It’s the third Monday and the day I share 9 to 5 Style based on a certain theme or piece. Does wearing black make you fear you will look too gothic? Too plain? Do you think black is boring? Black pants in particular?
Black pants can be a staple in a work wear wardrobe and they don’t have to be boring. Black pants are also a great way to wear black if you think it’s too harsh against your face and skin. Keep reading for 15 ways to wear black pants to work.
My favorite black pants are from Loft and I wear the curvy fit. I’ve had my Loft trousers for several years and they have held up to repeated wear and washing. I also like Ann Taylor pants for work. They also come in a curvy fit. The Loft trousers are pictured in these outfits, as well as a pair of ankle pants from JCPenney.
Wearing black pants without being boring requires a little creativity. Rely on cute jackets, interesting cuts, patterns and accessories to keep the doldrums away.
You may also like: 9 to 5 Style- Black and Navy
1 Kelly green jacket + leopared top. The black pants base lets the jacket have center stage. Pairing a bright color with a print like leopard is a great way to wear the brighter color in the fall season.
2- Kelly green jacket with black and white top– Another pairing of the jacket but with a patterned black and white top. You can sub any bright colored blazer or jacket here. The patterned top adds more interest than a plain white blouse would.
3 Gingham blazer + patterned top. If you want to give pattern mixing a try, use black pants as a grounding piece for the patterns. Make sure your patterned pieces have some black in them so that it ties together nicely.
4 Teal blazer + patterned top. Similar to the kelly green jacket outfit. A pop of color keeps black from being boring. The length of the blazer helps to keep you from being chopped into two “blocks” the way you would be with just a solid color blouse and black pants.
5 A plaid blazer + black pants. Yes, you can wear black and brown together. A pop of color in between helps to coordinate the black and brown. Leopard shoes add even more interest.
6 Khaki blazer + with polka dot top.
7- A solid top + plaid blazer. Again, the same formula as before, but with different colors. Pumps in a similar shade as the top help bookend the outfit and create more of a flow than black pumps do.
8 With grey and burgundy. Grey also work with black and is softer against black than the contrast of white. Add a colored blazer for color.
9 Khaki blazer + animal print top. Create a neutral look with khaki and black but use a patterned top like an animal print to create interest.
10 Gingham blazer + colorful top.
11 Grey pinstripe blazer + ivory lace top. The texture in the top provides some interest and the grey and ivory soften the stark black a bit.
12-Floral blouse+ sleeveless blazer/vest
13- Create a column of black with a black top and black ankle pants. Top it with a patterned blazer- in this instance, leopard print.
14 Blush blazer and burgundy/blush cami. Another way to soften black is to pair it with blush.
15 Grey blazer+ red shoes. Create a monochromatic look with grey, black and white and add a pop with a pair of colored shoes.
It’s pretty obvious now that black doesn’t have to be boring. Ground bright colors and patterns with black. When possible, choose a patterned or colored shoe vs a black shoe with black bottoms. And make sure your black pants and all pieces fit well. Nothing will look dumpier and frumpier than an ill fitting pair of black pants.
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