The 19 Best Work Pants for 2022, No Matter Your Dress Code

Skip that post-6 p.m. outfit change.

Stylish Work Pants for Every Kind of Dress Code
(Image credit: Getty)
Sara Holzman
By Sara Holzman, Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Marina Liao
published

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.

1/19
Everlane The Pleated Chino
(Image credit: everlane.com)

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.

2/19
Universal Standard Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Pants
(Image credit: universalstandard.com)

Universal Standard Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Pants

WIDE-LEG WORK PANTS

The wide-leg work pant is a universal staple, from versatile black and beige shades to bold colors. We like the racer-stripe detail on this pair for an extra-special, sporty touch.

3/19
Good American Faux Leather Wide Leg Trousers
(Image credit: nordstrom.com)

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. 

4/19
Veronica Beard Grant High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
(Image credit: saksfifthavenue.com)

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.

5/19
Masai Petrina Gingham Pants
(Image credit: neimanmarcus.com)

Masai Petrina Gingham Pants

GINGHAM WORK PANTS 

Use a gingham-print trouser as a more playful base to pair with timeless work tops and blazers. Finish with modern kitten heels or a chunky loafer for a comfortable shoe option you can last all day in.

6/19
Rebecca Taylor Cropped Flare Trouser
(Image credit: rebeccataylor.com)

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 (opens in new tab) to earn extra style points.

7/19
Billy Reid Cropped Trouser
(Image credit: billyreid.com)

Billy Reid Cropped Trouser

CROPPED WORK PANTS 

You can dress this pair of cropped trousers, crafted from a cotton-hemp blend, up with pumps and a blouse, or down with sneakers and a hoodie for casual Fridays.

8/19
Eileen Fisher Straight-Fit Cropped Pants
(Image credit: saksfifthavenue.com)

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. 

9/19
Tove Sophie Sand Washed Silk Trouser
(Image credit: tove-studio.com)

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 (opens in new tab) to beautifully woven knits.

10/19
COS Straight-Leg Split-Cuff Pants
(Image credit: cosstores.com)

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.  

11/19
Babaton Day Linen Pant
(Image credit: aritzia.com)

Babaton Day Linen Pant

LINEN WORK PANTS 

In summer, tailored white linen pants exude an easygoing mood to match the season while looking plenty sophisticated. The pin-tuck detailing on these adds to the elegance—try yours with an oversize button-down half-tucked into the waistband. 

12/19
Jason Wu Striped Twill Wide-Leg Pants
(Image credit: net-a-porter.com)

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. 

13/19
Vince Silk Pajama Pant
(Image credit: vince.com)

Vince Silk Pajama Pant

SILK WORK PANTS

Yes, well-cut, boudoir-inspired silk pajama pants are work-appropriate. The polished effect feels fresh with shirts, blouses, and knits of all kinds, especially after days of wearing simple wool or ponte trousers.

14/19
Autumn Adeigbo Alyssa Straight-Leg Pants
(Image credit: bergdorfgoodman.com)

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.

15/19
Scanlan Theodore Denim Cropped Jean
(Image credit: us.scanlantheodore.com)

Scanlan Theodore Denim Cropped Jean

CROPPED DENIM WORK PANTS

Clean lines are the key to professional-looking denim. This cropped pair of jeans by Scanlan Theodore features finished flared hems and a concealed zipper fastening with hidden-button closure. 

16/19
Rowing Blazers Gun Check Wool Trouser
(Image credit: rowingblazers.com)

Rowing Blazers Gun Check Wool Trouser

TWEED WORK PANTS 

This made-to-order pair of tweed pants boasts an Ivy League aesthetic that's so smart for work. Featuring a mid-rise waist and wide legs, it's flawless with leather loafers or boots—your choice to go heeled or flat. 

17/19
AG Deven High Waist Wide Leg Corduroy Pants
(Image credit: nordstrom.com)

AG Deven High Waist Wide Leg Corduroy Pants

CORDUROY WORK PANTS

Opt for a textured corduroy trouser in cool weather for a quintessential fall touch to any work outfit. They seamlessly transition to off-duty days with a slouchy knit and sneakers.

18/19
Mango Animal Print Fluid Trouser
(Image credit: shop.mango.com)

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. 

19/19
Khaite Phoebe Cropped Striped Silk-Satin Wide-Leg Pants
(Image credit: net-a-porter.com)

Khaite Phoebe Cropped Striped Silk-Satin Wide-Leg Pants

STRIPED WORK PANTS 

An elegantly striped pant reads polished, not stuffy. Counterbalance a boldly-lined style like Khaite's cropped satin pair with a simple crewneck sweater or oversize blazer. Bonus: they're ultra-comfy for WFH days.

Sara Holzman
Sara Holzman
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to.

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