I may be a denim girlie, but I can understand the appeal of soft pants. There are definitely days when the thought of putting on jeans and actually buttoning them feels like a big ask. So for those days you want to feel comfortable but still look polished, I’ve put together eight casual chic outfit ideas with no jeans. Most of these you could even wear to the office! I included several pants options here including trousers, knit pants, silk pants, linen pants, and even track pants. These definitely lean more towards spring, but you could wear some of them right now. Add a layer underneath your sweater or pants and wear socks with your flats to make these more winter appropriate.
I have a few style notes that will help you make these soft pants feel more polished:
One, the more casual the pants, the more refined the other pieces of your outfit should be. For example, I’ve included a pair of black sweatpants below which you could totally wear to work if styled correctly. Pair them with more high end fabrics like cashmere or suede and add some polish with a structured jacket and a smart shoe. Yes, you can get away with wearing sweatpants to work. Trust. Only we will know.
Two, look for pants with an elasticized waist for maximum comfort. Personally, I think any pair of trousers feel like pajamas, but for even more comfort, choose a pair with a stretchy waist with no buttons.
Three, add accessories to complete the outfit. Adding a pair of chunky gold earrings and a structured bag make the overall look more polished and pulled together. You’ll also want to zhuzh up your hair and makeup a bit. Maybe add a sleek low bun or a braided ponytail to make it look like you put in some effort.
Casual Chic Outfits – No Jeans!
Outfit Formula: Cashmere Sweater + Structured Jacket + Sweatpants + Loafers
Style Notes: If you’re wearing sweatpants to work, make sure they are the kind that don’t taper at the ankle (i.e. no joggers!) A straight leg pair like this gives the illusion that these are actual pants (huzzah!) Because these pants are very casual (you could also wear them on the weekends with sneakers), I added some smart and structured pieces like a suede jacket and loafers. I also chose a cashmere sweater to really up the polish.
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Outfit Formula: Slouchy Sweater + Silk Pants + Slingback Flats
Style Notes: Why have I not thought of this before? Silk pants with an elasticized waist? Count me in for looking fancy while wearing pajamas! When wearing silk pants, you definitely want to avoid wearing a silk or satin top which will definitely look like you are wearing pajamas. I recommend combining textures here with a soft and slouchy knit (go for an undone front tuck) and some chic shoes for contrast. I added a tote bag for daytime functionality. Swap the bag for a clutch and put your hair in a bun and you’ve got a date night look!
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Outfit Formula: Leather Jacket + Trousers + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: I love this look for spring. In fact, I may have purchased this bag and these pants because of this look (hazards of the job.) These pants do have a button, but I think they are still loads more comfortable than jeans. To keep it casual, I paired them with a black tee (digging the contrast) and a leather bomber jacket. I included several leather jacket options below at different price points below, but I’m buying this one as soon as it comes back in stock. To soften the look, I added some ballet flats (I own these, and they are buttery soft) and a slouchy suede bag.
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Outfit Formula: Oversized Button Down + Knit Pants + Loafers
Style Notes: I love the texture of a pair of flowy rib knit pants. To takes these from loungewear to officewear (first, make sure they are in good condition (no shabby pants, please) and style them with some business casual mainstays like button downs and loafers. I recommend leaving the button down untucked for this look. A tote bag and smart loafers really polish it up. Be sure to add some jewelry and a pair of chic sunglasses, too.
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Outfit Formula: Chunky Knit + Track Pants + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: The combination of dressy and sporty is one of the best ways to make an interesting outfit. Track pants have been making the rounds on the trend lists for a couple years, and I think they are now even more mainstream (several retailers have been carrying them.) These feel cool and casual and look great with a beautiful knit with a white tee underneath. I went with the ‘wrong shoe theory’ here and added a pair of sweet ballet flats. I love how this turned out!
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Outfit Formula: Denim Shirt + Black Pants + Leopard Print Flats
Style Notes: Breaking the ‘no denim’ rule here with a denim shirt and black pants. These are the most ‘structured’ pants you’ll find on this list, but I own these and can attest that they are actually pretty comfortable with a relaxed fit. You could go with a denim shirt or a thicker denim shacket here. Try it buttoned all the way up or unbuttoned and layered with a tee to see what you prefer. I paired it with some leopard print ballet flats (on my spring wishlist!), a big suede tote (also on my wishlist, ha!), some silver earrings, and elegant sunglasses.
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Outfit Formula: Sweatshirt + Trousers + Trench Coat + Sneakers
Style Notes: There is nothing more comfortable than a sweatshirt and sneakers. Here, I’ve elevated them a bit with a pair of navy trousers and a chic trench coat. I often wear this outfit formula in my work-from-home/mom life. It’s so comfortable. And by the way, if you want to have a sweats day (we all do!) just throw a trench coat over your outfit if you have to leave the house. Instant polish!
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Outfit Formula: Cotton Sweater + Linen Pants + Woven Flats
Style Notes: When the weather warms up where you live, you can work in some linen pants to your outfits. They are chic and breathable and give that ‘old money’ vibe. I paired them with a slouchy cotton sweater (I actually just bought this one that is similar), some woven ballet flats, and a leopard print bag.
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