The Y2K Dress Over Jeans Trend is Back! How to Master It in 2024
Oops, Katie Holmes did it again.
First ‘bradigan‘ and now ‘dreans’ (that’s what I’ve officially coined dresses over jeans).🙃 Love or hate the Y2K dress over jeans trend, it’s back.
Like other styles from the aughts that have recently been revived from the depths (I see you low-rise jeans), the dresses over jeans trend has returned to polarizing reviews.
While some of you might be hoping for this trend to return from where it came, Katie Holmes’ now viral look should be enough to get you to rethink your hatred.
And if we learned anything from ‘bradigan’, it’s that Katie Holmes is a fashion icon with the cred to single-handedly set or revive a trend.
And Katie Holmes isn’t the only one petitioning for a comeback. Just look to the runway shows.
Chloé styled midi-length dresses over knit pants, Hedi Slimane (whose French chic designs are traditionally reserved and minimalistic), presented a sequined dress over snakeskin-print pants for the Celine spring 2023 menswear show, and Blumarine was awash with jean dresses over jeans.
This trend is coming for you, whether you like it or not. And as confusing as this aesthetic might be, some things to love about the throwback 2000s style is that it’s not only comfortable but also so easy to put together with pieces already in your closet.
Here are five dress over jeans outfit ideas to help you pull off this controversial style in a fresh and modern way.
Cocktail Dress Over Jeans Outfit Idea # 1 | Cocktail Dress + Lived-in Jeans + Sandals
Go ahead and pair your fanciest dress with a pair of your favorite worn-in jeans and casual sandals for a chic spin on the trend that’s inspired by Khaite.
The coolest thing about this high-low mix is that now you can wear your dressiest cocktail frocks during the day.
The days of saving all your glamorous dresses for after-dark dressing are officially over.
Substitute the gladiator sandals for ballet flats, loafers, or high heels for a street-styler upgrade, and get ready to party like it’s 1999.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
GLADIATOR SANDALS | Nae (current styles by Nae)
PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)
SUNGLASSES | Cole Haan (current styles by Cole Haan)
Shirt Dress Over Jeans Outfit Idea # 2 | Shirt Dress + Straight-Leg Jeans + Cropped Sweatshirt + Sneakers
This fit gives you all the Y2K feels while still looking current.
The unexpected addition of a cropped sweatshirt pulls the look into this decade and adds a playful and youthful note.
Ditch the trainers and pullover for pumps and a cropped blazer for your next workwear fit.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
CHUNKY WHITE SNEAKERS | Humans Are Vain use code HARMFREEFASHION for 15% off
ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS | Dedicated
PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)
SUNGLASSES | Polaroid (current styles by Polaroid)
Tunic Dress Over Pants Outfit Idea # 3 | Tunic Dress + Colored Pants + Birkenstocks
Styling purple with red might not be your go-to color pairing, but maybe it should be.
Blumarine, Alberta Ferretti, and Carolina Herrera all made a strong case for the color combo during their fall runway shows, thus proving it’s as fresh as ever.
Wearing a tunic dress over pants is a bohemian chic way to address this trend, and when done in a current color palette it makes the whole outfit very now.
But be warned: this color pairing, combined with this controversial trend is not for the faint of heart.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
SANDALS | Birkenstock
PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)
Dress Over Black Jeans Outfit Idea # 4 | Flowy Dress + Black Jeans + Red Denim Jacket + Pumps
Black pants or jeans are the best way to casually embrace this aesthetic because black bottoms allow you to try this trend in a more subdued way.
People might ask themselves, “are they leggings? Wait, are those jeans? Maybe they’re pants…”
You’ll never tell.
So if you’re hesitant to adopt this style, test out this color palette.
The bold, statement-making combo of red, white, and black helps to distract from the dress over pants vibe, especially when the pop of red is closest to your face and you stick to classic black pants.
A quick change into comfy sneakers (à la Katie Holmes) would transform this look into a modern and Scandinavian take on the trend.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
HEELS | Matt & Nat (current styles by Matt & Nat)
Dress Over Skinny Jeans Outfit Idea # 5 | Denim Dress + Skinny Jeans + Colorful Accessories
Stack denim on top of denim for a monochromatic take on the dress over jeans aesthetic.
They predicted hard pants would be dead post pandemic, but jeans are back with a vengeance.
In fact, they’ve come back in full force, so the more denim the better.
Style your denim-on-denim with socks and vegan Birkenstocks for a normcore feel.
Socks and Birks not your vibe?
Substitute sporty running sneakers, cowboy boots, or clogs for a look that’s ready to tackle anything.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
SANDALS | Birkenstock
PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)
BELT | Nae (current styles by Nae)
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to be afraid of this seemingly tricky trend.
Dresses over jeans (or pants) can look no different than jeans and a dressy top, and with the assistance of black pants you can nonchalantly test out this aesthetic for yourself.
Enjoyed what you read? Be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you’ll be the first to know about all the juicy developments in vegan fashion, learn about all the latest style trends, and much more.
Found this post helpful? 📌 Save this pin for future reference to your Outfit Ideas Board on Pinterest 📌
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a kind comment! 💛
Michelle Rothenburger
Michelle Rothenburger is a vegan fashion blogger whose work has been featured in such publications as Marie Claire, InStyle, Woman & Home, and Vilda. Find out more by reading Michelle’s full story (from bullied to fashion influencer) and feel free to send her a personal message.