How To Wear The Prairie Dress Trend

Dress: & Other Stories | Coat: H&M (old, similar here) | Boots: Dear Frances (sold out, similar here) | Hat: Kin The Label | Bag: custom by Jennifer Stewart

This week’s blog post I’m taking it back old school. Like really old school… to the 1800’s really. Believe it or not, “prairie chic” is a trend this season I’m actually on board this modest and once dowdy style. Now how do you wear the prairie dress trend and make it feel fresh?

I personally am into updating it with a pair of on trend white booties and a teddy coat to make it feel a bit cool girl bohemian. I love how my friend Laura wore the same prairie dress recently and I may copy that edgier look or pair it next time with sneakers. I know it seems kind of obvious to wear it with Western boots as they’re also trending, but I would avoid unless subtle at risk of looking like a costume! I write this in the Halloween hangover and realized I would have had the perfect Oregon Trail costume. Next year, right?

Why is this a trend now almost 200 years after it all began? My theory is that this is a reaction to both the “#MeToo” movement and women standing up for their rights in this era. Vogue recently suggested that “perhaps designers are inspired by the self-sufficiency of pioneer women. Or maybe they’re taken with the moment that America became something more than a set of geographic limits. Or, hey, maybe everyone’s just really into Westworld.”

Whatever it is, I just want to buy it all and luckily & Other Stories has a ton of these dresses at affordable prices for me to stock up on. Don’t tell anyone, but it’s kind of like wearing a nightgown and not having to worry about shaving your legs—but you can totally get away with it for work, weekends and I’ll even wear it chasing my toddler at the playground. Win win!

I picked out this particular dress because I loved the color (as you can tell by this post), the high quality silky fabric and the fact that it has buttons for the option of not being buttoned up all the way, as well as a drawstring waist if you want more shape—all depending on my mood (I’m a Gemini afterall!).

Would you wear this trend?

Thank you & Other Stories for partnering with me on this post. What I choose to wear and all opinions are 100% my own.

photos by Michelle Rose Photo

FAQs

I love the prairie dress trend, but I’m worried it will look too feminine on me. How can I make it feel more like my style?

Try balancing the softness of the dress with pieces that feel more like you. A denim jacket, leather jacket, sneakers, or structured accessories can help create a look that feels more personal and less overly romantic. If you’re still figuring out your style preferences, my find my style quiz can help you identify the pieces and aesthetics that feel most like you. 

Can I wear a prairie dress if I’m petite?

Absolutely. The key is paying attention to proportion and fit. Look for styles that don’t overwhelm your frame and consider pairing them with shoes that help elongate your silhouette.

What shoes should I wear if I don’t love boots?

You have plenty of options. Sneakers, loafers, flats, and even simple sandals can all work depending on the season. The best shoe is the one that makes the dress feel like something you’d actually wear.

Is a prairie dress something I can wear beyond one season?

Yes. One of the reasons this trend has lasted is because it’s surprisingly versatile. With a few styling changes, the same dress can work across multiple seasons.

How do I keep a prairie dress from feeling too dressy for everyday life?

Focus on casual styling pieces. Comfortable shoes, a crossbody bag, and simple accessories can make the dress feel effortless enough for errands, brunch, or everyday wear.

What if I usually wear jeans and feel awkward in dresses?

Start small and give yourself time to adjust. Sometimes it’s less about the dress itself and more about getting comfortable seeing yourself in something different. The right dress should feel like an extension of your style, not a costume.

Can I wear a prairie dress to work?

In many workplaces, yes. Layering with a blazer or polished jacket can help make the look feel more professional while still maintaining the personality of the dress.

How do I know if a prairie dress is the right trend for me?

Ask yourself whether you’d wear it even if it weren’t trending. If you genuinely love the silhouette and feel confident wearing it, that’s usually a good sign it’s worth adding to your wardrobe.

What accessories work best with a prairie dress?

Simple accessories often work best. Since prairie dresses usually have plenty of detail on their own, you don’t need much to complete the outfit.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when trying a new trend?

Feeling like they have to wear it exactly as everyone else is wearing it. The best trends are the ones you adapt to fit your personal style rather than changing your entire wardrobe to match. That’s also one of the goals of The Closet Refresh® – helping you build a wardrobe around your lifestyle and style rather than someone else’s.