Raid any fashion girl’s closet and you’re bound to find a pair of black pants. Much like the perfect white shirt, these trousers are one of the key pieces so you can build a basic wardrobe—they offer simplicity, elegance, and possibility. You can liken them to a blank canvas; a pair of black trousers can anchor all kinds of styles and outfits, from a classic and polished look to a provocative and avant-garde aesthetic.
You can opt to get them in various silhouettes, cuts, and fabrication, and you'll see just how these simple details can make all the difference. For example, you can go for an oversized aesthetic with baggy black pants and pair them with tees and chain belts for a casual day out. You can further polish this outfit by throwing on a blazer and you're good to attend your boardroom meetings. Suffice to say, black pants should be pretty easy to style given that they're extremely versatile! But in case you’re running out of ideas, here are some tips that may help strike some inspiration.
How to Style Black Pants
1. Pair with a crop top.
Crop tops look especially chic when worn with black pants. Take Stella Maxwell’s example here as she sports a monochromatic ensemble. The model borrows some grunge inspiration with her lace-up boots and skinny jeans, but the blazer gives the look a nice polish.
For another grunge-tinged outfit with a little more sheen, don a cropped tee that cuts just at the midriff for a more streamlined silhouette. Finish the look with glossy wide-leg trousers and black pumps for a look that exudes sophistication with a touch of cool.
Try out this combo in different silhouettes, too. Follow Renee De Guzman's cue and opt for a skin-hugging halter crop top paired with black cargo pants.
Break the monochrome by layering over another color. This oversized, jewel-toned blue bomber jacket just subtly contrasts the black top, skinny leather pants, and booties. It also gives the overall look a sporty vibe that anyone can easily pull off.
You can also inject some fun into your wardrobe by playing up a basic crop top with a bedazzled, multicolored jacket. Offset the bulk on your upper half by wearing slinky, barely-there heels.
2. Step out in a monochromatic look.
There’s just something so classic about wearing black from head to toe, lending an understated elegance. A loose button-down tucked in trousers and worn with strappy flats gives off an effortlessly chic look.
For a total power outfit, head out in tailored pieces that show off a streamlined silhouette. This strapless top and flared trousers exude some serious boss vibes. Just ask Nicole Warne! She added heels and cat-eye sunglasses to add a feminine touch to her cool look.
Pieces that fit the figure without being too skin-tight also look chic and polished. These stilettos add a polished flair, even against the black cropped pants.
It’s also possible to introduce some variety in your outfit while still sticking to the same color scheme by playing up textures and fabrics. This mesh top that tastefully lets her bra peek through contrasts her cropped athletic joggers and patent leather boots.
3. Don the classic black and white.
You can never go wrong with a black and white pairing. These two hues offer instant elegance without the fuss. Plus, it also helps that they're contrasting colors that are tried-and-tested to look good together.
Take a look at this OOTD. This particular outfit will elevate even the most basic, minimalist pieces. Head out in a plain white sleeveless top and strappy sandals for a simple yet chic style.
Borrow a few menswear influences from your man’s closet, Try simple silhouettes like this understated tee printed in black and white. Finish the look with a pair of loafers.
Amp up the contrast by adding another element of black. Cop this styling technique. This blazer jacket is best worn layered over a white shirt, black trousers, and white shoes.
You can also do it the other way around: a white blazer over a white shirt, paired with black pants and sandals. You'll get a cleaner, crisp outfit. This is perfect to perk up your Monday morning blues!
3. Inject some bright colors.
This red hooded jacket plays up a classic black-and-white match. It is skillfully paired with a Longchamp backpack in scarlet accents that ties up the whole look together.
A cropped jacket, plus cigarette pants, vintage sunglasses, and heels make for a chic and head-turning combination.
Black top and pants serve as the perfect canvas for this vividly purple ensemble, worn by way of her jacket, purse, and sunglasses. We also like how she opted for flared black trousers to pair with the baggy blazer. It's a cool nod to the trendy retro look today.
Hong Kong Tatler's Justine Lee struts in her electric blue sweater that perfectly matches her textured overcoat. The bold hue stands out against her flared pants and combat boots.
Take cues from Olivia Palermo and add warmth to your look with a tangerine knitted jacket, paired with black flared pants and a beige top. So cozy!
4. Throw on a blazer.
Add a bright pink oversized blazer to polish off your shiny leatherette pants. Do as Jeline Catt does too, and cinch at the waist so you don't lose shape. This combo will give an interesting look to an otherwise plain office attire.
A blazer immediately adds some oomph to black trousers. Try tucking your blazer into high-waisted black pants to get a polished look you can wear from office to dinner.
If you’re part of the hubadera tribe, then feel free to throw on a jacket while showing off your décolletage. An oversized blazer looks instantly stylish, while a snug fit turns up the sultry vibes. Blogger Brittany Xavier demos how you can execute the polished hubadera look in this OOTD.
When you do decide to opt for the oversized silhouette, go all out and match your loose blazers with baggy black pants for a laidback yet slightly structured look.
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