination of shiny patent leather and a pointed toe, these black Boutique 9 pumps are ready for an evening out
Once you’ve acquired the key pieces, put them together, and you’re ready.
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)
One year earlier, we spotted Jennifer Lopez in a coat dress from Rachel Zoe’s Fall 2011 collection.
Jennifer Lopez flaunts her sexy legs in a white coat dress paired with matching Casadei pumps (Credit: Sakura / WENN)
Who do you think looked best in her coat dress?
Celebrity Coat Dress Moments: Style Inspiration from the Stars
Coat dresses continue to be a staple on red carpets and fashion events. Here are some standout moments where celebrities have embraced this trend:
Paris Jackson’s Chic Appearances at Paris Fashion Week
- Event: Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025
- Outfits: Paris Jackson captivated audiences in two distinct coat dress ensembles. First, she donned a Stella McCartney trench coat dress and vegan pumps. Later, she appeared in a white Nina Ricci blazer mini dress complemented by Rene Caovilla coil sandals.
- Footwear: Her choices included Bordeaux vegan patent leather slingback pumps and crystal-embellished coil sandals, adding elegance to her looks.
- Read more: Paris Jackson’s stunning coat dress styles at Paris Fashion Week
Sofia Carson Embraces 1960s Mod Style in Nina Ricci
- Event: Fashion Event Appearance
- Outfit: Sofia Carson channeled 1960s mod fashion in a winter white Nina Ricci coat dress featuring black trims and a matching scarf.
- Footwear: She completed the ensemble with sleek black pumps boasting side cutouts and a bow-back design.
- See more: Sofia Carson’s 1960s-inspired Nina Ricci coat dress look
Blake Lively’s Edgy Leather Fringe Coat Dress
- Event: “Another Simple Favor” London Tour
- Outfit: Blake Lively turned heads in a black leather David Koma coat dress featuring a blazer-style bodice and fringe details.
- Footwear: She paired the outfit with Christian Louboutin Lipstrass Botta Alta boots, adding a bold touch to her look.
- Discover more: Blake Lively’s striking coat dress ensemble in London
Rita Ora’s Glamorous Emanuel Ungaro Dress Coat
- Event: Isle of MTV Concert Photocall in Malta
- Outfit: Rita Ora showcased elegance in a gold-accented Emanuel Ungaro dress coat from the Autumn/Winter 2013 collection.
- Details: The coat dress exuded refined glamour, highlighting Rita’s fashion-forward sensibility.
- Explore her style: Rita Ora’s Emanuel Ungaro dress coat look
These fashion moments underscore the versatility and timeless appeal of coat dresses, as embraced by celebrities across various events and styles.