3 New Pant Styles to Wear to Work This Fall

Skinnies, make room: Introducing three modern 

silhouettes that are as forgiving as they are stylish. 

(Isn’t it about time?)

Intro

Meet drapey pants (left), track pants (center), and cropped wide-leg pants (right). Read on to learn how to wear them best.

To buy, from left: Lafayette 148 NY silver silk drapey pants, $398. Elie Tahari charcoal flannel track pants, $248.  Tommy Hilfiger plaid cropped pants, $169. 

Drapey Pants

Best for: Anyone. In fabrics like silk and rayon, this cut should hang fluidly. If the pleats pouf at the hips, try a flat-front style or you’ll look wider. Petite? Opt for tapered legs (not fuller ones, which can overwhelm).

How to Wear Them: Pair this silhouette with a top that hits near the waistband. Look for pieces that are structured or fitted. If you choose a blousy top, tuck it in so you can see your waist. Heels are the ideal shoes to lengthen and slim the body.                                              To buy: H&M rayon pants, $60

Track Pants

Best for: Almost everyone. The drawstring waist creates an easy fit. (But if you’re bottom-heavy, this dressy take on sweats may look frumpy.) Cinched cuffs adjust to any length, at the ankle one day and well above it the next.

How to Wear Them: Track pants aren’t strictly for downtime. Glam them up with sexy heels and an embellished blouse for a date night. Loose tops are okay, as long as they’re not sloppy. Even a tuck in the front can add shape to your figure.   To buy: Simply Vera Vera Wang pants, $54. Rebecca Taylor top. Forever 21 necklace. Lizzie Fortunato bracelet. Auxiliary for Aritzia bag. Zara heels.

Cropped Wide-Leg Pants

Best for: Hourglass or straight figures. The dramatic cut of this tailored design may also help offset broad shoulders or full hips. But “if you have a stocky build or thick ankles, you may want to sit this one out,” says Barnett.

How to Wear Them: Balance your proportions. Since the pants are cropped, the top should be somewhat short, too—ideally reaching the waistband or hitting just a few inches below, as this jeweled shell does. Shoes with height (heels or wedges) can prevent the lower body from looking too heavy. Skin-toned footwear, in particular, can create a slimming effect.     To buy: Wilfred for Aritzia pants, $145. Hoss Intropia top. Lizzie Fortunato bangles. Jessica Simpson heels.