Menswear Inspired Trousers for Work? But, Of Course!

Love, love, love the suspenders. It’s such a statement, without being anything but stylishly subtle. Note, these pants don’t have stretch to them. They are a contemporary fit, and run true-to size. These sold out in a flash when these were initially released, so don’t hesitate if your size is still available (It’s hard to resist so much classic style packed into an amazing price). A sexy pair of heels will compliment these pants, as easily as a great pair of oxfords, in whiskey.

If you’re looking for something wear now to get you through the next couple of months, Theory’s pants in a crisp navy and white tweed are just the thing for some menswear polish. They are effortless with a sleeveless white blouse. Change that up to a long-sleeve button down shirt with a navy blazer for a cooler day.

It’s really all about the great fit when it comes to these contemporary Vince pants. Sure, they have the inspiration of menswear that we’re looking for this week, in their tab front detail, and unique center front seams. But the perfectly relaxed slouchy fit in the waist, paired with the slim cropped leg (perfect for all heights) in a seasonless weight won our hearts. They’ll win yours, too.

Tahari does a modern take on a tuxedo pant with a contrasting black waistband and diminishing side stripe on these navy trousers. The color combination is sophisticated and chic, and makes it easy to pair with a black blazer, if you don’t want to just go with an easy blouse for work. They look great with a black peep toe pump or slingback.

Hugo Boss certainly knows menswear, proven by their hugely successful and widely coveted mens line. So, it’s not surprise that they can take inspiration from that and turn it into something us ladies can covet, as well. These are a great fitting, classic pair of work pants that you will have – and want to wear – for years. While these look grey in the picture, they are actually a very tight black and white mix. They work with heels, as easily as they do flats, just make sure you know how you will most often be wearing them if you get the length altered.

(Note: These come in black stretch wool, which is our favorite, and an amazing new charcoal – we're showing pale grey, also fabulous, so you can really see the details.) When it comes to contemporary pants, we often sing the praises of Alice + Olivia – the line started with pants, and the fit is unparalleled. This style, aptly named Eric for it’s masculine inspiration in it pleating and wool fabrication, has an exaggerated wide leg, but with a slimming wide waistband that balances it perfectly. Seriously. Some petite women in the office own these and love them. Obviously, tailoring is key here. They should just skim the floor. We suggest wearing them with a tucked in blouse, fitted sweater (play into the menswear feel with this playful one), or shorter blazer to balance the fabulous fluidity of these charmers.

The wide leg, stylish cuffed hem, and great herringbone fabric speak to the menswear inspiration...and the final result is what speaks to us. This easy fitting pair of pants from Free People is the perfect office option. These will go with a lot of things in you closet. If you choose to pair them with a blouse or button-down shirt, tuck it in to give some waist definition against the wide leg. A slim blazer, or fitted sweater will also nicely accentuate the leg and give it balance. (Sizes are selling out fast, so if Shopbop is out, try here.)

Alice + Olivia does it again, this time with a tight black and white herringbone that we are drooling over. This wide leg style has a unique feature of a zip-fly and back welt pockets -  like any goods men’s style - but no waist band, an inherently feminine look. That makes it easy to wear a simple banded bottom sweater that you don’t need to tuck in. These shoes are such an elegant way to complete your look – the dot pattern would work with the herringbone perfectly…not to mention a million other things in your wardrobe.

Another mens-inspired textured fabric and pleat waist detail. This one, from Eileen Fisher, has a higher rise meant to be worn lower for a relaxed, slouchy look. Great with your favorite flats or lace-up booties and an easy sweater for a casual workday.

Looking for that relaxed fit, but still want that mens style we’re talking about? You can thank Eileen Fisher for just that perfect marriage in these pants. The wider waistband and slimmer fit through the hip that works into a straight, fluid leg gives you the versatility to wear a looser, longer top or something slimmer. Complete the look with these amazing oxfords.