A long-held staple in most wardrobes, black pants have gotten kind of a bad rap for being boring and basic. But the good thing about basics is that they are versatile and can be styled with elegance and ease. If you’re in need of some outfit inspiration here in the dull drum of winter or are looking for new ways of incorporating black pants into your outfit rotation, here are a few styling tips and tricks to consider.
Since basics pair easily with other basics, even the simplest black pants can be transformed by classic pieces with subtle details. A mid-rise black trouser, like Mango’s Mid-Rise Suit Trousers, can be taken for an elegant spin when worn with a voluminous draped blouse in classic white. Add a matching vest and pointy-toed pumps for the office or layered necklaces and boots for an edgy night-out look. Pair either combination with a textured black bag like Universal Thread’s Square Patchwork Mini Slouchy Chain Handbag available at Target. The black-on-black patchwork and chain detail are those subtle extras to add more visual interest to a black pant-based look.
Speaking of visual interest, instantly elevate the simplicity of black pants with a combination of different materials. Draped styles like Everlane’s Draper Pleated Pant create an elegant flow when paired with unexpected fabrics like Aqua’s Puff Sleeve Lace Top from Bloomingdale’s. Play against the romantic blouse with glossy patent loafers and layer up with a cardigan and coat. Another unexpected style option for a drapey pant is Levi’s Janie Shirt, a classic button-up with western-inspired embroidery. Lean into the western style by wearing with cowboy boots and a silver-studded belt. And while you can get away with a black lacey top and a black draped pant, for the Janie Shirt, go with the winter white version, not the midnight black. If you’re experimenting with western style, it’s best to avoid the Johnny Cash references of all-black. Love the music, but the look verges on cosplay.
In general, a black-on-black-on-black outfit can be quite dreary as we get into the depths of winter. However, pairing pastels or jewel tones with black pants seems seasonally out of step. Consider breaking one of the traditional fashion rules by pairing black pants with brown pieces. I tend toward the cozy, with brown and black pairings; think a heather brown sweater like Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater tucked into Madewell’s Barrel-Leg Pant rendered in drapey twill. You can easily layer on a cardigan and scarf, while a pair of matching brown leather boots will coordinate the top and bottom halves of the look.
For more of a contrast with this colorway mashup, there are beige and black options. I like pairing black pants with a simple white tee and a beige blazer. This may seem like an overly simple and bland outfit formula; however, if your pieces have hints of pattern or texture, it can create a surprisingly dynamic look. Loft’s Herringbone Relaxed Blazer in caramel is an example of how a “beige” blazer can be easy-going yet chic, especially when worn with L.L. Bean’s Women’s 207 Vintage Corduroy Pants in dark black. One doesn’t automatically associate black pants with corduroy options, but I like to think of cords as the midway point between a black trouser and a black jean, riding the line of dressy vs. casual. Make this look even more distinctive with polished accessories like a silk-patterned scarf and tortoise shell sunglasses for those rare hours when the sun is shining here this season.
Another texture to explore with black pant-based outfits is leather, or more realistically, faux-leather. You can go with a slim-fitting style like White House Black Market’s High-Rise Skinny Coated Jean and contrast the edgier bottom with a boho top like Three Bird Nest’s Frida Embroidered Dolman Sleeve Top, also in black but broken up by bright floral trim. The key with a slimmer leather pant is more volume on top to balance out the silhouette.
On the flip side of slim fit is Hue’s Faux Leather Wide Leg Drawstring Pants, which, as the name foretells, features a more forgiving drawstring waist and wider leg fit available at Nordstrom. The wider leg fits easily over snow boots as well as combat boots. I’d pair it with a layering turtleneck under a boxier top like Chico’s Matte Jersey Bubble Hem Top. Style the shirt’s hem over the pants’ waistband for a roomier silhouette, or tuck it in for a more cinched look. With either leather pant option, don’t shy away from leather accessories like a studded bag or glossy boots.
The best part about black pants, aside from their wear-with-everything nature, is that you probably already have a pair or two or five hiding in your own closet. However, not all black pants are created equal, so if your black pant wardrobe has some holes or needs an upgrade, hopefully you can find some inspiration in these pieces and styling ideas.
