Every woman needs a pair of black pants in her wardrobe. It’s a classic for a reason – a pair of well-tailored black trousers instantly puts you together, taking you from a Monday morning meeting to an after-work dinner date. Heck, nowadays you’ll want to show them off at weekend brunch with the girls too.
But there’s no denying it can be tricky to find the right pair for you. There are just so many options out there! So we asked Nicole Adolphe, THE ICONIC’s Head of Style, what styles will be popular this season and according to her, it’s all about the “high-waisted wide-leg or straight leg black pants with a waistband”.
She adds, “They work well with boots, heels or sneakers and can be dressed up or down, depending on what you team up top. Go for a more tailored feel with both the cut and the fabrication. Add a belt to elevate the look.”
Her pick for this winter? “A wide-leg, high-waisted tailored trousers perfect for work but also trending right now as a casual street style look,” she says.
Below, find out favourite picks that tick all the right boxes – from the oh-so-wide trouser, to the beautifully tailored and the cropped pant perfect for the office, this list of women’s black pants are chic, trendy and comfortable for both work and play.
BEST OVERALL BLACK PANTS FOR WOMEN
Atmos & Here Ankle Grazer Pants, $35.99 (down from $59.99) at THE ICONIC
These pants are one of THE ICONIC’s bestsellers and for good reason. The Ankle Grazer Pant from Atmos & Here is basic black pant that won’t break the bank. The slim leg and cropped style is super flattering on everyone and trust us when we say it’s the ‘perfect work trouser’ because it goes with everything. It’s made from a recycled polyester and elastane blend, so you know they’ll stretch with your body and fit comfortably throughout the day. Plus, it’s a massive 40 per cent off right now at THE ICONIC Frenzy sale.
Preview Wide Leg Pants, $40 (down from $50) at Target
You don’t have to break the bank for a stylish work wardrobe.
Coming in at just $50, these Wide Leg Pants from Target have been making the rounds on TikTok, with many falling in love with the versatile (and affordable) pants.
One creator said, “Target is in their slay era”, calling them perfect for a “capsule wardrobe”. Another praised the “incredible quality” of the piece. The Preview Wide Leg Pants offer a 6-20 size range, with a stretchy fit, side and back pockets and a tailored, wide leg design.
Katies Regular Classic Pants Black, $32.39 (down from $49.99) at OZSALE
Complete (or update) your capsule collection with these pair of classic black pants from Katies. Providing both style and comfort, the high waist, slim cut, and ankle-grazing length means these pants will no doubt become a staple in your office wardrobe. They also promise to be comfy and stretchy, thanks to the added elastane – perfect for busy days in the office or let’s be honest, when you’re sitting at your desk for hours on end. Coming in sizes 8-20 with a timeless style that is super flattering on everyone, you’ll be reaching for these pants over and over again.
Jamie Suiting Pant, $41.99 (down from $59.99) at Cotton On
They’re all over your TikTok and for good reason – the Jamie Suiting Pant feature a mid to low rise waist with a contrast detail that can be folded over and side pockets.
As seen on your favourite Aussie influencers, shoppers have been raving about the fit and feel on the pants.
“Super flattering pants! Able to dress up/down accordingly,” wrote a happy customer on Cotton On’s website. “Most comfortable suit pant I’ve ever had!” another exclaimed.
Stradivarius wide leg relaxed dad pants in black, $44.50 (down from $52) at ASOS
For an effortlessly cool girl aesthetic, let us introduce you to Barcelona brand Stradivarius, which is available at ASOS. These ‘dad pants’ feature a high rise, stretch-back waistband for maximum comfort, as well as an on-trend relaxed wide-leg. And they are under $50!
TikTokers have been raving about the pants, with one declaring it the “perfect black trouser” and “so comfortable”. The length is perfect for tall gals – i.e. they will not cut off at the ankle – but for the shorter ladies, don’t call your tailor just yet, as it also comes in petite. Be warned, sizing runs on the smaller end so size up for that relaxed look.
AERE Straight Leg Leather Pants, $336 (down from $480) at THE ICONIC
Inject cool glam into your wardrobe with a pair of leather or pleather pants. It’s a ‘must-have’ this season according to Nicole and an easy way to elevate the classic black pant. Nicole loves these ones from Sydney label AERE, which are made from genuine lamb leather and features a high-waist and straight leg cut.
“They are a great, versatile option as you can wear them at work with a blazer or on the weekend with a heel during winter for dinner and drinks,” says Nicole.
For an affordable alternative, another of Nicole’s favourite styles is the Calli Flora Pants ($109.95) made from faux leather.
Dickies Women’s Flat Front Stretch Twill Pant from $45.29 at Amazon Australia
With thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, these flat front twill pant from Dickies have been described as being the “best work pants ever” and “super comfortable, just enough stretch in them to be able to bend down often with ease”.
They’re made from a 97 per cent cotton and 3 per cent spandex blend, so you know these will be comfortable enough to wear all day long. They’re a slim fit with a contoured waistband which helps minimise any gapping in the back of your pants.
BEST WIDE LEG BLACK PANTS FOR WOMEN
Core Linen Waisted Pant, $149.95 at Seed Heritage
High-waisted? Tick. Wide-legged? Tick. Linen? Tick, but make it French.
For statement pants that’ll steal the show but still offer comfort, you can’t go past these Seed Heritage pants in their ‘Core Linen’ range. Think beautifully crafted staples with a premium look and feel that you’ll reach for season after season. We see these being worn to death in both the hotter and colder months, and both in the office and on days off. Honestly, you’ll be wearing these all year round.
WILLA Benny Pants, $109.95 at THE ICONIC
Comfort on the top of your list? Look no further than these pants from WILLA, a contemporary workwear brand created for the modern woman. Designed in Australia, these pants feature an elasticated waist so you know they’ll be super comfy but the luxe sheen means it’s still polished enough option to wear to work. It’s also one of Nicole’s favourite styles this season!
Dazie Rozalia Wide Leg Pants, $79.99 at THE ICONIC
For under $80 and with the must-have slightly wide length shape, these black pants are the perfect addition to your wardrobe – and they just so happen to be one of THE ICONIC’s bestsellers.
These are made from a lightweight, non-stretch twill so they retain a tailored work pant silhouette.
BEST TAILORED BLACK PANTS FOR WOMEN
Pleat Front Trouser, $149.95 at Seed Heritage
If you’re a fan of pleats and who isn’t, you’re going to love these trousers from Seed Heritage. Oozing style and sophistication, the straight leg is slightly cropped at the bottom, giving you plenty of room to show off your fabulous shoe of choice. We also love that it comes with front and back pockets – because what’s worse than a pair of pants without pockets?
4th & Reckless Mirielle Trouser, $100 at THE ICONIC
The brand 4th & Reckless is all about mixing classic tailoring with key trend pieces, and this pair of trousers proves it. The tailoring, high-waist, and wide (but not too wide) leg is so on trend this season, and we see it being worn to death at the office and after hours. “I love this pair as the asymmetrical waistband adds detail and the cut is on point,” says Nicole.
The Frankie Shop Gelso Pleated Tailored Trousers, $284 at MATCHESFASHION
If you’re willing to spend on black pants that you know you’re going to wear everyday, opt for this pair from The Frankie Shop. The tailored pants are slightly cinched in at the waist and fit more relaxed down the leg.
Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout’s eCommerce content co-ordinator, says these pants quickly became her “go-to” pair of black pants.
“I love the pleats and the relaxed fit making them super comfy to wear during the office all day,” she says.
They are on the more expensive side, but it’s a purchase Phillipa says “you won’t regret”.
Plus, she has a hot tip. “Matches often has great sales so make sure you add to your wishlist and just wait for that email to come through to let you know they’re on sale,” she said.
Annalee Pants, $49.99 at Forcast
Forcast is a brand known for creating quality yet affordable workwear staples – and these Annalee pants are no exception. Sitting at a great price point, they have a highly flattering and elegant cigarette pant fit, and come in a variety of colourways (not just black).
They’re made from 96 per cent polyester and 4 per cent spandex so they’ve got just the right amount of stretch too.
BEST CROPPED BLACK PANTS FOR WOMEN
Slim Fit Ankle Grazer Trousers with Stretch, $48.99 at Marks & Spencer
Another great affordable pick is this pair from Marks & Spencer with an average rating of 4 out of five from over 300 five-star reviews. Happy customers describe them as “beautiful trousers”, noting their “fabulous quality and great fit”.
The pants offer a modern slim fit that is designed to show off your figure, while still feeling super comfortable and practical. They’re also priced at just under $50, so really, what more could you ask for?
Structured Culotte, $179 at Country Road
These gorgeous wide leg culottes have racked up an average rating of 4.8 out of five on the Country Road website. You’ve got the benefits of a comfy wide leg, coupled with a cropped length so you can show off your gorgeous shoes.
They’re made from a recycled polyester blend and we love the addition of the waistband and elasticated back to provide some much needed comfort.
Slim Cropped Pant, $99.95 at Witchery
Named the “perfect pants” by over 250 five-star reviewers, the Slim Cropped Pant from Witchery is a must-have for those building out their workwear capsule wardrobe.
They offer a mid-rise fit with a slim, cropped and tailored leg to show off your body shape.
HOW TO PICK THE BEST WORK PANTS?
Let’s face it, building the perfect workwear wardrobe is no easy task. You need to have a variety of good-quality pieces that you can easily mix and match to create different outfits that you feel comfortable in.
Nicole Adolphe, THE ICONIC’s Head of Style, agrees that choosing the perfect pair of black pants can be a challenge.
“There are so many styles, cuts and fits, and you want to choose a pair that you’ll get the most wear out of.”
Nicole says to “really think about the fit you want. If you want to be comfortable, a wide leg is the place to start. Wide leg pants are trending right now as they can take you from the desk to the bar. A straight leg pant is a classic to opt for that is timeless if you are looking for an investment pair of black pants.”
Nicole also recommends looking out for the waistline, as you’ll need to decide whether you want a high, low or mid-waisted cut.
HOW TO STYLE BLACK PANTS FOR WORK?
When you’re thinking about how to style your black pants for the office, it’s essential you nail the dress code. Think about what the vibe of your office is like, and what may be deemed appropriate or inappropriate.
If you’re in a corporate job, Nicole recommends opting for a cropped or straight leg black pants.
“They allow you to rotate what you wear up top without needing too many bottoms to match. Team with a shirt, lightweight knit or silk cami. A crop or ankle grazer pant means you can show off your shoes.”
Is your workplace a bit more casual?
Nicole says to go for a high-waisted black pant styled with a cropped tee or tank top, or even the matching waistcoat look.
More Coverage
“If you need to run to a more professional meeting or event, pop on a blazer to elevate the look.“
To get the best price on every purchase, be sure to stop by news.com.au Coupons, where you’ll be able to score savings on top brands and Aussie favourites from Country Road to Bed Threads.
Lastly, sign up to the free news.com.au checkout newsletter here for all the latest shopping news.
Originally published as Best black pants for women to buy in Australia in 2023
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ7wqGcnKOfqsFwssCsn6KnnmKur7CMmpqcnaOovLO1xKxmnKSfqbWqusZomaispKS6tHvBnqqtZZKhrqS3jKmYp6yjYrOwvoywpqadnmS7psPSZqqtp6KufHaEj3GcbG1lZa54gpNqa3FplGt%2BprCRcW9vnmJqg6SB