Shopping for work clothes might seem uninspiring, but don’t write off the best work pants as boring office attire. With elevated workwear trending across the runways, designers are leaning into polished, fashion-forward takes to make your 9-to-5 wardrobe a little more exciting. For those returning to the office for most of the week (or those who are just looking to revamp their current Monday-to-Friday edit), work pants with maximum functionality and versatility are the first order of business. Pick a silhouette you’ll go back to over and over, whether that’s a billowy wide leg, a simple straight leg, or a trendy slim fit.
And don’t worry: You can bring personality into your pair with a luxe fabric, a pop of color, or a sharply tailored hem. Even affordable options can look expensive thanks to a structured, streamlined look. In our edit below you’ll find editor-approved options across every category, from classic picks to trend-forward styles. From there, you can experiment with fresh ways to make these work pants truly feel like your own; for a no-fail outfit, we recommend a crisp button-down shirt and a tailored blazer. Ahead, shop the 30 best work pants for women.
Glamour’s work pants edit
Shop the Glamour Workwear Edit for more office-ready outfit ideas our editors are eyeing (and buying) now.
The best wide-leg work pants
In our book, flowy wide-leg pants are the most essential silhouette—and a chic place to begin. Often cut with a high-rise waistband and hems that hit right at the top of the foot, they’re available as pleated designs in lightweight fabrics, heavier wool blends for the coldest days of winter (or overactive office ACs), and roomy corduroy pairs that just feel right heading into 2026. Each of these picks styles perfectly with Fair Isle sweaters, suede boots, and a good belt.
The best straight-leg work pants
If you love the simplicity of straight-leg pants, you’re in good company with Glamour editors; the silhouette never goes out of style. Don’t be afraid to play with menswear-inspired motifs in this category. From a relaxed pinstripe pair to textured (and wrinkle-resistant!) wool trousers, these high-quality options look great with everything from oversized sweaters to cropped jackets. For off-duty occasions, we love styling straight-leg trousers with a silky tank top—there’s a playfulness to the balance of soft and structured.
Flared work pants
Flares and bootcuts may currently be trending within the world of denim, but they also make for sleek trouser silhouettes at the office, especially if you love to wear low heels or booties. (They look so chic just barely poking out of your pant legs.) Many of our editor picks highlight a high-waist or mid-rise fit, which look great with silk blouses and fitted tops tucked into the waistband. Add a heeled boot and sleek work bag, and you’re good to go.
Cropped work pants
Cropped work pants can be game-changers for petite frames—no extra tailoring required. You can find every silhouette imaginable, from slim-fit to cropped flares to trend-forward barrel shapes. Whichever way you go, these all pair perfectly with a simple cardigan, tailored wool coats, and timeless ballet flats for a classic look that’s also commuter-friendly. (In general, we’d suggest sticking to lower-profile shoes to keep your hem and shoe of choice from being at odds.)
Slim-fit work pants
If you can’t let go of your skinny jeans—or you’re reuniting with them as the look comes back into favor—women’s work pants with a slim fit are the perfect on-duty upgrade. You might immediately think of pull-on ponte styles, and we have you covered with the Anine Bing pair below. But to keep them from feeling too much like leggings, look for subtle tailoring details, like a defined waistband, center-front seams, and suiting materials. One of our favorite ways to wear this classic trouser silhouette is as part of a slim suit, so keep an eye out for a coordinated blazer with a nipped waist for a polished pairing.
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