Upgrade your closet with these versatile styles.
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Pants are typically the starting point of every ensemble and will inform the rest of your garment choices, from tops to footwear. So, when building a capsule wardrobe, it’s important to fill your closet with a set of versatile bottoms that can be worn season after season, from office-friendly trousers to relaxed denim.
The key to crafting a pants collection that will carry you through every fashion cycle is opting for a range of both timeless and bold pieces. High-quality jeans are always a no-brainer. Not only are they a classic option, but they can be styled to suit a day of running errands or a night out on the town. On the other hand, a pair of leather pants is also a wardrobe must-have. Though they immediately give an outfit a bold appearance, they actually hold the same amount of versatility as a pair of jeans. Having a well-rounded wardrobe of different pant styles will allow you to create outfits for a range of occasions with just a few items in your arsenal.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the six types of pants that are wardrobe must-haves.
Trousers
Trousers, or slacks, are known for being the quintessential work pants, but their wearability reaches farther than just the office. They range in style from neutrals to bold patterns and are the perfect base for any look, as they can easily be dressed up or down. “No matter what your day-to-day looks like, a great pair of trousers can take you from day to night and everything in between,” says personal shopper and stylist Elisabeth Kassab. She recommends pairing trousers with a white T-shirt, a black patent belt, and loafers for a chic daytime look. If you want to elevate your trousers for a night out, reach for pointed-toe pumps and a corset top.
Leggings
Leggings are a workout gear staple that can double as the perfect everyday pants. Not only are they stretchy and versatile, but Kassab says wearing leggings is a “great way to stay comfortable all season long while still looking put-together.” Thanks to their relaxed design, you can style leggings with everything from a crewneck sweater and sneakers to an oversized blazer and ballet flats. Though black leggings will give you maximum wear, if you’re searching for a bolder look, Kassab recommends reaching for a pair with zippers on the bottom for an edgy spin on the look.
Dark-Wash Jeans
No capsule wardrobe is complete without a really good pair of jeans. Dark-wash jeans, while less popular than a true blue pair, are the key to making a denim outfit feel more polished. “There is something so good about a dark, raw denim that takes your t-shirt and jeans to the next level,” says Kassab. “The color also looks stunning against autumnal colors like deep browns, reds, and greens.” She recommends going full Canadian tuxedo and styling your dark-wash jeans with a matching top. However, if double denim isn’t really your thing, dark-wash jeans would also look fantastic with a black off-the-shoulder top or a white button-down shirt.
Cargo Pants
Y2K trends have been making their way back into the fashion world for years now, and cargo pants are one style that you’ll be happy to have in your closet. Besides the many pockets (which are always a plus in our book), cargos have an effortlessly cool quality about them. Kassab says that cargo pants add “something extra to your look without trying” and are a great option for a night out on the town. For this, she would pair cargo pants with a slim-fit T-shirt and pointed-toe pumps. Looking to dress down the utility pants? Slip on a slouchy sweater and platform sneakers.
Leather Pants
Leather pants have a reputation for being a statement piece, but they can also work as an alternative to jeans or trousers for an edgy daytime look. “Finding a great pair of leather pants is kind of like finding the perfect pair of jeans,” says Kassab. “Once you find it, you want to reach for them all the time.” Whether you gravitate toward a wide-leg silhouette or a straight fit, leather pants are surprisingly easy to style despite their bold nature. “When in doubt, wear leather pants, a white tank top, a black blazer, and a black shoe of your choice,” advises Kassab. You can easily swap a ballet flat for an ankle-strap heel to completely transform this leather look.
Wide-Leg Pants
Wide-leg pants, denim or otherwise, are a staple for every season. They’re the perfect mix of fashionable and functional, which makes styling them for any occasion a breeze. “I think this is a must-have because of how effortless it is, yet how easy it is to craft a perfect look with them on,” says Kassab. She recommends elevating your wide-leg pants with a slim-fit turtleneck, a belt, and heeled boots, which is a cozy option for the colder months. To adapt wide-leg pants for warmer temps, pair them with a halter tank top and strappy sandals.