How To Wear Pleated Pants
Pleated pants are really having a moment right now. Wide-leg, pleated trousers that have typically been reserved for an office setting are now being styled more casually for everything from running errands to dinner dates. Below, I’m styling pleated pants SIX ways to show you just how accessible and wearable this trend really is…
If you’re looking for more outfit ideas for the office, weekends, or special occasions, check out this post next.
Favorite Daughter Pleated Tan Pants
First, I want to talk about the pants I’m wearing in every outfit…these Favorite Daughter tan pleated pants! I’ve tried on a lot of pleated trousers over the past year or so and haven’t had much luck. But these are the best pleated pants I’ve found.
And it’s mostly because they come in petite length (29.5” inseam). They also come in regular length (33.75” inseam) if you’re tall. But if you’re 5’4” and under, I recommend the petite length. You’ll see them styled with sneakers and heels below, which both work. With heels, the pants are perfect. With sneakers, the pants have that on-trend puddle effect that I really love.
Another great thing about these pants is that the pleating is not too voluminous, which helps with the tummy issue if that’s a concern for you. Many of the pleated trousers out there are too pleated and/or too wide-leg and voluminous. But these are just right! They come in a few color options so we linked those below!]
Shop all Favorite Daughter pants here.
Look #1) Casual Everyday Outfit
The first outfit is something I’d wear to run errands, go site-seeing, have lunch, or even go to the office depending on your work dress code. It feels very elegant, classic, and pulled together but also very comfortable and casual. I’m wearing the Favorite Daughter pants with a basic white button-down shirt by Frank & Eileen. If you need a new white button-down, this is a wonderful, high-quality option. It’s 100% cotton so it’s super lightweight and breathable.
On my feet, I’m wearing a pair of retro New Balance 327 sneakers. These are super popular right now so if you see them in your size, grab them! They’re comfortable, cute, and an elevated pair of white sneakers. I did want to mention that these chic everyday sneakers do make a crinkly sound as you walk, so if you are sensitive to sounds, you might not like that. If you want to wear this look to the office, swap your sneakers for heels when you get there.
To complete the look, I’m wearing some gold jewelry, a pair of chic Le Specs sunnies, and this gorgeous Marc Jacobs bag. You may remember it from this post where I featured all the handbags you need for summer. I love this bag so much because of its versatility. The black, brown, and beige colors go with everything in my closet and the striped strap that’s a little sportier is the perfect accessory for more casual looks.
Look #2) Unique Office Outfit
Next is a unique take on the classic striped shirt and tan pants office uniform. This is a really cool deconstructed shirt by Alexander Wang. It’s fitted in the body and very flattering. I left it untucked, but you can tuck it in too. You could also play around with belting it if you wanted! The contrasting white collar, neck, and cuffs look really dramatic and sharp against the blue. And I love the cut-out detail at the shoulder and neck. I styled it with the tan pants and some classic beige pumps by Sam Edelman. If you don’t already have a pair of basic beige/tan pumps (a must-have in every woman’s closet!), these are a great, affordable option. I completed the look with the same Marc Jacobs bag but I took off the striped strap and went with the gold chain for a more refined look.
Look #3) Casual Fall Outfit
You can also wear these pants with a sweater! I would recommend something cropped like this gorgeous white Pistola sweater. A cropped sweater allows you to either leave it untucked or tuck in a very small amount so you don’t add bulk in the midsection. This sweater is such a good basic for fall, 100% cotton so it’s very breathable, and has the prettiest cable knit and ribbed detailing. You can wear this sweater with jeans, joggers, and skirts this fall…it’s so versatile!
On my feet, I’m wearing a pair of Rag & Bone platform espadrille wedges. They’re canvas, suede, and have frayed edges, which gives these sneakers a really cool look combined with the espadrille fabric. They’re comfortable and have a 2” platform that gives just a little extra height that works perfectly with the pants to creates that puddle look I mentioned before.
Look #4) Elevated Fall Outfit
By simply swapping out your shoes and adding a belt, you can completely change the look of the same Pistola sweater and Favorite Daughter pants! In this look, I have an Obi belt by Isabel Marant and some western-inspired knee-high boots by Paris Texas. It’s elegant, edgy, interesting, flattering, unexpected, and a unique way to wear your pleated trousers! The wide Obi belt is super flattering and has such a pretty brown tone for fall. The Paris Texas boots have a cool western look I love and that’s very on-trend. They’re older and unfortunately sold out but I linked some very similar options below. I would definitely wear this, but I know that it might be a little out of your comfort zone. If you really love it and it’s calling to you…try it out!
Look #5) Traditional Suit Outfit
I wanted to show you a more traditional work outfit, so I paired the pants with a matching blazer to create the traditional suit. This blazer isn’t your average blazer though…there are a few details that make it more modern. It’s fitted through the waist, which is actually where we’re seeing blazer trends headed this fall. I love the way it looks buttoned but you can unbutton it too. When you pop the collar (I love a popped collar) the underside is black, which is a special, unique touch. It is a heavier weight, which is perfect for fall and winter if you live in cooler climates.
Underneath the blazer, I’m wearing a white crewneck tee to make it more casual but you could easily swap a shell or blouse for the office. I completed the look with the same Sam Edelman pumps and the Marc Jacobs handbag. The handbag helps make the look more casual but if you want a more refined work look, just swap the bag for your go-to work tote.
Sizing note: The blazer runs TTS but the sleeves are a little long on me so you can just push them up a little or have them tailored.
Look # 6) Dinner Outfit
You may recognize this top…it’s one of my all-time favorite blouses by Wayf and a Busbee best seller! It’s so beautiful, elegant, classic, and sophisticated. There are several Team Busbee members who own this top (in multiple colors) and love it. It comes with a built-in, removable camisole, has subtle puff sleeves and pretty button details at the cuff, and a mock neck that’s loose and low so it won’t highlight anything around the neck too much. It’s just a really pretty piece to have in your closet. Styled with the trousers, this look would be perfect for the office or out to dinner.
If you need more tips and ways to combat the pleated pant challenges, make sure you check out this post next.
Have you tried any pleated pants yet? Any that you love? Don’t keep that to yourself! Let us know in the comments below!
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