10 Types Of Pants For Women That Are Must-Haves As Wardrobe Basics

As the name suggests, straight-leg trousers or pants feature a stream-lined straight cut from the waistline till the hem. They aren't mean to stick to your legs and have enough room to make you feel (and look) at ease, unlike skinny pants. These trousers flatter most body types and are a must-have if you are looking for a pair of trousers that will never go out of style! A popular type of straight-leg pants are cigarette trousers that are well-loved among everyone for the illusion of a flattened stomach because of the wide-waist band and fitted silhouette at the thighs.

Styling Tips: As this style of pants is a little form-fitted, team it with a slightly loose-fitted top like a blouson.

Occasion To Wear: Formal and semi-formal 

You cannot draft a list of different types of pants for women without our saviour for the summers. Culottes are a type of flared pants that cut off right below the knees and above the ankles. As they are supposed to be flared, the hem is wider, which make this type of pants perfect for wearing on a hot summer day when you want to wear something a bit more breathable yet stylish. They pair well with most fitted tops, blouses and shirts since they offset the loose silhouette of the culottes. Opt for pants that come in a stiff fabric for a more formal look or go the breezy way with a pair in a soft, flowy fabric that'll also give you the illusion of looking taller. You can also always play with different colours and prints in case you want to add a burst of colour to your looks!

Styling Tips: Wear a fitted top to balance the loose silhouette. A crop top would also work well to break the outfit over a flowy top which might make the overall look bulky.

Occasion To Wear: Semi formal and casual

Another type of flared pants; the key difference between culottes and palazzos is that while culottes are cut-off above the ankles, palazzos are much longer. Palazzos are long, fuller, dressier and often made of flowing fabrics like silk or georgette to lend it that slightly laidback breezy feel. You can always opt for a cropped top or bralette for a chic look too. 

Styling Tips: Opt for a cropped top or bralette. Or, a skin-fitted ganji top for a laidback look.

Occasion To Wear: Formal or semi formal

When you are looking for different styles of pants for women, leggings almost always make the list for being most of our wardrobe staple. Classic, sleek and probably (one of the most comfortable types of pants for women) leggings are the perfect addition to anyone's wardrobe for everyday wear. They are made with stretchy, comfortable, and breathable materials and a simple design. Opt for the ones in solid colours for formal outings or even everyday workwear or, get the activewear ones mixed with lycra for workouts since they are super flexible and perfect for high-intensity activities.

LBB-tip: Best leggings brands to check out

Styling Tips: Doesn't matter what you wear with this type of pants for your workout but we would favour a nice sports bra or tank top. For a more put together look, a crisp button down or a wrap top can look nice paired with a formal pair of leggings.

Occasion To Wear: Formal, semi formal or casual

Denims are a staple part of the different types of pants for women. They are a no-brainer because they match with literally anything. As far as colours are concerned, a classic washed blue shall always remain a safe especially when you want to play along the lines of casual. But, the only point that requires attention as far as buying denim jeans are concerned is the fit, so you would want to try different ones — be it a skinny, straight fit, boot cut, wide legged or flared. Denims are that one pair of pants that remain unaffected by trends and since the material's able to endure years of wear — a reliable addition to one's wardrobe.

Pro-tip: The ultimate guide to buying jeans 

Styling Tips: It of course depends on the type of jeans you are sporting but we do have some ideas for mom jeans and boyfriend jeans for you.

Occasion To Wear: Semi casual and casual

For dinner nights and boardroom meetings, nothing beats the combination of a button-down shirt and a pair of well-fitted tailored formal trousers. These types of pants for women are usually designed slim and are ankle-length trousers that do a fabulous job from transitioning from workwear to formal outings. Go for a slightly less fitted silhouette in case you don't like slim-fitted trousers. Style them with a satin shirt or one with flap back pockets if the vibe is semi-casual.

Styling Tips: A satin shirt or one with flap back pockets if the vibe is semi-casual. A satin camisole or corset will also look stunning with this type of pants for women.

Occasion To Wear: Formal and semi formal

Honestly, no one can do without a comfortable and cosy pair of sweatpants or joggers on their list of different styles of pants for women. Since jammies are your besties and the most ideal pair for your grocery and casual coffee runs, it's absolutely essential that you stock up on cute ones. If you ask us, we can basically live in our joggers and try dressing them up in case we plan to step out with a corset top or a stylised bodysuit.

Styling Tips: According to us,  joggers look fab with everything (with the exception of shirts, of course) but you can dress it up with a  corset top or a stylised bodysuit for a chic outing.

Occasion To Wear: Casual (strictly)

Victoria Beckham has made us all fall in love with baggy high-waisted trousers all over again. Of course, you can go for a slim-fit pair if baggy trousers tend to make you look drowned in fabric. The point is to go for a high-waisted pair that cinches in your waist and shows off your curves for a more dressy look. Wear them with any top you like and a pair of heels for a sophisticated night around town! 

Styling Tips: Wear them with any top you like and a pair of heels for a sophisticated look.

Occasion To Wear: Formal and semi formal

When you are talking about comfort and versatility coexisting in a type of pants for women, then flared pants definitely holds a spot. And, with flared pants becoming all the rage in the past few years, thanks to trends like old money aesthetic and minimalist fashion taking over our fashion choices, you definitely need a pair of each type in your closet! Wide leg trousers features a leg that flares out widely at the waist and remains wide all the way down to the ankle. It's a great choice for the summers too. 

Styling Tips: Go for a top with a cropped hemline to bring cous to your waist and balance the slouchiness of the bottoms.

Occasion To Wear: Formal, semi casual and casual 

Thanks to Y2K making a comeback in the past few years, cargos have become the coolest type of pants for women to own if you dig the streetwear dressing vibes. They look super nice on all body types — be it with fitted hems that graze above the ankles or straight fit ones that are slightly longer and are supposed to be worn with heeled shoes. Additionally, who wouldn’t want an extra pair of pockets in their pants?

Styling Tips: Check out our cargo pants outfit ideas here.

Occasion To Wear: Semi casual and casual