Dressing for the office can pose a big challenge, especially when your intent is to dress professionally, comfortably, and of course, stylishly. Clothing options are believed to be limited, especially when we talk about trousers. But ladies, your office pants are actually a versatile piece—transformative, even—when you know how to style them right.
Below, we list 10 common mistakes that you're probably doing when wearing trousers that may be hindering you from reaping its best sartorial benefits. Scroll down and learn to correct each of them, while you're at it!
1. You let panty lines show.
The mistake: You don't wear the right underwear.
What to do: Wearing trousers can mean having a fitted feel especially around your waist and thight area, which is why the underpants you wear is extremely important. Go for seamless underwear that are equally breathable for a comfortable fit. Doing so will save you from looking too frumpy, especially if you like tucking in your top.
2. You buy the same size across brands.
The mistake: You stick to the sizing tag more than prioritizing the fit.
What to do: Don't blindly follow the tag! It's always best to fit the pants before buying the pair. Remember that the sizing is relative and brands don't exactly follow one universal measurement. Instead of looking at the size, pay attention to how the pair looks like when you've tried it on.
3. You don't like to invest in a good pair.
The mistake: You prefer shopping in fast fashion brands for a quick fix.
What to do: While fast fashion brands offer more affordable options, they sometimes do have to compromise the quality. Bespoke shops can create a nice pair of office trousers for you that will stand the test of time, transcend trends, and give you more bang for your buck. So, go ahead and treat yourself with at least one bespoke pair that's custom made to highlight your best assets.
4. You buy and wear, without getting it tailored.
The mistake: You don't hem your pants.
What to do: Take your pants straight to the tailor after purchasing! This way, you won't have to deal with excess fabric forming an unsightly pool at your ankle—effectively making you look frumpy and short. By getting the length of pants tailored, your trousers look more expensive and instantly polishes you off.
5. You don't buy the matching blazer.
The mistake: Your blazer doesn't exactly match your trousers.
What to do: Don't skimp out—just buy the matching suit! This eliminates precious time looking for a decent blazer to go with your trousers when a more formal office look is called for. What's more, having a solid suit-and-trouser combo, you can turn it into a daily office uniform that you don't have to sweat styling.
6. You like plain pants.
The mistake: Boring, plain pants make boring, plain looks.
What to do: If you're not keen in wearing loud, printed pants to the office, start small. Go for pinstripe, plaid, houndstooth, and polka prints. These can easily be treated as neutrals, making them easy to pair with your other patterned tops.
7. You don’t explore other fabrics.
The mistake: You stick to the usual textile.
What to do: Ladies, cotton, rayon, and chino pants are not the pairs that you should own! Leatherette or satin pants can also be worn to the office which elevates the classic button downs and preppy blazers into an entirely new and trendy look.
8. You don’t experiment with color.
The mistake: You stay safe with neutrals.
What to do: Go out of your comfort zone and try more colors other than black, beige, and navy blue. New neutrals can come in emerald, burnt orange, or burgundy hues. These are fun, bold alternatives but they still look professional!
9. You don’t try other silhouettes.
The mistake: Straight pants are not the only cut and silhouette out there.
What to do: Experiment with more trouser cuts like flared, wide-leg, and even carrot cut! The thing is, these loose-fitting pairs can also change the feel of your outfit. They still look polished but a bit more fashion-forward and at the same time, laidback. Plus, they're so comfy to wear all day long, too!
10. You think office trousers are just for the office.
The mistake: You stow them at the back of the closet when the weekend comes.
What to do: Trousers, as the tips above have demonstrated, are versatile pieces that can make your office looks fun and polished. Now, why wouldn't you want to look like that, every day of the week? Swap out your button down shirts with logo tees, animal-printed tops, or sheer pieces, and you're all set for a relaxing and stylish weekend!
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