Stylish Work Pants for Every Kind of Dress Code

A plaid trouser is a staple for your career wardrobe. Sport a wide-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.

Denim is no longer designated for weekend-only wear. A flawless fit can catapult your favorite blue jeans to office-appropriate. Try a flared or tapered silhouette with a pointed toe flat or heeled bootie, then mix in elevated basics— like a blue or white button-down or an oversized blazer.

A classic striped pant will read polished, not stuffy. Offset a pinstripe style with an embellished cardigan or go full-out, matching your stripe adorned trouser to a coordinating blazer.

The culotte wins big when it comes to a season straddling work pant. Wear them alone (with a linen blouse and kitten heels) on summer days when the humidity hits hard. Add a wool tight or leather knee-high boot for instant style cred during the cold weather months.

Add instant interest to an otherwise-plain work pant with a built-in belt. Tuck in a short sleeve mohair sweater or a silk printed shirt that shows off your waist and doubles as an accessories moment.

The classic chino meets a wide-leg silhouette. This bottom is the perfect option if you're looking for a uniformed yet relaxed appearance. The style comes in three colors and pairs best with a bootie. 

This pair of high-rise, straight-leg tweed pants will give you a structured look in the boardroom and will also seamlessly transition to dinner or drinks after work. Style with a classic black pump.

Straight leg trousers are workwear staples. Mara Hoffman gives this style a little twist with pleating and a slant button closure. 

If your office is more conservative, a great place to start shopping for work pants is business-casual favorite, Banana Republic. The retailer offers a range of tailored, skinny, and flared trouser styles within most people's budgets. Instead of picking up yet another pair of black slacks, go for a navy pair that's just as versatile.

Dark colors are key to looking buttoned-up in the office, which is why I love this midnight navy hue. Even though it hits above the ankles and has a little waist tie, you can easily make this appropriate for corporate settings by styling with a pair of pumps and a button-down. Alternatively, for more creative folks, wear with a thin sweater and mules for that transitional weather look. 

There's something about being able to pull off white pants at the office. Although prone to stains and spills, a crisp ivory trouser is, simply put, elegant. These bottoms are made from a lightweight linen-blend, just in time for the rising summer temperatures.

For sophisticated and affordable pieces, my go-to is always Mango. This fast-fashion brand is geared towards the career-driven woman, offering year-round staples in the pants, button-down tops, silk blouses, and flats departments. Case in point: This cropped trouser, which can be worn with pumps and a blouse, but looks equally as good with sneakers and a hoodie for casual Fridays.  

For those who work in an environment where you can wear anything, take advantage of that with these snakeskin printed pants. Sure they're a little bold, but fashion mavens shouldn't be afraid to show off that side in the office. They make a statement and look super comfy, thanks to a breezy fabric. Trend-setter status achieved. 

Gingham has been the print of choice for the past few seasons and by now, it's as classic as stripes or polka dots. This black-and-white trouser shows off your classy but trendy side. Use the bottoms as a base to play around with your shoes and tops. A cool kitten mule or a colorful bag keeps the pants from looking mundane. 

Are jeans your work pants of choice? Same. You'll want to have denim brand Decade on your radar. They have four pairs of denim styles right now, with more to come, and they all look like the vintage jeans you've been scouring your local thrift stores for. The brand's mission towards a social and environmentally responsible impact is another reason to love this label. 

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