5 Chic Ways to Style Black Pants for Every Occasion
At a moment when everything feels so complicated, we need ways to keep it classic and simple. When it comes to getting dressed, it’s hard to get simpler than black pants. They offer versatility, elegance, and timelessness in one package. Whether you’re headed to the office or a casual brunch, black pants can be styled to suit any occasion. Here are five stylish ways to wear black pants – ensuring you look fabulous wherever you go!
Below each look, I’ve provided easy ways to recreate the look at different price points. Each item is also climate-pledge friendly where possible. $ <$50, $$ = $51-150; $$$ >$150
1. The Business Casual Look
For the Office: Pair your black pants with a white button-down shirt. This classic combination is both professional and timeless. Add Add a sweater or blazer, or pop of color with a statement necklace or a bright scarf. Slip on a pair of sleek black heels or comfortable flats, and you’re ready for any business setting.
Pro Tip: Tailored black trousers work best for this look, giving you a sharp and sophisticated edge.
Recreate the look: $ Skinny: Democracy Women’s Ab Solution Jegging; $ Levi’s Women’s 314 Shaping Straight Jeans; $$ Straight Leg: Hudson’s Women’s Nico Midrise, $$$ High Rise, Wide Leg: HUDSON Women’s James High-Rise Wide Leg; $ Classic Womens Button Down Shirt Long Sleeve ; $$ LilySilk Silk Shirts for Women 100% Long Sleeve Ladies Shirts, $$ Will Oversized Shirt
2. The Weekend Casual
For a Relaxed Day: Opt for a comfortable yet stylish look by pairing your black pants with a cozy sweater or a chic graphic tee. Tuck in the front of your top to add a bit of flair. Complete this casual ensemble with white sneakers or ankle boots, and you’re ready for a weekend adventure. You can wear the same pair of black pants as you did to work, or . . .
Pro Tip: Choose black jeans or chinos for this relaxed outfit to keep it casual and comfortable.
Recreate the look: $Oversized Fuzzy Knit Chunky Warm Pullover Sweater Top, $ Women’s Relaxed-Fit Cozy Pull Over Sweater, $$ Women’ Essential V-Neck Sweater, $$$ Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater; $$ Straight, ankle: Levi’s Women’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans; $$$ Wide leg, Ankle: Wilder High Rise Wide Leg Cropped Jeans
3. The Evening Elegance
For a Night Out: Transform your black pants into an evening outfit by pairing them with a silk blouse or a sequined top. Add an elegant coat for an extra touch of sophistication. Accessorize with statement jewelry, a clutch bag, and high heels or elegant flats. You can wear the same pair of black pants as you did to work or brunch, or opt for . . .
Pro Tip: High-waisted, wide-leg black pants to create an elongated and elegant silhouette.
Recreate the look: $ Silk Camisole, $$ Lilysilk Camisole; $$$ Melanie top, $ Women’s Long Cardigan, $$Women’s Classic Lapel Coat, $$$Downing Coat, $$$ Sidney Wool Cashmere Coat
4. The Sporty Chic
For an Active Day: Create a sporty yet fashionable look by combining your black pants with a fitted athletic top or a sporty crop top. Throw on a bomber jacket or a denim jacket for an added edge. Sneakers are a must for this look, ensuring both comfort and style. Keep wearing the same pair of pants, or . . .
Pro Tip: Opt for black leggings or joggers for this sporty outfit, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility.
Recreate the look: $ Women’s Cotton Camisole, $Women’s Crop Tank Top; $ The Gym People Black Joggers, $$ Athleta Coastal Luxe Jogger;$ Women’s Quilted Bomber Jacket, $$$AllSaints Scout Oversized Bomber Jacket, $ Women’s Quilted Bomber Jacket
5. The Vacay Vibe
To Exude Relaxation: Get into your vacation vibe by pairing your black pants with a flowy, patterned blouse or a loose-fitting tunic. Layer with a long, knitted cardigan or a denim vest. Complete this look with sandals, ankle boots, or espadrilles, and don’t forget the essential vacation accessories like a floppy hat and layered necklaces. Wear the same pair of pants or grab . . .
Pro Tip: Flared or wide-leg black pants to capture the effortless, free
Recreate the look: $ Women’s Button Down Linen Blouse, $ Women’s V-neck Button Down Blouse, $$ Will Oversized Linen Blouse; $$$Fernando Linen Pants,
Additional Pant Recommendations
You may already have a favorite pair of black pants or are in the market for a new pair. If so, let me share a few recommendations:
Black Skinny Jeans
I recently purchased a pair of Good American coated black skinny jeans, and I love them. They’re comfortable, stretchy, and the coated sheen creates and elevated yet edgy look that you can dress up or down. Good American is easy to support because they’re created by badass Emma Grede, a mother of four, self-made entrepreneur and philanthropist who genuinely embraces inclusion and diversity. I discovered her on Jay Shetty’s podcast. Listen to that episode here.
Straight-leg, Ankle Length
These Levis are straight leg, ankle-length and have a contemporary yet classic look. Levi’s is another brand that’s easy to support. It’s the company that created jeans – initially designed to fulfill the need for attire that could endure anything – at the time for miners, but clearly pants that became worn by all.
The most comfortable joggers
There are days when you just want to be out, but wear something that feels like pajamas. I totally get it. On those days, like today, I reach for these Vuori joggers. They are seriously the most comfortable pants I own. They hug your legs in all the right places and are easy in the ways you’d expect and want.
Tailored Black Pants
For a tailored look, consider the Mason Pant from the Reformation, another brand I love. The company focuses on sustainability and tracks the environmental footprint of their products. I recommend going to their physical stores if you get a chance. The dressing rooms are high-tech with customizable lighting and a magic wardrobe where you can experience the Clueless closet in real life.
How do you style your black pants?
