The New Pant Trends: Sophisticated Elegance for All Body Types

These long culottes from Mara Hoffman are everything we love about this season’s style, rolled into one. The colors look practically edible, they are so sweet and feminine. And the style is the perfect blend of the beautiful look of a skirt and the convenience and comfort of pants. While it does have a coordinating top, we suggest pairing it with a silk embellished pastel top or an easy sleeveless silk blouse to pick up some of the colors in the skirt. Remember, the color doesn’t need to match exactly – it should just be tonal and coordinate. While low-heeled sandals certainly work with this, we like to dress it up with nude strappy heels for a baby shower, nice dinner or any night out celebrating the great weather. If your size is sold out through the 'shop it' button, try Mara Hoffman's website.

We love the simplicity of a feminine pair of tuxedo pants, and it’s no surprise that Alice + Olivia has a great fitting pair – they are known for their contemporary, yet easy pant fits that make almost every lady look and feel great. The higher rise that sits at the waist and slimmer leg lend just the right juxtaposition to the menswear inspiration of the silky leg stripe and trim. With a sexy bow accent pair of pumps and a feminine white silk blouse and nude cami you have a modern and timeless tuxedo look that is perfect for a cocktail party or festive dinner.

Sheer fabrics and cut-outs are prominent this season, but don’t always feel like something that we can readily wear. These Elie Tahari culottes translate that trend in a way we can really get behind. The fabulously textured cotton has an open weave that creates a grid-like pattern that is not sheer or too revealing – but so modern and stylish. And the pleat in the front is actually a flap, so the fabric really moves when you walk. But they have a lining that looks like shorts, so it really shows off the outer fabric while ensuring you are appropriately covered. They have an elastic waist, and in sizes 2-14, this really is a comfortable way to interpret the trend for ladies of all sizes. Wear them with a simple black top (tucked in or left loose) and strappy black heels to let the fabric be the star. A stylish geometric gold cuff will be the perfect edgy accent. You'll see through the 'shop it' button, they come in white, too. (Note: Neiman Marcus is highlighting the slit openings. The image here is a true depiction of how they lay.)

Some nights out are more casual, and these Eileen Fisher pants are just right for those nights. The lyocell fabric has a beautiful drape that works with the stylish higher rise and slimmer leg silhouette that is so fresh for the season. The drawstring waist is elevated in its covered detail that just shows peeks of the string for waist interest that is very flattering. The relaxed fit, in XS- XL, looks great on all body types, especially when paired with a natural linen sweater and a great pair of saddle brown or gold sandals. Dress them for a night out up by adding a touch of metallic in your tee or linen blazer.

We touched on jumpsuits in Clothes & Conversation this week – they’ve gone from a trendy statement to a modern staple and are a great replacement to a pair of pants and a blouse, for an evening out. The wide leg is a great balance to the utilitarian details of the tab sleeves and breast pockets on this silky DKNY jumpsuit in its modern, easy fit. The tie waist and pleats break up the look effortlessly and it creates a really slimming silhouette, whether you are wearing a size 0 or size 14. You don’t need to add much to this jumpsuit for a night out - go with a strappy sandal in gold or nude and a great pair of earrings.

Another take on a jumpsuit, this one from Madewell (J.Crew’s sister company), plays into another flattering style trend this season – kimono details. The wider kimono sleeve has easy style and is especially great for anyone who wants to conceal her arms. The tailored cropped leg is the perfect compliment to balance the sleeve, as is the v-neckline that extends to the back - both creating a slimming effect. The amazing kimono-style belt really steals the show, creating an hourglass shape. The drapey fabric finishes the relaxed fit and can be dressed up or down with simple black sandals or strappy heels and statement jewelry.

This tailored silhouette certainly works for the office, and the drapey lyocell fabric works for drinks straight after, as well. Just change out your shoes from simple oxfords to strappy heels and lose your blazer to reveal a ladylike printed blouse. The contemporary fit is easy and flattering in its skirt/pant hybrid that will be comfortable all day – and all night.

With the return of the culotte, we’re always looking for versions that aren’t overly trendy and that flatter most women. These 7 for All Mankind are certainly of–the-moment style, but they have a clean aesthetic that is a great update for even the most classic of ladies. Trust us. And the fabric is so soft and stretchy, you will be delighted by how comfortable these contemporary fitting pants are. They have a wider, trouser hem, which is just the right finishing touch of polish for these denim pants – it makes a big difference. While they can be worn with stylish flat sandals or simple white sneakers, we like them best dressed up with high heels and a simple silk or crisp white cotton sleeveless button down knotted at the waist.