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    1. Fashion

    The 19 Best Work Pants for 2023, No Matter Your Dress Code

    Skip that post-6 p.m. outfit change.

    Laura Lajiness Kaupke#039;s avatar
    Sara Holzman#039;s avatar
    By Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Marina Liao, Sara Holzman
    Published 22 February 2022 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    work pants
    (Image credit: Getty)
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    There's nothing more anxiety-inducing than a Monday morning with nothing to wear. But office dressing, even when you're still mentally in weekend mode, doesn't have to be daunting. Equipping yourself with some of the best work pants for women, for example, will always make sure you're always serving up effortless nine-to-five style inspiration. (Even when your "commute" lands you in the living room—a complete head-to-toe look 100 percent changes your disposition on Zoom.) Ahead, we've got non-boring work pants that are ideal for the boardroom, virtual and otherwise, from high-waisted pants to dressed-up jeans and tailored trousers.

    Everlane The Pleated Chino
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: everlane.com)

    Everlane The Pleated Chino

    CHINO WORK PANTS 

    $39.00 at everlane.com

    The classic chino meets a cropped wide-leg silhouette. This bottom is the perfect option if you're looking for a uniform yet relaxed appearance, especially in warmer weather.

    Universal Standard Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Pants
    (Image credit: universalstandard.com)

    Universal Standard Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Pants

    WIDE-LEG WORK PANTS

    $145 at Universal Standard
    $145 at Universal Standard
    $145 at Universal Standard
    $145.00 at universalstandard.com

    The wide-leg work pant is a universal staple, from versatile black and beige shades to bold colors. We like the racer-stripe detail on this pair for an extra-special, sporty touch.

    Good American Faux Leather Wide Leg Trousers
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: nordstrom.com)

    Good American Faux Leather Wide Leg Trousers

    LEATHER WORK PANTS

    $179.00 at nordstrom.com

    Leather trousers win big when it comes to stylish yet professional work pants. The luxe look takes the stuffiness out of the workwear staples like blazers, button-downs, or blouses in an instant. Plus, they're just as cool with a going-out top and heels for nights out. 

    Veronica Beard Grant High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: saksfifthavenue.com)

    Veronica Beard Grant High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

    FLARED DENIM WORK PANTS

    $349 at Saks Fifth Avenue
    $349 at Saks Fifth Avenue
    $478 at REVOLVE
    $268.00 at saksfifthavenue.com

    No longer is denim designated for weekend-only wear—a flawless fit will catapult your favorite blue jeans to office-appropriate. Try a flared silhouette with a pointed toe flat or heeled bootie, then mix in elevated basics—like a blue or white button-down and an oversized blazer.

    Masai Petrina Gingham Pants
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: neimanmarcus.com)

    Masai Petrina Gingham Pants

    GINGHAM WORK PANTS 

    $138.00 at neimanmarcus.com

    Use a gingham-print trouser as a more playful base to pair with timeless work tops and blazers. Finish with modern kitten heels or a chunky loafer for a comfortable shoe option you can last all day in.

    Rebecca Taylor Cropped Flare Trouser
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: rebeccataylor.com)

    Rebecca Taylor Cropped Flare Trouser

    COLORFUL WORK PANTS

    $245.00 at rebeccataylor.com

    Add instant interest to an otherwise-plain work pants outfit with a colorful pair of trousers. Tuck in a short-sleeved mohair sweater or silk printed shirt to earn extra style points.

    Billy Reid Cropped Trouser
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: billyreid.com)

    Billy Reid Cropped Trouser

    CROPPED WORK PANTS 

    $250.00 at billyreid.com

    You can dress this pair of cropped trousers, crafted from a cotton-hemp blend, up with pumps and a blouse, or down with sneakers and a hoodie for casual Fridays.

    Eileen Fisher Straight-Fit Cropped Pants
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: saksfifthavenue.com)

    Eileen Fisher Straight-Fit Cropped Pants

    STRAIGHT-FIT WORK PANTS

    $138.00 at saksfifthavenue.com

    A versatile straight-fit trouser is a work wardrobe staple, especially if you abide by a more conservative dress code. This black pair goes with just about everything in your wardrobe, including blazers, button-downs, knits, blouses, and even tees if you're able to skew more casual. 

    Tove Sophie Sand Washed Silk Trouser
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: tove-studio.com)

    Tove Sophie Sand Washed Silk Trouser

    PLEATED WORK PANTS 

    $587.00 at tove-studio.com

    Featuring pleats and a slight slouch, this pair of straight-leg washed-silk trousers bring a luxe touch to the menswear-inspired silhouette. Team yours with everything from white button-down shirts to beautifully woven knits.

    COS Straight-Leg Split-Cuff Pants
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: cosstores.com)

    COS Straight-Leg Split-Cuff Pants

    SPLIT-HEM WORK PANTS

    $89.00 at cosstores.com

    The split-hem pant is akin to your favorite leggings but infinitely more polished for work. They're great for showcasing smart footwear, like a great pair of pumps or heeled mules. Plus, they layer well underneath tunic-style button-downs, oversize blazers, and sweaters.  

    Babaton Day Linen Pant
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: aritzia.com)

    Babaton Day Linen Pant

    LINEN WORK PANTS 

    $99.00 at aritzia.com

    In summer, tailored white linen pants exude an easygoing mood to match the season while looking plenty sophisticated. The pin-tuck detailing on these adds to the elegance—try yours with an oversize button-down half-tucked into the waistband. 

    Jason Wu Striped Twill Wide-Leg Pants
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: net-a-porter.com)

    Jason Wu Striped Twill Wide-Leg Pants

    TWILL WORK PANTS 

    $395.00 at net-a-porter.com

    Dark colors always read smart when rendered in casual fabrics like twill. Style this striped pair with pumps and a button-down for a classically professional look. Alternatively, try a different black and white print top and white mules in more creative environments. 

    Vince Silk Pajama Pant
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: vince.com)

    Vince Silk Pajama Pant

    SILK WORK PANTS

    $375.00 at vince.com

    Yes, well-cut, boudoir-inspired silk pajama pants are work-appropriate. The polished effect feels fresh with shirts, blouses, and knits of all kinds, especially after days of wearing simple wool or ponte trousers.

    Autumn Adeigbo Alyssa Straight-Leg Pants
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: bergdorfgoodman.com)

    Autumn Adeigbo Alyssa Straight-Leg Pants

    PLAID WORK PANTS

    $690.00 at bergdorfgoodman.com

    A plaid pair of trousers is a staple for your career wardrobe. Sport a straight-leg version with a fitted button-down, work a tapered leg with a chunky heel and an oversized knit, or show off a high-waisted version with a polished ribbed-knit turtleneck.

    Scanlan Theodore Denim Cropped Jean
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: us.scanlantheodore.com)

    Scanlan Theodore Denim Cropped Jean

    CROPPED DENIM WORK PANTS

    $280.00 at us.scanlantheodore.com

    Clean lines are the key to professional-looking denim. This cropped pair of jeans by Scanlan Theodore features finished flared hems and a concealed zipper fastening with hidden-button closure. 

    Rowing Blazers Gun Check Wool Trouser
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: rowingblazers.com)

    Rowing Blazers Gun Check Wool Trouser

    TWEED WORK PANTS 

    $348.00 at rowingblazers.com

    This made-to-order pair of tweed pants boasts an Ivy League aesthetic that's so smart for work. Featuring a mid-rise waist and wide legs, it's flawless with leather loafers or boots—your choice to go heeled or flat. 

    AG Deven High Waist Wide Leg Corduroy Pants
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: nordstrom.com)

    AG Deven High Waist Wide Leg Corduroy Pants

    CORDUROY WORK PANTS

    $225.00 at nordstrom.com

    Opt for a textured corduroy trouser in cool weather for a quintessential fall touch to any work outfit. They seamlessly transition to off-duty days with a slouchy knit and sneakers.

    Mango Animal Print Fluid Trouser
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: shop.mango.com)

    Mango Animal Print Fluid Trouser

    ANIMAL-PRINT WORK PANTS 

    $59.99 at shop.mango.com

    Take advantage of an anything-goes dress code in this pair of abstract leopard-print pants. They're, indeed, bold, but you shouldn't be afraid to show off that side in the office—trendsetter status achieved!—whether worn with the matching blazer or a simple blouse or knitted crewneck. 

    Khaite Phoebe Cropped Striped Silk-Satin Wide-Leg Pants
    best work pants for women
    (Image credit: net-a-porter.com)

    Khaite Phoebe Cropped Striped Silk-Satin Wide-Leg Pants

    STRIPED WORK PANTS 

    $880.00 at net-a-porter.com

    An elegantly striped pant reads polished, not stuffy. Counterbalance a boldly-lined style like Khaite's cropped satin pair with a simple crewneck sweater or oversize blazer. Bonus: they're ultra-comfy for WFH days.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Sara Holzman
    Sara Holzman
    Social Links Navigation
    Style Director

    Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she oversees fashion coverage spanning seasonal trends, celebrity style, designers, Fashion Month, and shopping. With more than a decade of experience in fashion media, she has held roles at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and contributed style and travel coverage to Equinox’s Furthermore. A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is based in New York City, where she writes about fashion through both an industry and personal lens, including the realities of getting dressed as a working mom. Follow her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.

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