Formal Trousers for Women: How to Style Office Trousers?

Weekdays are formal wear days and it can be a struggle to come up with a new formal look every day. Especially formal pants! It can be quite a daunting task to style Formal trousers for women. Flexible formal attire ideas are always useful for developing fresh styles as well as their modifications.

Do you also struggle coming up with different trouser styles every work day? Don’t worry! Here we’ve covered a wide range of questions you might have and asked our fashion expert at Powersutra, Alvira Rego, to create this little guide on how to style formal trousers for women.

Time to slay it at work ladies!

What are the key factors that can influence women’s formal trouser choices?

All that you could think of. Start with the colour. Besides workplace guidelines on avoiding certain flashy colours, even acceptable colour combinations can make or break the outfit. Next, you want to think about the cut. Are they straight, narrowed, wide-legged, or even baggy? Each of them has a distinct personality to them. Finally, you want to consider the fitting, comfort, as well as affordability of the pants before finally buying formal trousers for women.

What are the different types of formal trousers that suit particular body types and shapes for women?

There are so many types of formal trousers for women, from skinny to plus size office trousers, and from straight cuts and relaxed fits to wide-legged pants, slim fits, and extra-loose fits. Every body type has types of formal trousers for women that go best with them, for example:

• Inverted triangle- Avoid pants that stick to your body and go for relaxed fits and straight cuts to add balance.
• Rectangle shape- Wide-legged pants & straight cuts are ideal. Get them tight at the waist so create a subtle definition.
• Hourglass shape- Being the most versatile body type, slim fit, straight cuts, and loose fits fall under the best women’s trouser category for work.

What are the different styling options that come with formal trousers?

Style Camisoles with a coordinated blazer for a formal look, a t-shirt with a blazer for a semi-formal one, or just a t-shirt or a dress shirt for a semi-casual look. Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, and the existing apparel that you already own that you want to match, the styles of the formal trousers for women that you buy will change accordingly. Round it all off by putting on some sleek, quirky accessories suitable for the occasion. 

Can you suggest some color combinations to pull off with formal trousers? 

Many businesses, organizations, and government departments have a specific dress code that specifies the types of fabrics and colours that are acceptable and unacceptable.

More than others, some colours complement all body types. So, if you want to look professional, stick to wearing dark colours like black or blue. For a more laid-back appearance, choose peach, orange, or golden hues. 

Here are the top 5 Powersutra-approved, exclusive colour combinations for a workplace environment:

Black-white, brown-white, dark green-grey, purple-White, blue-beige.

How to style chinos for women?

Consider wearing a black and white horizontal striped crew-neck sweater and chinos to pull together an interesting and modern-looking casual ensemble. For something more on the classier side to complement this ensemble, introduce a pair of tobacco suede ankle boots to this look. If you need to look a touch dressier then we recommend a casual shirt to wear with your chinos. A linen button-down or classic chambray top will complement your chinos perfectly. Patterns and stripes are welcome, but be sure not to go overboard with colour.

How to style paper bag pants?

To wear paper bag pants that look great, especially for plus size office trousers, pair them with a form-fitting top to balance out your figure. For example, wear a fitted t-shirt or tank top for a casual look, or a fitted button-down blouse for an office-appropriate look. Since paper bag pants are pretty bulky, tuck your top in to accentuate your waist.

How to style wide-leg pants & flared bell bottoms?

Balance the proportions of a slim-fitted vest. Pair a bright colour with neutrals and gold jewellery for an easy evening look. You can’t go wrong with a relaxed vest for a casual look. Tuck in your shirt to elongate your torso. And if you’re looking for a more summer-appropriate look, go with colourful style with a matching blazer. Pair it stylishly with a cardigan or a coat, or simply wear a t-shirt for a casual look!

There you have it, ladies! We hope this answered some of the more pressing questions you have when it comes to buying formal pants for women.

So what are you waiting for? Mix and match to express the fashion goddess within!