Pant It Black

The urban sweatpant—the definition of comfy-chic—has become a must-have basic, and these knit trousers tick off all the right style boxes. While they’re a no brainer pick with a T-shirt and sneakers for a day spent chasing after the little ones, they’ll also work with heels and a dressy top for a laid-back night look.

To buy: Mango, $60

Tap into fashion’s current fascination with opulence with these flocked skinny jeans from Oasis. The subtle textured floral pattern adds just the right amount of richness, making these the perfect party pants. Pair these with a cream silk pussy bow blouse, a black velvet tuxedo jacket and a pile of baubles. An elegant embellished smoking slipper—this season’s it flat—is the perfect finishing touch.

To buy: Oasis, $77

Always a chic choice, the classic tuxedo trouser gets a high-waisted update. The sash detail—a nod to the cummerbund—ensures a flattering fit by helping to hide the tummy, and the cropped length plays into a modern silhouette. Pair this evening trouser with a feminine blouse and a pointy toe black pump. For a casual after dark look, try with a slouchy T-shirt, a cropped biker jacket and booties.

To buy: Mango, $80

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With its slim leg and cropped length, the cigarette pant has been a sharp choice for decades. A great pick for day or night, these pants will add an effortlessly cool vibe to any look. Play into their heritage by pairing with a simple black cashmere turtleneck and a black ballet flat. Or tap into their edgy side for evening, pulling them on with a cropped faux fur jacket and stud embellished high heels.

To buy: Topshop Cigarette Trouser, $84

Leather pants have become a staple for chic fall/winter wardrobes, and, these days, many of their faux counterparts look just as good as the real deal without the high price tag. Play with proportions, topping with a boyfriend cashmere sweater and black motorcycle ankle boots for an effortlessly cool day look. Or wear them with a draped black tank top, a leopard print pump and studded metal jewelry for some more edge.

To buy: Net-a-Porter, $100

There’s something sexy about pants with an ankle slit front, which is why they’re au courant. This slim-fit pair is made from a figure-flattering stretch fabric, absent of bells and whistles—even the zipper is hidden—adding up to a sleek and lean look. Pair with a long-and-lean top, blazer and ballet flats, pumps or booties that hit below or just at the anklebone for a day-or-night look.

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Velvet is having a moment again this season and Hudson’s black skinny version is a masterful mix of casual cool and elegance. Effortlessly simple in design, this sleek and sumptuous style is perfect for the holidays. Wear to an informal afternoon gathering with a cashmere turtleneck sweater and flats, or dress up for a nighttime soirée by adding an embellished silk tank and high-heeled pumps or booties.

To buy: Hudson, $183

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Famous for their flattering fit and simple chic design, Theory trousers have become a must-have in any working girl’s wardrobe. This pair features a wide leg, cuffed hem and side slash pockets. Get down to business by pairing with a fitted blazer, tie-neck blouse and a menswear-inspired lace-up shoe. When out of the office, top with a T-shirt, leather jacket and a pointy toe pump.

To buy: Lauren Taylor, $265

Leave it to Helmut Lang to design a pleated front pant that’s not a bit frumpy, with the fluid fabric and well-placed draping creating a flattering fit. Pair with a draped jersey tank top or a slim-fit tee and a cropped jacket. If you’re tall, try with a pair of brogues or flat booties, but, if not, add a little height with kitten heel pointy toe ankle boots or a sky-high wedges.

To buy: Helmut Lang, $290

Rag & Bone has a cult like following that's due, in no small part, to its uber-cool pants. It ignited a trend with boldly colored racing stripes on skinny jeans, and this season it's replaced the traditional tuxedo pant satin stripe with cool copper metallic embroidery. Pair with everything from your favorite black tee and boots to a prairie-inspired lace trim sheer blouse with pumps.

To buy: Rag & Bone, $315