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  1. Real Simple
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  4. 3 New Pant Styles to Wear to Work This Fall

3 New Pant Styles to Wear to Work This Fall

By Yolanda Wikiel Updated September 11, 2014
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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3 types of pants
Credit: Jens Mortensen
Skinnies, make room: Introducing three modern silhouettes that are as forgiving as they are stylish. (Isn't it about time?)
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Try on These Trends

3 types of pants
Credit: Jens Mortensen

Meet drapey pants (left), track pants (center), and cropped wide-leg pants (right). Read on to learn how to wear them best.

To buy, from left: Lafayette 148 NY silver silk drapey pants, $398, lafayette148ny.com. H&M top. Melanie Auld ring. Kate Spade pumps. Elie Tahari charcoal flannel track pants, $248, elietahari.com for info. Quinn top. Ann Taylor heels. Tommy Hilfiger plaid cropped pants, $169, 888-866-6948. W118 by Walter Baker top. Nine West pumps.

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Drapey Pants

Outfit with patterned blouse and drapey pants
Credit: Jens Mortensen

Best for: Anyone. In fabrics like silk and rayon, this cut should hang fluidly. If the pleats pouf at the hips, try a flat-front style or you’ll look wider. Petite? Opt for tapered legs (not fuller ones, which can overwhelm), says Monica Barnett, the author of the style guide Without Saying a Word ($26, amazon.com).

How to Wear Them

Pair this silhouette with a top that hits near the waistband. Look for pieces that are structured or fitted. “If you choose a blousy top, tuck it in so you can see your waist,” recommends Rachel Wirkus, a stylist based in Los Angeles and New York City. Heels are the ideal shoes to lengthen and slim the body.

To buy: H&M rayon pants, $60, hm.com. By Malene Birger blouse. Nocturne necklace. Lauren Merkin bag. Aerin heels.

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Try Them With a Black Crop Top

Diane von Furstenberg Pants
Credit: Jens Mortensen

Because this wide-leg pair sits high on the waist, a shorter shirt will show off your middle and balance the flowiness of the legs.

To buy: Diane von Furstenberg pants, $398, dvf.com.

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Try Them With a Boxy Cropped Jacket and a Shell

Halston Heritage Pants
Credit: Jens Mortensen

The satin waistband gives these pants a tuxedo vibe. Go elegant with pumps or rocker-style with ankle boots.

To buy: Halston Heritage pants, $325, halston.com.

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Track Pants

Outfit with sleeveless top and track pants
Credit: Jens Mortensen

Best for: Almost everyone. The drawstring waist creates an easy fit. (But if you’re bottom-heavy, this dressy take on sweats may look frumpy.) Cinched cuffs adjust to any length, at the ankle one day and well above it the next.

How to Wear Them

Track pants aren’t strictly for downtime. Glam them up with sexy heels and an embellished blouse for a date night. Loose tops are okay, as long as they’re not sloppy. “Even a tuck in the front can add shape to your figure,” says Wirkus.

To buy: Simply Vera Vera Wang pants, $54, kohls.com. Rebecca Taylor top. Forever 21 necklace. Lizzie Fortunato bracelet. Auxiliary for Aritzia bag. Zara heels.

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Try Them With a Blazer and Flats

Ramy Brook Pants
Credit: Jens Mortensen

Silky fabric means that these can definitely clock in some hours at the office.

To buy: Ramy Brook pants, $295, ramybrook.com.

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Try Them With Cute Sneakers and a Pullover Sweater

Rebecca Minkoff Pants
Credit: Jens Mortensen

You’ll appreciate this fun and cozy wool style during the first cold snap.

To buy: Rebecca Minkoff pants, $268, rebeccaminkoff.com for info.

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Cropped Wide-Leg Pants

Outfit with cropped wide-leg pants
Credit: Jens Mortensen

Best for: Hourglass or straight figures. The dramatic cut of this tailored design may also help offset broad shoulders or full hips. But “if you have a stocky build or thick ankles, you may want to sit this one out,” says Barnett.

How to Wear Them

Balance your proportions. Since the pants are cropped, the top should be somewhat short, too—ideally reaching the waistband or hitting just a few inches below, as this jeweled shell does. Shoes with height (heels or wedges) can prevent the lower body from looking too heavy. Skin-toned footwear, in particular, can create a slimming effect, says Wirkus.

To buy: Wilfred for Aritzia pants, $145, aritzia.com. Hoss Intropia top. Lizzie Fortunato bangles. Jessica Simpson heels.

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Try Them With a Simple Fitted T-Shirt or Sweater

Asos Pants
Credit: Jens Mortensen

Make the pastel shade more fall-appropriate by pairing it with dusty grays or earthy tans.

To buy: ASOS pants, $48, asos.com for info.

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Try Them With a Silk Button-Down and a Blazer

Max Mara Silk-and-Wool Pants
Credit: Jens Mortensen

Inspired by menswear but cut high on the waist, these pants look undeniably feminine with a soft, tucked-in blouse.

To buy: Max Mara silk-and-wool pants, $545, 212-879-6100.

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By Yolanda Wikiel

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    1 of 10 Try on These Trends
    2 of 10 Drapey Pants
    3 of 10 Try Them With a Black Crop Top
    4 of 10 Try Them With a Boxy Cropped Jacket and a Shell
    5 of 10 Track Pants
    6 of 10 Try Them With a Blazer and Flats
    7 of 10 Try Them With Cute Sneakers and a Pullover Sweater
    8 of 10 Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
    9 of 10 Try Them With a Simple Fitted T-Shirt or Sweater
    10 of 10 Try Them With a Silk Button-Down and a Blazer

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