Personally, I’m at my most comfortable in a pair of pants. Specifically a straight or wide-leg cut in a neutral hue – there are currently eight on rotation in my wardrobe. And while some people might think that’s a borderline problem, I prefer to see it as a solution to everyday dressing (and possibly a hangover from 12 years of wearing school uniforms). If you look at them closely, they’re all different. The beauty of a great pair of pants is that they can be worn almost anywhere – it simply comes down to how you style them.
It’s natural to let trends seep into our wardrobes, but investing in pieces that fit well and fabrics that wear well is always the best choice. I’m not terribly mad that skinny jeans are on their way out; my slightly V-shaped body means that high-rise waists and full-leg styles fit better anyway. But that doesn’t mean what works for me will work for you.
Hard-wearing fabrics like cotton canvas, denim and wool are best-suited to every day. Thanks to their breathability, linen and lightweight twills are summer saviours. And silk styles add a level of polish. While it might be tempting to play it safe with classic colours like black, grey and beige, printed or colour-block silhouettes create a focal point for outfits – day or night. There’s a pant style to suit everyone. Here are four cuts we like right now – as well as how to style them.
Slim leg pants
Slim or cigarette silhouettes are a go-to for tall or athletic body types. More tapered styles help to balance top-heavy outfits, such as oversized blazers and shirts or blouses with sweeping sleeves. Look for fabrics with subtle stretch for comfort – a particularly important quality if you’re sitting all day at work. Adding a pair of lugged-sole loafers or flatform sandals will help round out the proportions here.
Straight leg pants
A universally flattering style, straight-leg pants and jeans have become wardrobe mainstays. Try structured fabrics like denim and cotton drill to keep the shape fresh. Boyfriend silhouettes offer a more relaxed fit through the hips, while cargo details like patch pockets and hammer loops are back on the agenda thanks to Y2K trends. Hems that hit at the ankle bone help elongate the leg – it’s always worth altering your favourite pairs for the most flattering fit. Go for a pair of trending ballet flats to update your look this summer. Dress your look up or down by swapping out a basic tee for everyday wear to a dressier shirt for more formal occasions.
Wide leg pants
In linen, cotton or wool, wide-leg pants span seasons. But how wide you go really depends on what you’re trying to achieve. If you have a straighter figure, details like pleats and bootleg cuts can help create curves through the body.
It’s also worth thinking about the waist – high-rise silhouettes offer the illusion of a longer torso, and paper bag or belted styles will further define your shape. T-shirts and tanks that tuck in easily or sit slightly cropped work best with more voluminous styles. In a similar vein, minimalist sandals or kitten heels offer a subtle lift and won’t overwhelm your outfit.
Cropped leg pants
Petite frames know the power of cropped pants. Aside from saving you money at the tailor, shorter hems can make you seem taller. Look for culotte or three-quarter length styles in ultra-wide silhouettes and fluid fabrics that create a skirt-like effect. Choose white sneakers for more casual days; opt for sandals that wrap at the ankle or even knee-high boots as seasonal styling cues.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Kmart. Find your match with Kmart’s denim fit guide, making it easy to shop jeans for all shapes and sizes. The huge range of light linen and cotton pants is also ideal for summer.
