The 20 Best Tailored Trousers a Fashion Editor Swears By

Say hello to Staud’s Luisa pleated pants, the quintessential everyday trousers. With a neutral hue and a simple shape, every detail was chosen for easy outfit repeating. For the upcoming spring season, dress these pants up with a breezy button-up and polished mules, or down with a white T-shirt and some cool white sneakers.

Colors: Camel, light blue

Sizes: 0-16

When I think of the all-time best basics, The Frankie Shop immediately comes to mind. Their stunningly simple pieces, worn by minimalist muses like Katie Holmes and Kendall Jenner, are perfect for building an uncomplicated wardrobe. If you’re aiming for a no-frills approach to dressing, invest in their Ripley trousers, a wide-cut pair of black pants that can slot into an outfit formula with ease.  

Color: Black

Sizes: XS-L

Shona Joy’s long Irena pants are fitting for all sorts of occasions, especially ones with a dress code requiring heels. Whether you're in the office or you’re out for an evening dinner with friends, slipping into a pair of stilettos will let the hem of these tailored pants hover just above the ground. Heels aren’t required to enjoy this high-rise trouser, of course. You can also wear flats or sneakers, allowing the hem to gather around your ankles for a puddling effect. 

Colors: Ivory, black, cream, beige, peanut butter brown, chalk blue, lavender, cocoa brown, roma red, tree green

Sizes: 2-8

I love wearing tailored trousers, but I can’t stand it when the hem drags across the floor. Standing at around five feet four inches tall, I constantly run into this problem—but I've found a solution in a few select pants designed specifically for petite sizes. I recently came across J.Crew’s wide-leg trousers in navy blue, and I’m set on making them my new go-to pair. In addition to the petite-friendly proportions, these trousers are cut from four-way stretch fabric that's comfortable enough to wear all day.

Colors: Navy, graphite gray, black

Sizes: 00-12

Customer Review: "Wow these pants are stunning! The cut, material, and quality are great. I love the petite length on me, they hit me a little bit above the ankle. Overall, I'm looking forward to purchasing these in other colors! Highly recommend!"

Curvy shoppers know the feeling of stepping into a narrow pair of pants and discovering an awkward gap in the waist. Madewell finally designed a trouser that makes this quirk a distant memory. With a contoured waistband and extra room at the hip, the Harlow wide-leg pants were designed to eliminate gaping fabric (and the need for a belt along with it). 

Colors: Acorn beige, dark forest green, black

Sizes: 00-14

Customer Review: "The regular fit Harlow pants are unfortunately too large in the waist for me. I have to throw on a belt each time I wear them. I ordered these hoping they would be my ideal fit and they are! I have a true 'hourglass' shape—a tiny waist with more proportional hips and legs. These hug my waist perfectly, which is extremely rare for me!"

Fashion enthusiasts have become increasingly obsessed with hues of gray. It might have something to do with the fact that gray was spotted on numerous Spring 2024 runways last fall— Prada, Gucci, and Loewe to name a few. Play into this color trend with Loulou’s high-waisted tailored trousers. They’re a sleek pair of pants that will work well across occasions, particularly for corporate dressing.

Color: Gray

Sizes: XS-M

Let's say your trouser collection has already covered basic neutrals. Which pair comes next? Max Mara's pinstripes are the answer. Not only will they look upscale and a little vintage, but they’ll also feel ultra plush, as they’re crafted with silk and cashmere.

Color: Navy blue/ white

Sizes: 2-16

Reformation’s Stevie pants put a playful twist on tailored trousers with an exposed waistband resembling a collar. Style these bottoms with a cropped top to flaunt its unique design.

Colors: Mushroom green/ white

Sizes: 0-12

While most tailored trousers are cut with a bit of room, slim-fit pants are also an option. Cinq à Sept’s Brianne pants feature a contoured design that's fitted through the thigh. That said, these trousers still have a sense of structure, with a seam that runs down the front and a slight flare at the ankle.

Color: Ivory

Sizes: 0-10

Customer Review: "These pants are very chic. The fabric is luxurious and the ankle length is sexy and looks great with ankle strap heels. I ordered a size 4 which is nicely fitted through the body and not too tight in the waist."

A flared silhouette can bring more energy to an outfit without overwhelming it. Theory’s Demitria tailored trousers have a nice bell-bottom shape that gives them a bit of character (and a fun sense of movement).

Colors: Black, deep navy

Sizes: 00-12

One glance at Everlane's linen trousers, and I’m already daydreaming about spending summertime weekends by the ocean. During balmy summer days, I know these breathable pants will keep me nice and cool. And for the office, Everlane also carried an editor-approved chino version in the same relaxed, single-pleat cut.

Colors: Bone (cream), black, khaki, blue/white

Sizes: 00-16

Anyone who's drawn toward vintage-esque pieces will fall head over heels for L’Agence’s checked trousers. This pair easily could have been designed in the '70s and discovered like a long-lost grail at a vintage boutique years later. Coordinate yours with earthy brown accessories to really amp up the retro appeal.

Colors: Neutral multi,  pink, gray, black/printed, black

Sizes: 0-16

Not every pair of trousers can last in your wardrobe all year round. & Other Stories’ pleated trousers are the exception. They're created with an insulated wool blend, making them a great choice for breezy spring evenings and chilly autumn days alike.

Colors: Black, pink, gray

Sizes: 0-14

As someone who mainly dresses in neutrals, I have a hard time dabbling in bright colors. Pastel shades are my happy medium, providing a subtle pop of color without feeling too overwhelming. If you tend to err on the side of neutrals like me, try incorporating Reiss’ Naomi trousers into your wardrobe and let the gorgeous shade of sage green surprise you. 

Color: Green

Sizes: 8-14

Victoria Beckham’s tailored trousers were dreamed up as part of the label's Spring ‘23 collection. One year later, they're still thriving at the top of my wish list. The gorgeous two-toned colorway and classic straight leg design all but guaranteed their longevity.

Color: Pink

Sizes: 4-14

Rue Sophie’s us satin pants are an investment-worthy piece, particularly if you value comfort above all. The soft texture and flowy construction will allow you to move around with ease while looking super sophisticated; they're even relaxed enough to wear while traveling.

Color: Gray

Sizes: XS-L

These aren’t your ordinary tailored trousers. A.L.C’s Bryan wide-leg pants are a fascinating hybrid that features a typical trouser-like silhouette and specific design elements that are often found on cargos, like large belt loops and side flap pockets. 

Color: Light buff (cream), evening blue

Sizes: 00-14

When Hailey Bieber debuted her capsule collection with Wardobe.NYC in 2022, she introduced a line of versatile essentials that fulfilled every minimalist's dream. If I had to select a favorite piece from the collection, I’d choose these wide leg trousers, which have a flattering voluminous shape and an easy-to-style color palette.

Colors: Camel, black

Sizes: XS-L

For an evening out, slip into a pair of leather trousers with some undeniable edge. (At more casual offices, this pair is also work appropriate with an oversize cashmere sweater half-tucked into the waistband.) Since these pants are a bit cropped at the hem, consider wearing a pair of ankle boots or heeled sandals to balance out the look. 

Color: Black

Sizes: 23-32

Travel in style while wearing Alo Yoga’s tailored trousers whenever you’re on the go. They’re made with a cozy cotton blend for comfort, but they also feature a pleated front for a work-appropriate appearance.

Colors: Brown, black, navy, midnight green

Sizes: 00-14

Customer Review: "I get compliments every time I wear these extremely comfortable trousers. The elastic at the back isn't noticeable or bulky looking and the fabric is really soft and lovely. Highly recommend."