How to Wear Trousers Casually

Co-authored by Joanne Gruber

Last Updated: October 5, 2021 References

Many trousers are versatile in that they can be worn for casual or dressy occasions. You can make an “anything goes” casual look by pairing certain trousers with T-shirts, sweaters, casual jackets, and a variety of footwear. To create a look that’s more business or smart casual, you’ll just need to alter a few details in your ensemble for an outfit that’s appropriate for work, meetings, or other slightly dressier settings.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Choosing Casual Trousers

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Wear khakis to any casual event. Khakis are the instant go-to for anyone thinking of casual trousers. Pair them with a T-shirt and sneakers to go super casual, or dress them up just a bit with a polo shirt or collared shirt. A denim jacket over a T-shirt worn with khakis completes a casual “go anywhere” style.^{[1]
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- Another casual idea that’s great for winter is to pair khakis with a dark turtleneck sweater.
- Wear khakis with your favorite nice sweatshirt for an ultra-casual winter look.
2
Try corduroys as a great alternative to jeans. Corduroys range in color from earth tones to bright primary colors, and you can wear them for any occasion you’d wear jeans to. Combine an earth tone pair of corduroys with a tweed sports jacket, or wear a brighter pair with any casual shirt.^{[2]
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- Corduroys are comfortable, sturdy, and so versatile that they can be dressed up or down to fit any occasion.
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3
Pair printed trousers with a solid top for a creative look. Show your creative side with a pair of brightly patterned trousers and a solid, neutral top. You have many choices when it comes to printed pants, from loose and flowing, to fitted, to capris. Choose a style that fits your personality, and pair it with a solid top in a color that matches one of the colors in the pattern.^{[3]
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- Try wearing printed capris with sandals or ballet flats for a cute casual summer outfit.
- The smaller the print, the more slimming your look will be.
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Try flannel or wool trousers to keep warm. Combine a pair of dark grey flannel or wool trousers with any plaid flannel shirt for a stylish and casual winter look. Make them more versatile by pairing them with sneakers and a solid sweater.^{[4]
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- Flannel and wool trousers are continuously on the rise in casual fashion, so you’ll have a stylish outfit on hand for the next couple of years by investing in them.
- Instead of plaid, wear a solid dark turtleneck or T-shirt under a denim jacket to show of your trousers.
5
Wear cargo pants to express your active side. Cargo pants present a vibe that you’re active – either in physical labor or outdoor recreation. Pair them with any T-shirt or collared work shirt and pair of sneakers for an outfit that you can wear for any casual occasion.
- Cargo pants also have the benefit of lots of pocket space, leaving plenty of places to stash your wallet, keys, pens, or makeup.
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Try twill chinos for a sophisticated casual look. Chinos are another trouser style that are on the rise again for younger generations. Aim for the hem to fall somewhere between the top of your shoe and its first set of eyelets for the best fit. Wear fitted T-shirts or sweaters to keep these pants looking stylish and casual.
- Pair chinos with sneakers or loafers, depending on your preference and the type of casual setting you’re going to.
- Neutral T-shirts, like solid black, white, grey, or navy blue, look nice with most pairs of chinos.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Exploring Business and Smart Casual

1
Pair khakis with a collared shirt for the classic business casual look. Most people think khakis when they think of business casual. Pair khakis with a collared, button-down, long-sleeve shirt, or polo shirt for any business casual event.^{[5]
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- Complete this look with flats or loafers, and keep jewelry to a minimum.
- For a dressier option, top this outfit off with a blazer or sport coat.
2
Wear a non-matching suit jacket/trouser combo as a smart casual option. Smart casual is all about combining aspects of business casual and regular casual. Wear a thin turtleneck under a tan suit jacket and black trousers for one smart casual look.
- Combine this outfit with white sneakers or dark loafers depending on your preference; sneakers will look more casual and loafers a bit dressier.
3
Try another smart casual option with fitted trousers, a T-shirt, and blazer. One classic smart casual look combines jeans with a dress shirt and blazer, but you can alter this idea by wearing trousers, a solid T-shirt, and blazer. Go with either a black or white T-shirt for the best effect, and choose a blazer that’s in a different color than your trousers.
- For instance, pair a solid blazer with a pair of striped or plaid trousers, or vice-versa.
- Try combining dark grey trousers, a black T-shirt, and navy blazer.
4
Wear neutral or black trousers with bright tops for versatility. If you have just one pair of plain dress trousers, combine them with different bright blouses or button-downs for a business casual look that allows you to get away with wearing the same pants regularly.^{[6]
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- Dress this outfit up a bit more by adding a matching suit jacket and jewelry. Dress it down by wearing a fitted sweater, v-neck, or sweatshirt over a collared shirt.
- Wear these outfits with loafers, flats, or low heels depending on your preference.

Expert Q&A

Question

Are corduroy pants in style?

Joanne Gruber
Professional Stylist
Joanne Gruber is the owner of The Closet Stylist, a personal style service combining wardrobe editing with organization. She has worked in the fashion and style industries for over 10 years.

Joanne Gruber

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Yes! Corduroy has definitely made a resurgence. Some brands are doing thicker, old-school corduroy, but we're also seeing a lot of micro-corduroy, which has a smaller grain, almost like a velvet. It adds a great texture to any outfit.