A Timeless and Versatile Pant Wardrobe
Building your uniform with a well-rounded pant collection.
I truly love pants. I’ve been building my pant collection for many years. Some of my favorites are 10+ years old and I wear them all the time. I love a classic wide leg, a leather texture, a 90s inspired straight leg, a menswear take in wool, a bit of shine that can go day or night, my go-to stretch knit or a casual cotton pair. I invest in the ones I love and really get my price per wear out of each pair.
Everyone’s pant wardrobe will of course look a little different but I hope this post (which covers categories from flat front trousers, leather options, to denim alternatives) will serve as a good foundation for building your own pant collection that you love.
Pleat Front
This is the most universal, flattering style of pants for most people. I wear this menswear style the most and prefer a full-length leg. When a pleat-front pant is cropped, they can be harder to wear because it creates more of boxy shape between the bulk of the pleats and the shorter hem - so go with full length on these. I also like to belt this style or tuck in a thin knit to keep the waist cinched. One other note on this style, is I think it’s important to go for a fabric that can drape and avoid anything too stiff, so that it can still pool at the bottom of the leg.
I invested in this Phoebe Philo pair last year, and I’ve worn them A LOT. They are a heavy, thick fabric that hangs and drapes so well. I also love this chocolate-brown Maria McManus pair that feel more summery but still works for LA winters. Both have the double-pleat which creates a nice line to your waist. With this kind of pant, oversized works well because you can still cinch the waist and you have the flattering, vertical pleats. Some current options I love are this great black pair from COS—they always do great ones—and The Frankie Shop, which is more oversized and better for heels or someone taller. I’ve been wanting this pair from Khaite for a while, I love them. They have a great high waist and a zipper detail that gives them a little more fashion. This Alex Mill pair is a great straight leg option (especially if you are on the shorter side). They have a really good drape and hang.
Drawstring Waist
The drawstring pant has been such a go-to for me, especially during pregnancy and after, but I think it’s universally great at any time. They are easy to throw on, comfortable, and much more polished than sweats. This pair from Leset I love is sadly sold out, but the cotton version is still available. The cotton-blend has a different drape but still great—it’s crisp and clean, and hangs with a bit more structure.
For something similar, Totême makes a beautiful version with a silky drape, full length, and enough structure to avoid a pajama look. I also love Khaite’s take on this style—it has a straighter leg that’s great for shorter frames. The pinstripe Maria McManus ones are great for fall/winter and cropped- so ideal if you’re not super tall. The white tie is so cute and unexpected. And then I LOVE these Proenza satin ones and would be so chic with a black tux blazer for evening or t-shirt and sandals in the summer. I want to buy all of these—this is the problem, I love pants!
