The trouser trend is still going strong AND it’s more wearable than you think! If you work in an office, a pair of black trousers is a wardrobe staple. They go with everything, they are slimming, and they’re the perfect backdrop for all of your colorful, print, and neutral tops and sweaters. But, if you don’t work in an office, black trousers can still be your jam too. Depending on how you style them and the accessories you choose, a professional-looking pair of classic black trousers can also be street chic and casual. Black trousers can be elegant, but also cool and edgy. Today we’re sharing 3 ways to style black trousers both in and out of the office.
Blazers are another wardrobe staple that can work for work and play. In this post we share Erin’s favorite blazers to wear with jeans.
The Perfect Black Trousers
Length
Each of the looks we are sharing today starts with the perfect pair of black trousers. This is no easy feat! First, you want them to be the right length for your frame. These Favorite Daughter trousers come in a short length and regular length. The short length has a 30” inseam which at 5’4’, is a great length for Erin to wear with a heel, a sneaker, or with flats. With flats, the pants will puddle on her a bit at the ankles but that is a very on-trend look. The regular-length trousers have a 33’ inch inseam.
Pleats
Now, let’s talk about pleats. They can be tricky! These pants have subtle pleating and darts down the front. Sometimes heavy pleating can add bulk around the tummy area. This is a consideration and one of the things that makes this particular pair of pants a solid option for most women. If you are someone who struggles with weight around your midsection, you may want to consider finding a pair of black trousers that do not have any pleats. But Erin did not find these to accentuate that area at all.
Silhouette
These Favorite Daughter trousers are high rise, have belt loops and pockets, elongating seams, and wide legs. The high-waist and wide-leg silhouette is flattering on most women because it’s leg lengthening, body-skimming, and enhances the smallest part of most women’s bodies… just above the natural waistline. The relaxed silhouette can also help balance out wider hips and thighs and create more of that coveted hourglass body shape. They have some flowy movement and are not constricting. Erin loves these pants so much she owns them in both the black and the beige.
How To Style Black Trousers
1) Black Trousers & Button-Down
In this first look, Erin is putting a fresh spin on the classic combo of a black trouser and button-down outfit formula. She’s wearing the Favorite Daughter trousers with a classic striped J. Crew top. The cool cuffs, cropped length (still easy to tuck in), and white collar add some interest to the top. So, it’s not your basic button-down shirt. This blouse is sold out in the exact striped pattern Erin is wearing but it comes in a few different colors and patterns for you to check out! We’ll also link a similar option below along with a few classic white button-downs.
To edge things up a bit, Erin’s wearing a super cool waist belt by Elisabetta Franchi (sold out but we’ll link similar). You could also go with a more classic leather, or croc-embossed belt if you prefer. On her feet, Erin’s wearing a pair of Dior slingbacks, but you could also wear a kitten heel slingback, black booties, or flats. A pair of platform loafers would also look super chic. This look is certainly office-appropriate, but also a great option for dinner out.
2) Black Trousers & Cropped Blazer
This look is an 11 on the 1-10 “cool factor” scale and we just love it! Erin paired the same Favorite Daughter trousers with a very avant-garde cropped blazer by Jonathan Simkhai. This blazer is super modern and edgy. The exaggerated and oversized shoulder helps create extra width across the top of your frame which in contrast gives the illusion of a smaller, nipped-in waist. Worn with high-waisted trousers and a black fitted top or tank underneath, you don’t need to worry about exposing your midriff. This is such a fashion-forward and powerful look. Talk about feeling confident! You can draw inspiration from this look with a slightly less cropped blazer or jacket if that’s more in your comfort zone. We’ll link a few options below!
Erin swapped out the Elisabetta Franchi belt from the previous look with a more traditional, croc-embossed black belt. We love the classic and edgy balance. On her feet, Erin is wearing a pair of Stuart Weitzman sock booties. Erin could (and has!) walked miles in these booties but once again, you could always wear a kitten heel, ballet flats, Mary Janes, or loafers!
3) Black Trousers & Sneakers
The third way Erin styled the same black trousers is definitely the most casual. This outfit is perfect for a travel day, business casual day, running errands, or lunch with the girls. She’s wearing an IRO boyfriend blazer that is slightly oversized and a cashmere sweater hoodie that is more fitted. While the blazer and trousers have more of a baggy fit, the streamlined sweater balances them out, so you still look very polished. You could wear any thin sweater that layers beautifully under your blazer. But the hoodie is very intentional and cool. She’s also wearing a casual Free People belt with edgy slats and a pair of New Balance 327 black sneakers. These sneakers are a Team Busbee favorite because they are chic, cool, and insanely comfortable. You can literally run in these shoes, but you see how they still look polished? They sell out crazy quickly, so we’ll link a few retailers that currently have them in stock. Just add a crossbody bag or tote bag and you are ready to conquer the day.
Have you found a cool or chic way to wear black trousers that we haven’t shared? Please leave us a comment below!
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