Let’s talk through some pants options for spring workwear! When I first started really building a great wardrobe, one thing blew my mind: the importance of having different kinds of bottoms. You can read all about it in my oldie-but-goodie blog post, “Building a Remixable Wardrobe, Part 3: The Importance of Colored Bottoms.” Here, I’ll just summarize it and say nothing makes me feel more like I’m in a style rut than NOT having a sufficient amount of different bottoms to wear. So, in case you’re looking for ideas for your work wardrobe, here are four types of pants for spring workwear that you can try!
One note is that I’m sharing four different TYPES of pants, but I would encourage you to get them in a couple of different colors too. That will give you more than just four options and keep you from being super repetitive.
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
1. Slacks
This is a staple, so of course we need to list it! Be sure to have standard slacks in at least a couple of neutral colors like black, navy, or grey. Then, add 1-2 colors, too!
My holy grail of work pants is the Kelsey Stretch Ponte Pants by Liverpool Los Angeles. I’ve shared about them many times, but in case you’re new around here, they are SO. STINKING. COMFORTABLE. They are pricey, but they’re well worth it! They are very, very SOFT, incredibly STRETCHY, and smooth and luxurious feeling. I honestly feel like they’re more comfortable than leggings! You can find them at Nordstrom in regular and petite lengths HERE, and in plus sizing HERE. I wear size 4—size down as these run fairly large. They’re also available directly from Liverpool in regular lengths (HERE), petite lengths (HERE), as well as plus sizes (HERE).
Other options are the Old Navy Pixie Pants, these ankle pants from Kohl’s, and these stretchy dress pants from Amazon. They are all more affordable and feel pretty good for the price!
Shop the Outfit:
Top: c/o Nordstrom (exact in different prints, exact in different prints—wearing size M)
Pants: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 4)
Shoes: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 9; similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact; similar)
Tote: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
2. Tie-Waist Pants
Changing up the silhouette of your pants can go a long way. Try some tie-waist pants to mix things up! The tie waist adds a cute detail to outfits and the higher waist changes the silhouette, offering a fresher feel than standard pants.
The pair of pants in the first outfit is from Old Navy, and it’s made of a soft, lightweight material and is on the thinner side, making it a good weight for spring. They are available in 4 colors and sizes XS to 4X. Find them HERE!
The second pair of pants is from Amazon, and it is VERY stretchy throughout both the legs and the waistband. They’re super comfy thanks to its stretchiness, and they’re just $25-$31! They come in 19 colors which you can see HERE.
Shop the Outfits:
Top: Amazon (exact—wearing size S; similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Old Navy (exact—wearing size S)
Shoes: Target (similar in D’orsay, similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (similar—wearing size M)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Top: Amazon (exact in different prints—wearing size 6; similar in Floral Blue-Long Sleeve, similar)
Pants: Amazon (exact—wearing size S)
Shoes: (similar, similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact—wearing size M)
3. Wide Leg Pants (or Bootcut Pants)
Wide leg pants are another great way to change up the silhouette of your outfits. The change isn’t that drastic from standard skinny or straight leg pants—you can pair them with so many of the same tops you would pair with skinny pants—but it really does make outfits look and feel different and helps break up the monotony of wearing skinny pants every day.
If wide leg pants aren’t your cup of tea, you could try bootcut pants which would still offer something different than skinny pants but wouldn’t make quite as much of a statement as wide leg pants.
Both pairs of wide leg pants that I’m wearing above are no longer available, but in the widget below are some other options. I also included bootcut options.
Shop the Outfits:
Top: c/o Nordstrom (exact in different prints, exact in different prints—wearing size M)
Pants: Nordstrom (similar)
Shoes: H&M (similar, similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact—wearing size M)
Tote: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Top: Amazon (exact—wearing size S; similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: H&M (similar, similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact—wearing size M)
4. Chinos or Non-Dress Pants
Last up is a pair of chinos or other non-dress pants! These work well in a relaxed business casual setting and can sometimes even be dressed down with slip-on sneakers. (See ways I’ve worn this pair, including a super casual outfit with sneakers and a t-shirt, HERE.) The pair I’m wearing doesn’t look that different than some pairs of slacks, at least not in this color, but there are other styles that look much different than dress pants and they’re a nice option if you feel like dress pants are a bit too dressy for your workplace.
The pair I’m wearing is one I’ve shared before and one that a ton of PMTers love. They are VERY stretchy, including having a stretchy waistband, so they’re extra comfortable. They come in several colors, and some look more casual but still look work appropriate while others could be dressed up a bit more. They come in 9 colors, HERE! I’m wearing size 4.
Another reallyyyyyy good pair of chino type pants is THIS pair that is also by Wit & Wisdom and has a stretchy waistband and lots of stretch through the legs. Those are GREAT and have a straighter silhouette, if you want to move away from skinnies. I fit both sizes 4 and 6 well. Size 6 maintains a straighter line all the way down the leg, while size 4 looks a little more like a skinny silhouette through the thighs and calves up until closer to the ankles. This pair feels even more casual than the ones above.
Shop the Outfits:
Top: Amazon (exact—wearing size S; similar, similar, similar)
Pants: c/o Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 4)
Shoes: Zappos (similar, similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (similar—wearing size M)
Necklace: Nordstrom (similar)
Top: c/o Nordstrom (exact in different prints, exact in different prints—wearing size M)
Pants: c/o Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 4)
Shoes: Nordstrom (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Adding a little variety to workwear pants through silhouettes, colors, and other details can go a long way in breaking up the monotony of work outfits! Hope this helps with your workwear this spring!
If you want to look good but feel like you don’t have the time, energy, or know-how to figure out style, this is your shortcut to having 35+ great outfits sitting in your closet waiting for you. (Wouldn’t that be lovely?!)
Starter Kit Wardrobe Guides are available for both casual and business casual style, so you can look good anywhere, whether it’s out to your kid’s basketball game or during your important work meeting. Head over to the shop to check them out, HERE!
