It’s a challenge to make a simple pair of black pants feel fresh, especially when they’re a staple for the office. Adding key, on-trend components, like white boots, sneakers, Western elements, longer blazers, statement plaid, and a flared pant silhouette are some of the ways my clients are preventing black-pant-outfit boredom without breaking the bank.
Here are four easy renditions:
1. Blazer & Sneakers
When flares like bootcuts were on trend a while ago, it was all the rage to wear them with pointy-toe heels. Although a beautifully elegant combination that I adore and will personally continue to wear, it’s much more 2018 to wear flares with flats (like sneakers), a tucked top to showcase the fashionable high rise, and a blazer of sorts. That ‘90s longer length is on trend, but a shorter modern classic blazer is just fine. Feel free to add a blue blazer instead of grey, and any colour sneaker. Fabulous with cowboy boots too.
2. Volume & Western Boots
Combine a pair of black culottes, wide crops or harem pants with a white top, and oversized grey or blue jacket. Wear the top tucked or untucked. Finish off the look with short cowboy booties or shooties. If Western booties aren’t your thing, choose black booties that are tailored on the ankle. A grey or navy top will look as fab.
3. Modern Classic & Polished
Combine a pair of black pants with black boots, a navy top and and a plaid topper of sorts. Choose a blazer instead of a coat if that’s more your thing. NICE to see full-length black pants here for a change. I like the exposure of the high rise, but you can wear the top over the bottoms.
4. Columned & White Boots
Create a column of colour with black pants and top. Layer a navy blazer or coat over the top, and finish off the vibe with white boots. No need to match the white boots with anything in the outfit. No need to have blonde or silver hair to bookend your look either. Just throw in the white boots and wear them! If that feels off – remember, you might need to get used to the jarring effect so give it some time. Failing that, build a white complement with white bag, scarf, top or belt. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.