shoes to wear with ankle dress pants

23 DIFFERENT TYPES OF PANTS: A GUIDE TO ELEGANT TROUSER STYLES

Stepping into the world of trousers can be a journey of discovery. From the timeless elegance of a tailored pair to the modern flair of on-trend cuts, there’s a trouser style waiting to be your new wardrobe staple. This guide will unveil 23 different types of pants, each offering a unique silhouette and level of sophistication. We’ll delve into the details of each style, helping you identify the perfect trouser to match your personal flair and elevate your everyday look. So, get ready to explore a world of trouser elegance – a world where comfort meets confidence, and style takes center stage.

WHAT ARE PANTS?

Pants, also known as trousers in British English, are lower-body garments that cover each leg separately. They come in a variety of lengths, styles, and materials, suited for different functions and occasions.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF PANTS

Pants, or trousers as they’re called in some parts of the world, have a surprisingly long history. They weren’t always a fashion staple, but rather a practical invention that transformed clothing forever. Let’s take a quick trip through time to see how pants went from equestrian essential to everyday attire.

Early Beginnings (3,000 BC): Believe it or not, the earliest evidence of pants dates back to around 3,000 BC in western China! These ancient trousers were made of wool, had wide crotches, and were likely worn for horseback riding.

Spreading the Word (5th Century BC): By the 5th century BC, pants were making their way westwards. We hear about them from Greek historians who described them as part of the attire for people like the Persians, who weren’t exactly considered fashionable by the Greeks and Romans at the time.

From Battlefield to Everyday Wear (Medieval Era): While initially seen as “barbarian” clothing, pants eventually found their way into European cultures, especially among soldiers. Their practicality for riding and fighting eventually won over even the most fashion-conscious. However, for a while, pants were often worn hidden beneath tunics.

Workwear Takes Center Stage (17th-19th Centuries): Sailors and laborers adopted pants for their durability, leading to styles like baggy galligaskins and the forerunners of modern jeans – denim trousers made for tough work.

The Rise of Modern Styles (20th Century Onwards): The 20th century saw a true explosion in trouser styles. From the classic tailoring of suit pants to the casual comfort of jeans and the ever-evolving world of fashion trends, pants became a versatile garment for everyone.

23 DIFFERENT TYPES OF PANTS

JEANS: EVERYDAY DENIM

No exploration of pants is comprehensive without acknowledging jeans. As a global phenomenon, jeans are perhaps the most widely embraced type of pants, crafted from denim. Originating as sturdy workwear for miners and cowboys, jeans have transformed into a fashion essential that transcends age, gender, and cultural distinctions.

STRAIGHT FIT: TIMELESSLY TAILORED

Straight pants are trousers that offer a sleek silhouette, maintaining a consistent shape from the waist to the ankle. They may feature added stretch for comfort or a looser fit to facilitate movement. Available in a range of colors and patterns, straight pants are a timeless and adaptable option ideal for formal settings.

DRESS PANTS: CLASSIC FORMALITY

Formal attire demands dress pants as the staple choice. Also referred to as suit trousers, dress pants are crafted from high-quality suiting materials, tailored for formal and semi-formal occasions. They are versatile, complementing suits or pairing effortlessly with dress shirts and jackets for a sophisticated appearance. Featuring front openings secured by zippers or buttons, dress pants, also known as slacks, come in diverse styles to accommodate various body types and personal tastes.

PLEATED PANTS: CLASSIC SOPHISTICATION

Pleated pants pay homage to classic tailoring with folds or pleats at the front waist, enhancing their design with depth and structure. They exude vintage charm while appealing to aficionados of timeless fashion.

TAPERED PANTS: A MODERN STYLE

Tapered pants are ideal for those with a keen sense of fashion, as they slim towards the ankle, offering a modern silhouette that is both flattering and stylish. Their tailored cut ensures a perfect fit for a variety of body shapes, striking a balance between comfort and trendiness.

WIDE-LEG PANTS: EFFORTLESS GRACE

Wide-leg pants are celebrated for their relaxed and elegant appearance, characterized by a spacious silhouette from the waist to the hem. They offer a breezy and stylish alternative to more fitted trousers. Pair them with heels and a blouse for a dressed-up ensemble, or opt for sandals and a tee for a casual look, showcasing their versatility from day to evening wear.

HIGH RISE PANTS: VINTAGE FLAIR MEETS MODERN COMFORT

High-rise pants, with their waistband positioned at or above the natural waistline, have experienced a resurgence reminiscent of vintage fashion trends. They not only elongate the legs and accentuate the waist but also offer a comfortable and flattering fit for a wide range of body shapes.

SLIM FIT PANTS: SLEEK & CONTEMPORARY ELEGANCE

Slim-fit pants are designed to conform to the wearer’s natural body contours without excessive tightness, creating a sleek and contemporary silhouette. Ideal for individuals who value both comfort and style, they effortlessly complement a variety of tops, enhancing any outfit with their modern aesthetic.

DRAWSTRING PANTS: LAID-BACK COMFORT

Drawstring pants prioritize comfort with their adjustable waistbands, offering wearers the flexibility to tailor their fit. Typically made from soft materials such as cotton or linen, they radiate a laid-back aura, perfect for relaxed days or holiday escapes. Evolving beyond their traditional casual perception, modern designs have elevated these pants to fashionable wardrobe essentials.

CHINOS: CASUAL SOPHISTICATION

Chinos are crafted from chino cloth, a lightweight cotton twill fabric known for its durability. Originally designed as military attire, they strike a harmonious blend of casual comfort and refined style. Their tapered fit makes them versatile for both professional environments and leisurely weekends.

CORDUROY PANTS: CLASSIC TEXTURE & WARMTH

Corduroy pants, characterized by their unique ribbed texture, add both style and warmth to any wardrobe. Typically associated with autumn and winter attire, corduroys exude a nostalgic charm. Apart from their visual appeal, the textured “wales” offer enhanced insulation, blending practicality with fashion-forward sensibilities.

CAPRIS: BREEZY ELEGANCE

Capris, also known as cropped pants, reach halfway between the ankle and knee, providing a stylish alternative to full-length trousers. They are admired for their relaxed yet elegant appearance, ideal for sunny days and versatile enough for various occasions.

Because they are shorter, capri pants let you display your shoes, whether you prefer ballet flats, sandals, or heels, which adds another layer of style to your outfit.

LEATHER PANTS: EDGY SOPHISTICATION

Leather pants are super stylish and edgy, often linked with rock stars and fashion lovers. Made from soft leather, these pants blend luxury with a rebellious vibe.

Their smooth, snug fit makes a strong impression, and their shiny finish adds a touch of elegance. Great for evenings out or when you want to stand out, leather pants are a bold choice for any wardrobe.

BAGGY PANTS: RELAXED & EFFORTLESSLY COOL

Baggy pants are known for their loose fit and plenty of fabric, giving off a relaxed and casual feel. They became popular in the hip-hop scene of the 1990s and early 2000s. These pants are all about comfort while still looking cool. Their roomy shape is the opposite of tight-fitting styles, making a bold fashion statement that stands out.

STIRRUP PANTS: ATHLETIC ELEGANCE

Stirrup pants are different because they have straps around the feet. They first came from horse riding, where they kept pants from moving up while riding. Now, stirrup pants are worn as everyday fashion, giving a smooth appearance and keeping the trousers securely in position.

FLARED PANTS: RETRO FASHION REVISITED

Flared pants, also called bell bottoms, have become popular again lately, bringing a 1970s and bohemian style to today’s fashion. They fit snugly at the waist, hips, and thighs, then widen from the knees down. Flared pants balance the body shape by adding volume below the knees, making legs look longer and more flattering.

CULOTTES: THE PERFECT BLEND OF STYLES

Culottes are a special mix of pants and shorts, giving you the benefits of both. They are wide-legged and reach either knee-length or ankle-length. When you stand still, they look like a skirt, flowing elegantly. Culottes are perfect if you like the comfort of pants but prefer the feminine and breezy feel of a skirt.

SAILOR PANTS: NAUTICAL CHARM 

Sailor pants, also known as sailor trousers, are a timeless style inspired by old-fashioned maritime fashion. They have a high waist and wide legs that start flaring out from the hips, giving a flattering and vintage appearance. Sailor pants usually come with decorative buttons or fastenings on the front, similar to the buttons on sailors’ uniforms from the past.

PALAZZO PANTS: MAKING A BOLD STATEMENT 

Palazzo pants are wide-legged trousers that look very elegant and sophisticated. They have a loose and flowing shape that feels very comfortable and allows your skin to breathe. Palazzo pants usually sit high on the waist and have wide legs that start wide from the waist and go all the way down to the ankles, which makes them look dramatic and eye-catching.

BOOTCUT PANTS: FLARED FINESSE

Bootcut pants have a unique shape: they narrow smoothly to the knee and then gently flare out towards the bottom. This design is made to elegantly cover boots. It’s different from straight-leg pants that stay the same width or skinny jeans that get narrower. Bootcut pants became very popular in the 1990s and early 2000s, and they’re still liked today.

HAREM PANTS: BOHEMIAN COMFORT

Harem pants are a special style that blends comfort and fashion seamlessly. They are loose and baggy, with gathers at the waist and ankles. Harem pants usually have elastic waistbands or drawstrings to keep the gathers in place, ensuring a comfy and flexible fit.

CARGO PANTS: UTILITARIAN CHIC

Cargo pants, also called combat pants or utility pants, are both useful and stylish for people who like practicality. They were first based on military uniforms and are known for having many pockets and a practical design. Cargo pants are great for those who want extra storage space or like a tough and adventurous style.

LEGGINGS: COMFORTABLE & VERSATILE BASICS 

Leggings are comfy, versatile, and stylish. They’re usually made from stretchy materials like spandex or knitted fabrics that fit closely to the body. This snug fit shows off curves nicely. Leggings are loved for their comfort and how easy they are to move in, which makes them great for everything from relaxing at home to exercising.

CONCLUSION

The world of trousers is vast and exciting, offering a multitude of options to elevate your personal style. With 23 unique silhouettes explored in this guide, you’ve discovered a range of possibilities, from the timeless charm of cigarette pants to the on-trend boldness of culottes. Remember, the perfect pair of trousers is the one that makes you feel confident and put-together. So, have fun experimenting, embrace your individuality, and let your trousers become the foundation for countless elegant looks!

THESE ARE THE 10 BEST SHOES TO WEAR WITH LEGGINGS

Leggings are a wardrobe staple for many reasons: they’re comfy, versatile, and can be dressed up or down. But what to wear with them? The key to taking your leggings from lounging to chic is all about what you pair them with. Get ready to elevate your legging game! Here are the 10 best things to wear with leggings.

OUR TOP PICKS 

KITTEN HEELS

Ditch the sweatpants and elevate your leggings in a snap with kitten heels! These comfy lifesavers are the perfect way to instantly polish off a casual legging look. Unlike sky-high stilettos, kitten heels offer all-day comfort so you can conquer your errands or transition effortlessly from daytime adventures to evening plans. The low heel height creates a effortlessly put-together vibe, and for an extra touch of sophistication, pair them with stirrup leggings that hug the ankle.

TRAINERS

Forget the struggle of choosing between comfort and style. Trainers and leggings are the ultimate power couple in your closet. This dynamic duo is perfect for your most relaxed days, offering unbeatable comfort for running errands, hitting the gym, or simply lounging in style. The sporty edge of trainers adds a cool vibe to your leggings, while the breathable fabrics of both pieces keep you comfortable and moving freely. But don’t be fooled by their casual nature – trainers come in a vast range of styles, from sleek and minimal to chunky and bold. Whether you choose a timeless white trainer or a trendy platform sole, you can easily dress your leggings up or down. Throw on a denim jacket for a laid-back look, or elevate things with a blazer and statement earrings for a touch of athleisure chic. Leggings and trainers are a win-win for both comfort and style, offering endless outfit possibilities for any casual occasion.

BALLET FLATS

Channel your inner Parisian with the effortless combination of ballet flats and leggings. This chic duo offers the perfect blend of comfort and style. The sleek lines of the flats complement the clean silhouette of leggings, creating a polished yet casual ensemble. Both pieces are known for their comfort, allowing you to move freely and stay cozy all day. The versatility is unbeatable – dress them up with a flowy blouse and blazer for work, or keep it casual with a tunic top and denim jacket. Don’t forget to accessorize! Play with textures and patterns – a chunky knit cardigan or statement necklace adds personality. Animal print flats or metallic finishes can inject a touch of fun. Ballet flats and leggings are a foundational outfit combo that every wardrobe needs, offering endless possibilities for both casual and semi-formal occasions.

LOAFERS

Ditch the sweats and add instant polish with loafers and leggings! This surprisingly chic combo takes you from casual to effortlessly put-together. The structured silhouette of loafers elevates your leggings beyond loungewear, making them work-ready for casual Fridays or even a night out. Loafers come in a range of styles, from classic penny loafers to chunky platforms, so you can match your vibe. Pair sleek loafers with a crisp white shirt for preppy chic, or go edgy with chunky ones and a leather jacket. Don’t worry about sacrificing comfort for style – loafers can be surprisingly comfy, especially with a well-cushioned sole. Want to add a playful touch? Channel your inner fashion icon and show a sliver of patterned socks. Prefer a clean look? Go sockless! Loafers and leggings offer the perfect blend of style and comfort, making them a versatile choice for any casual or semi-formal occasion.

FAUX FUR ANKLE BOOTS

Embrace cozy vibes with faux fur ankle boots and leggings! This pairing is perfect for adding a touch of luxury and warmth to your outfit. The soft texture of the faux fur booties complements the sleek lines of leggings, creating a look that’s both stylish and comfortable. Dress it up with a chunky knit sweater and a midi skirt for a cute fall outfit, or keep it casual with a tunic top and a denim jacket. No matter how you style them, faux fur ankle boots and leggings are sure to keep you warm and fashionable all season long.

HIGH HEELS

Level up your legging game with a classic pairing: high heels! This combo exudes confidence and instantly elevates your look from casual to night-out ready. While stiletto heels are a bold choice, consider pumps with a thicker heel for added comfort. The key is to balance the proportions – pair pointed-toe heels with opaque leggings for a streamlined silhouette. Play with textures! Leather leggings add a touch of edge, while patterned heels can inject personality. Don’t be afraid to accessorize – a statement necklace or clutch can take your look from day to dressy. High heels and leggings offer endless possibilities for a polished and confident look.

CHUNKY BOOTS

Chunky boots and leggings are a fashion match made in heaven. This pairing offers a perfect blend of comfort and edgy style. The chunky sole of the boots adds personality and balances out the sleek silhouette of leggings. It’s an ideal choice for cooler weather, keeping your legs warm while making a bold statement. Dress them up with a longline coat and a chunky knit sweater for a cozy yet chic look, or keep it casual with a graphic tee and a denim jacket. No matter your style, chunky boots and leggings will add a touch of cool-factor to any outfit.

PATENT SLINGBACKS

Dress up your leggings with a touch of sophistication! Patent slingbacks are the perfect partner for adding polish and a hint of retro flair. The sleek shine of the patent leather complements the clean lines of leggings, creating a look that’s both modern and elevated. The slingback style keeps things comfortable, while the subtle heel adds a touch of femininity. Play with proportions! Pair pointed-toe slingbacks with opaque leggings for a streamlined silhouette, or embrace a wider leg legging for a more relaxed vibe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color – classic black is always chic, but a pop of color in your slingbacks can add personality. Accessorize with a statement necklace or a structured bag to complete your polished look. Patent slingbacks and leggings offer a versatile choice for elevating your casual style or adding a touch of class to a night out.

KNEE HIGH BOOTS

Knee-high boots and leggings are a timeless fashion combo that offers endless outfit possibilities. The boots add instant polish and sophistication, transforming your leggings from casual wear to a put-together look. Whether you choose sleek and fitted boots or slouchy and relaxed styles, they’ll flatter your legs and keep you warm in cooler weather. Play with textures! Leather boots add a touch of edge, while suede offers a softer vibe. Experiment with heel heights – flats are comfy for errands, while heels elevate your look for a night out. No matter your style, knee-high boots and leggings can be dressed up or down, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.

METALLIC KITTEN HEELS

Inject some glam into your leggings with metallic kitten heels! This unexpected pairing elevates your outfit beyond casual while remaining comfortable. The subtle sheen of the metallic heels adds a touch of personality without being overwhelming, while the kitten heel keeps things comfy for all-day wear. This combo is perfect for brunch with friends, a night out, or even work on a casual Friday. Play with textures! Pair your metallic heels with sleek leather leggings for a polished look, or embrace a more relaxed vibe with a matte jersey pair. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color – classic gold or silver is timeless, but a bolder shade like rose gold or emerald can add a real statement. Metallic kitten heels and leggings offer a fun and stylish way to elevate your everyday look.

SHOES TO WEAR WITH LEGGINGS: DOS AND DON’TS

Leggings offer a comfy and versatile option for guys too. But just like with any outfit, there are a few things to consider when choosing shoes to pair them with. Here’s how to elevate your legging look:

DO

Embrace comfort and style! Sneakers, trainers, and loafers are all great choices. They complement the slim silhouette of leggings while keeping things casual and cool. Boots, especially chelsea boots or chukka styles, can add a touch of edge and work well in cooler weather. Play with proportions – balance out the leggings with chunky soles or opt for a tapered jogger style for a more relaxed vibe. Don’t forget to accessorize! A beanie, cool watch, or statement bag can add personality.

DON’T

Forget about coverage. If your leggings are thin or see-through, layer with a longer top or opt for a thicker, opaque fabric. Super bulky shoes can look out of place, so stick to sleeker styles or those that complement the overall look. Comfort is key – avoid uncomfortable shoes or excessively high heels (if you’re feeling adventurous!). Finally, remember that leggings are a casual piece. Avoid overly formal settings or situations that require dressier attire.

FAQ

1. What can I wear with leggings to work (on a casual Friday)? 

Dress them up with a blazer, blouse, and loafers or ballet flats.

2. Are leggings good for working out? 

Yes! Leggings are a popular choice for exercise due to their flexibility and breathability.

3. What tops look good with leggings? 

The options are endless! Try tunic tops, longline tees, sweaters, or even flowy dresses for a layered look.

4. Should I wear socks with leggings? 

It depends on the shoes and weather. Socks with loafers or slingbacks can be trendy, while boots might require them for warmth or comfort.

5. Are sheer leggings okay? 

For a polished look, it’s best to avoid sheer leggings or pair them with longer tops or opaque tights underneath.

CONCLUSION

Leggings are a wardrobe workhorse for a reason. With their versatility and comfort, they can be the foundation for countless stylish looks. From dressed-down casual to surprisingly chic, leggings can be transformed depending on what you pair them with. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combinations! Whether you’re rocking sneakers for errands or turning heads in metallic kitten heels, leggings can be your key to effortless style and comfort.