Photo: Courtesy of Summersalt.
We know it’s more fun to daydream about future vacation outfits you’ll be lounging and partying in. But if you’re looking for some retail therapy that can benefit you the other 50 weeks of the year, we’re here to help elevate your work wardrobe. While work pants can get a bad rap, we’re also determined to dispel rumors that they all have to be stuffy, uncomfortable trousers. We’ve curated the best work pants for women from classic, wide-leg trousers to relaxed, cropped ones. Because who says your workwear can’t be as fun and stylish as your vacation looks?
Read on to find the best work pants, in a range of cuts, colors, sizes, and price points, including some of our favorite travel-friendly picks. You’ll also find styles that are super versatile. That means work pants that you can also confidently wear to dinner after the office, and pairs you can comfortably don from the summer through the fall. Get ready to grab on your favorite work bag, step into your new work pants, and take on the days like the boss that you are.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Anthropologie Pleated Poplin Trousers
These versatile cotton Anthropologie pants are available in standard, petite, tall, and plus sizes, so we can all add them to our wardrobes.
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Everlane The Dream Pant
Pintuck detailing and an elastic waistband are perfect for more casual work settings. And we’re loving this Everlane option, which is available in several classic colorways.
Shop Everlane
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Free People Calla Pleated Trousers
These slouchy pants with exaggerated pleating are not-so-basic and a great business casual option. They’re available in several colorways, but since this style is so popular, many sizes are low in stock. Act fast!
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Nordstrom High Waist Wide Leg Pants
Leave it to Nordstrom to make slip-on trousers that are a desk-to-dinner essential. It’s business in the front with the pleats and party in the back with the elastic waist.
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J.Crew Kate Straight-Leg Pant
J.Crew’s best-selling trouser is a tried-and-true work pant. The classic straight-leg cut is flattering on most people, plus, they’re available in petite and tall sizing for the perfect fit.
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Abercrombie & Fitch Tailored Relaxed Straight Pant
These trousers are going fast, with several colorways selling out because of the style’s classic, tailored cut.
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Amazon Aware Ponte Knit Slim Pant
Yes, Amazon of course sells work pants for women, and these affordable cropped trousers are thankfully available in sizes XXS through 7X.
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Lululemon City Sleek 5 Pocket Wide-Leg Pant
Lululemon sells more than your just favorite leggings — if you’re looking for a casual yet polished work pant, the brand has that too.
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Favorite Daughter The Favorite Pant Pleat Pants
Ultra-high-waisted trousers give a elongated look that’ll have you feeling super confident at the office and afterwards for dinner.
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Bailey 44 Fabina Wide Leg Pant
Not your typical wide leg trouser, this style is form-fitting before flaring out at the knee. We also love the pull-on waistband for extra comfort.
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Reformation Mason Pant
Find Reformation’s sleek, lightweight woven trousers in several neutral, work-appropriate colorways that you’ll be able to style with any blouse.
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Summersalt The Softest French Terry Tie-Waist Pant
With a unique belted tie waist, the French Terry Tie-Waist Pant is a bit more fun and out of the ordinary than standard work bottoms, making them great for dinner and drinks too.
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Banana Republic Sculpted Straight Pant
Structured work pants are the ultimate in confidence dressing. The sleek waistband and front creases in this pair are classic, but the bold olive color is fresh.
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Madewell The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant
Madewell’s Harlow pants are a best-seller for multiple reasons. The flattering cut comes in a drapey, comfortable material, and they’re available in many colors in standard, petite, tall, and plus sizes too.
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Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant
With nearly 2k positive reviews, Quince’s pants are so stretchy and comfy that they feel like yoga pants, but look so polished that they’re perfect for work, in any of its many classic colors.
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Maeve The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
Get to work feeling comfortable and confident in this style thanks to the “magic fabric,” which sculpts as it stretches. Find it in neutral and bright colors in standard, petite, tall, and plus sizing.
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Adidas Pull-On Ankle Pants
Sure, these are technically marketed as golf pants, but we’d happily wear this slip on style with front and back pockets to work.
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Vince Camuto Wide Leg Trousers
Yet another clean and simple wide leg pant that’s bound to be flattering and effortlessly fit into your wardrobe.
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Cotidié Larissa Perfect Length Trousers
Choose between three different inseam length in these pants. Then go on and wear the comfortable style to work, a date night, or on a long-haul flight.
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Uniqlo Wide-Fit Pleated Pants
Affordable, tried-and-true work pants in a range of color options are the business casual Holy Grail. Bonus points that these can be worn throughout the summer and fall for a polished office look.
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