Fashion Pants

"How to Buy Pants That Look Good On You"

Versatile Straight Black Pants from New York & Co

Don't we all search for the perfect pair of fashion pants? It's a jungle out there, especially with all the confusing new styles. But don't despair - I'm going to help you discover the pair of womens pants that will look great on you!

This page will provide you with all the important basics -- from leg styles, wardrobe essentials to picking the right pants that will flatter your body .

Secure the Basics

These are staples that will go with the rest of your closet. Whether it be a casual tee, dressy blouse or corporate dress shirt, they'll work good together!

Have Your Body Measurements Ready

The only way to find the perfect pants with a flattering fit is to take your leg measurements. Do not miss this step!

Use the numbers to find the right size. Many pants today vary in size although they hold the same sizing tag. So don't count on the size tag as you may be smaller or bigger in another fashion brand's book ;-)

Types of Womens Fashion Pants Terminology

White Cropped Cargo Pants from Gap

Other terms that you might have stumbled upon when shopping for fashion pants online:

Cargo

Womens cargo pants are casual pants with large pockets on the side at mid-thigh.

Khaki

A yellowish brown cotton twill fabric, or any pants made of that fabric (also called chinos).

Drawstring

A string set in the hem that closes the opening when pulled tight at one or both ends. In casual pants, drawstrings can be found in waistbands or leg openings.

Tapered

Pant legs that narrow from the hip to the ankle. Sadly it has a tendency of making a curvy woman look curvier, and a skinny girl thinner, which explains why they are not a popular choice. Most image consultants and fashion stylists will even tell you to stay away from it!

Slacks

Refers to a classy womens pants style. They're dressy but with loose-fitting, ankle-length legs. Popular fashion pants that can be worn with everything for a stylish look.

Bootcut

Sit loose through the leg and wide at the leg opening. Flattering pant style for all body shapes.

Wide leg

Features a wide opening from your thighs and down.

Flare leg

Consists of a wide, flared opening from your knees and down.

Straight/cigarette

The legs are straight and narrow, and don't go wide at the calves or ankles. A perfect alternative to skinny pants if you don't like 'choking' your ankles.

Skinny

The legs sit snugly around your legs.

Determine What Compliments Your Body Shape

I've seen curvy women á la Beyoncé who manages to look stunning in skinny leg jeans as well as fashionable celebs who wear wide leg pants gracefully. They all looked fabulous because they carry the pants with confidence and they know how to wear them to look good!

Beyoncé wearing her fabulous grey skinny pants.
Kate Moss wearing black flare leg pants stylishly.
Image credit: WENN

What many women don't understand is that everyone can wear all types of pants but they have to style them differently to make it work for them. Now I'm not talking about dieting and working out. I'm talking about putting together an outfit that balances out your body figure. It's about creating an outfit of silhouette that compliments the shape, proportions and size of your body!

A curvy woman can wear a pair of skinny pants as long as she balances out her shape by adding more weight on top. In this way her hips and thighs will be less obvious. On the other hand, a skinny girl with thin legs compared to her upper body will have to slim down her top so that her "chicken legs" won't stand out from her silhouette.

This is based on the "Enhance & Minimize"-trick which is explained in further details here:

Now let's take a look at the different common pant styles and find a way to make it work for you:

Wide-legged and Flared Pants

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Flare Dress Pants from Express

This type of psychadelic pants will complement anyone who has a wider and fuller upper half compared to their legs and hips as they "fill" out the slim lower bottom area and create a more proportional body shape. It's also a flattering style for plus-size women.

On the other hand, if you're more on the curvy side with either an hourglass or pear shape then you'll have to make sure that you add more weight on top with a pair of nice earrings or necklace.

If you have a straight figure, pants that flare will suit you well because they add dimensions to your figure. Make sure you balance out your top half with either an embellished or bright-colored top.

Note: If you're petite then avoid super-wide legs and go for something a little bit narrower. Humongous wide leg pants will only make you look shorter. Taller and plus-size women will look better in wider legs than petites because of their bigger/taller proportions.

Skinnys/Cigarette Style Pants

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Straight Pants from Bebe

You can wear slim leg pants no matter shape. You just have to find a way to balance out your figure. Like for example, if you have thick legs and bottom compared to your bust, add a top or sweater that draws attention to your upper part.

However if you have a heavy top, skinny jeans will make you look stick-figured and only emphasize your top half. So choose a simple, perhaps dark solid-colored top to minimise it and perhaps throw in a pair of trendy boots or bright colored pumps add more volume to your bottom.

Note: If you're a full-figure woman, then you should opt for straight/cigarette style instead of skinny leg as it looks better with your proportions.

Bootcut/Straight-leg

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Bootcut Linen Pants from Gap

These suit all body shapes! Bootcut/straight pants will create a fluid line downwards which will look flattering on you no matter if you're plus-size, athletic, boyish or bottom-heavy! They are also the perfect match for plus size women because they add a nice proportion to your frame.

• How to Dress Your Body Shape
• Guide to Womens Fashion Skirts
• Guide to Womens Tops
• Guide to Womens Sweaters