If the word “trousers” feels fancier than just “pants,” that’s because they literally are more formal. So, suspicion confirmed! Typically, they’re structured, tailored, and importantly, not denim. But because trousers are a tad more specific, they can also be trickier to style. Do you lean into the business-casual vibes? Or do you make them look effortless and chic? These are the important questions I ask myself while getting ready each morning—I envision a cute outfit with trousers in my head, only to give up and reach for literally any other pair of pants because I’m in a rush.
But that ends today! The first thing I do when I’m in desperate need of fashion inspo is turn to street-style stars. They’re pros for a reason, and there’s no shortage of suggestions on how to style trousers into your fall fashion rotation.
From ultra-cool button-downs with ties and statement coats to minimal blazers and boots, I rounded up 15 outfits to try out for yourself. Consider this all the intel you need if you find yourself wondering how to style trousers. You’ll also get plenty of ideas about which tops work best with certain trousers, like white tees, cardigans, and yes, even halter tops. Oh, and for even more fashion inspo, check out the biggest trends of fall 2025, including bag trends, shoe trends, and jewelry trends.
Party on Top
Banana Republic High-Rise Wide-Leg Studio Pant
Lacoste Small Lenglen Leather Bag
A halter top looks soooo good with trousers (this show-stopping ensemble is proof). The skin-baring top really balances out this type of bottoms. And if you’re going for a bold moment, there’s no better way to do it than with vivid green and a textured silver top. Like, my jaw is on the ground over this combo.
Moto Chic
J.VER Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt
Levi’s Faux Leather Moto Jacket
Now 42% Off
Aritzia The Effortless Pant
Time to break out the forest green pants for fall. This deep hue makes a white-button down really stand out, especially against a black leather jacket. Depending on the weather you can actually wear the jacket… or simply drape it over your shoulders. Burgundy shoes and a white bag pull the whole look together, and edgy details like silver hardware and buckles of the jacket complement the black belt.
Head-to-Toe Neutrals
Mott & Bow Everyday Cotton Crew Tee
A cropped, kick-flare trouser is a great way to show off your footwear, whether it’s a pair of high heels or textured boots. This also means your top can be simple yet classic. Throw on a white T-shirt as your base, then top it off with a blazer in a similar (but not exact!) shade of your pants. This creates more dimension while keeping things minimal and sleek. Finish it with some gold jewelry and you’ve got yourself a go-to outfit.
Preppy Cool
Line & Dot Alexis Sweater
Now 40% Off
Ray-Ban Gold/Crystal Lens
Just because your trousers might be on the roomy side doesn’t mean you can’t make them look sophisticated. Balance out the exaggerated silhouette with a slim-fitting cardigan that’s tweed or plaid, add some classic flats or slingbacks, and you’re done! Wasn’t that easy?
Statement Outerwear
Line & Dot Chelsea Jacket
Tuckernuck White Puffed Shoulder Shirt
Open Edit The Curator Trousers
Burgundy and rust-colored hues are great for the season and add warmth to grey trousers. French tuck a white button-down shirt, then bring the drama with a longer coat or trench. Bonus if your Labubu matches.
Tonal in Tans
Polo Ralph Lauren Long Sleeve Button Down
DORKEIXIA Leopard Print Tie
Citizens of Humanity Petra Pleated Trousers
Sport your stripes (and spots). To keep the focus on the fun mixed prints, keeping the rest of your outfit monochrome with a tan trench, khaki trousers, and a beige heel is key. A chocolate-hued bag keeps it in the family of browns without everything looking too matchy-matchy.
Rich Browns
Reformation Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
Oak and Fort Oversized Trench Coat
Speaking of brown, the color actually pairs well with grey. Style grey trousers with a dark brown sweater, and then keep adding to it with a coat, bag, and shoes in the same hue. It’s instantly elevated and sophisticated.
Bomber Jacket + Sneakers
Endless Rose Oversize Wool Blend Bomber Jacket
Beyond Yoga Status Trousers
VIVAIA Square Toe Sneakerina
It’s giving aviation! Bundle up with an oversized bomber jacket if you want your trouser ensemble to feel a bit more casual, and then add some ballet sneakers for when those days when you’re out, about, and walking 10,000 steps.
Scene-Stealing Accessories
Amszke Woven Leather Tote Bag
GENSHUO Low Kitten Heel
Now 28% Off
Office-siren glasses, gold hoops, a woven bag, patent leather shoes, and a tie turn a pair of basic trousers into a full-blown moment. If you have a work presentation or important meeting, this look will absolutely help seal the deal. Obviously, you don’t have to pile on all of these things at once—feel free to pick and choose what combo what makes sense for your style! But at the end of the day, textures, metallics, and playful shapes are your friends when it comes to accessories.
All Black
Madewell Dimes Kitten Heel Boots
It’s a tried and true outfit formula, so why reinvent the wheel? You don’t have to wrack your brain wondering what goes with black trousers when the answer is clearly a black coat, bag, and boots. Duh.
Grey + a Pop of Color
Italian Wool Classic Single-Breasted Coat
Now 71% Off
Kara Yoo Maeva Earrings + Small Drops
Now 55% Off
Dolce Vita Arya Boots Wine Leather
Grey is a classic for a reason, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. An eye-catching print and burgundy shoes make it both polished and playful. Because what is fashion if it’s not fun, right?
All About Structure
SIMONMILLER Loch Button Up Shirt
st. Moran Curb Chain Necklace in Gold
Bet you didn’t think of pairing your trousers with a balloon-sleeve top, but voila! Add a statement chain necklace and heels, and you’ve got yourself a brand-new look.
Silk Top + Sandals
Reformation Clarissa Silk Top
Now 50% Off
TKEES Square Toe Millie Sandals
Some trousers can be super high-waisted, so a good styling tip when you pair them with a buttoned top is to leave a few undone to make things more breezy. A silky shirt or tank also creates this effect, and once you add a stylish bag and “don’t bother me” sunglasses, you’ll look v chic.
White Top + Sneakers
Artfish Ribbed Scoop Neck TEE
PUMA Palermo Sneakers
Now 31% Off
For that model off-duty style (in which EmRata, pictured here, is literally a model and off duty), a cropped white tank top, tan coat, and casual black sneakers give an effortless vibe to your whole outfit.
Prints on Prints
BP. Oversize Classic Square Sunglasses
Sezane Martin Crop Trouser
Vince Camuto Eloise Mary Jane Flat
No one will be able to miss your trousers when they also come in a coordinating shirt! The rest of your accessories, like bold sunglasses and black flats, are just the cherry on top.
I’m Cosmopolitan’s Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.
