
Not to brag, but I’m what some would call a black-pants aficionado—an expert on what to wear with black pants. My closet houses various cuts (wide-leg, tapered, barrel-leg, cargo, you name it) in every conceivable fabrication, from linen and leather to denim and wool. Needless to say, the time-tested staple is the backbone of my fashion-editor wardrobe. In fact, I’d trade every pair of blue jeans I own for just one pair of these sleek trousers.
People go on and on about the wearability of blue jeans, but I’m here to inform you that their versatility has nothing on plain black pants. Those basic pants truly do it all—working hard everywhere from the office to the bar to the playground. The same pair of pants can look utterly relaxed on a Sunday, then tackle a professional dress code come Monday morning. Here’s how to style black pants for nearly every occasion for the season ahead.
What to wear with black pants, at a glance

Nordstrom
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Ann Taylor
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Amazon
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Amazon
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Amazon
For the office
Anyone can pull off a black suit. Make your ensemble feel fresh and spring-appropriate by swapping your dark blazer for a bright white version. Ground the look in classic accessories, like leather flats and bracelet watches, to keep your styling effortless and approachable.
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Ann Taylor Linen-Blend Pocket Blazer
Ann Taylor

Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Pants
Abercrombie & Fitch
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Quince Handwoven Square-Toe Ballet Flats
Quince
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Cheetah Vintage Bracelet Watch
Amazon
For casual Friday
Anyone who’s ever set foot in a corporate environment has tapped the classic button-up-and-black-pants combo. And I think it’s about time to shake things up. Give the duo a runway feel by tying a coordinating scarf around your neck—or even wearing your favorite dress shirt backward. Finish with sculptural accessories to make the overall look feel even more elevated.

Ruisin Wrinkle-Free Button-Down Shirt
Amazon
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Prettygarden Work Pants
Amazon

Coach Chelsea Shoulder Bag 30
Coach

LifeStride Melissa Heels
Zappos
For a dinner date or drinks
Extra-wide pants have been dominating summer’s trend cycle, offering a flowy silhouette that works just as well for professional events as off-duty ones. Split the difference in your own pair with a prim, preppy jacket, luxe snakeskin flats, and chic gold jewelry; you’re all set for a fancy dinner or happy hour.

Mango Jewel-Button Tweed Jacket
Nordstrom
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Open Edit Icon Trousers
Nordstrom
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Usrunoe V-Cut Ballet Flats
Amazon

Pandora Pegasus Medallion Pendant Necklace
Pandora
For shopping with the girls
Black cargos are a streetwear-loving girl’s best friend. Styled with an oversized graphic tee and unexpected loafers, it’s one of the most low-effort, high-impact outfits money can buy. Pull this out for low-key plans with your besties.

Favorite Daughter Collegiate Logo T-Shirt
Nordstrom
Revolve
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Hanes Tri-Blend Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Amazon

Cider Alessia Cargo Jeans
Amazon
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QIY Penny Loafers
Amazon
For a casual walk
Black trousers offer a blank slate that’s perfect for testing out any aesthetics that have caught your eye. Tap into the gorpcore trend, for example, with a pair of hiking sneakers and a delightfully slouchy sweater. You’d be surprised how laid-back your work pants can look.
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Abercrombie & Fitch Madeline Washed Cable Crew Sweater
Abercrombie
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Lululemon Groove High-Rise Wide-Leg Pants
Lululemon

Salomon XT-Whisper Embroidery Sneakers
Nordstrom
Free People
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Coachtopia Alter/Ego Small Slouchy Shoulder Bag
Coach




