The 19 Best Work Pants for 2023, No Matter Your Dress Code
Skip that post-6 p.m. outfit change.

There's nothing more anxiety-inducing than a Monday morning with nothing to wear. But office dressing, even when you're still mentally in weekend mode, doesn't have to be daunting. Equipping yourself with some of the best work pants for women, for example, will always make sure you're always serving up effortless nine-to-five style inspiration. (Even when your "commute" lands you in the living room—a complete head-to-toe look 100 percent changes your disposition on Zoom.) Ahead, we've got non-boring work pants that are ideal for the boardroom, virtual and otherwise, from high-waisted pants to dressed-up jeans and tailored trousers.

Everlane The Pleated Chino
CHINO WORK PANTS
The classic chino meets a cropped wide-leg silhouette. This bottom is the perfect option if you're looking for a uniform yet relaxed appearance, especially in warmer weather.


Good American Faux Leather Wide Leg Trousers
LEATHER WORK PANTS
Leather trousers win big when it comes to stylish yet professional work pants. The luxe look takes the stuffiness out of the workwear staples like blazers, button-downs, or blouses in an instant. Plus, they're just as cool with a going-out top and heels for nights out.

Veronica Beard Grant High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
FLARED DENIM WORK PANTS
No longer is denim designated for weekend-only wear—a flawless fit will catapult your favorite blue jeans to office-appropriate. Try a flared silhouette with a pointed toe flat or heeled bootie, then mix in elevated basics—like a blue or white button-down and an oversized blazer.


Rebecca Taylor Cropped Flare Trouser
COLORFUL WORK PANTS
Add instant interest to an otherwise-plain work pants outfit with a colorful pair of trousers. Tuck in a short-sleeved mohair sweater or silk printed shirt to earn extra style points.


Eileen Fisher Straight-Fit Cropped Pants
STRAIGHT-FIT WORK PANTS
A versatile straight-fit trouser is a work wardrobe staple, especially if you abide by a more conservative dress code. This black pair goes with just about everything in your wardrobe, including blazers, button-downs, knits, blouses, and even tees if you're able to skew more casual.

Tove Sophie Sand Washed Silk Trouser
PLEATED WORK PANTS
Featuring pleats and a slight slouch, this pair of straight-leg washed-silk trousers bring a luxe touch to the menswear-inspired silhouette. Team yours with everything from white button-down shirts to beautifully woven knits.

COS Straight-Leg Split-Cuff Pants
SPLIT-HEM WORK PANTS
The split-hem pant is akin to your favorite leggings but infinitely more polished for work. They're great for showcasing smart footwear, like a great pair of pumps or heeled mules. Plus, they layer well underneath tunic-style button-downs, oversize blazers, and sweaters.


Jason Wu Striped Twill Wide-Leg Pants
TWILL WORK PANTS
Dark colors always read smart when rendered in casual fabrics like twill. Style this striped pair with pumps and a button-down for a classically professional look. Alternatively, try a different black and white print top and white mules in more creative environments.


Autumn Adeigbo Alyssa Straight-Leg Pants
PLAID WORK PANTS
A plaid pair of trousers is a staple for your career wardrobe. Sport a straight-leg version with a fitted button-down, work a tapered leg with a chunky heel and an oversized knit, or show off a high-waisted version with a polished ribbed-knit turtleneck.




Mango Animal Print Fluid Trouser
ANIMAL-PRINT WORK PANTS
Take advantage of an anything-goes dress code in this pair of abstract leopard-print pants. They're, indeed, bold, but you shouldn't be afraid to show off that side in the office—trendsetter status achieved!—whether worn with the matching blazer or a simple blouse or knitted crewneck.

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Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she has worked in various roles to ensure the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation around fashion's ever-evolving landscape. A Missouri School of Journalism graduate, she previously held fashion posts at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and covered style and travel for Equinox’s Furthermore blog. Over a decade in the industry, she’s guided shoots with top photographers and stylists from concept to cover. Based in NYC, Sara spends off-duty hours running, browsing the farmer's market, making a roast chicken, and hanging with her husband, dog, and cat. Find her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.