I Tried the Work Pants Trend That Celebs and Stylists Have Co-Signed

Dress pants are such an easy way to turn something as simple as a white T-shirt into a sleek, elegant outfit that’s worthy of the office. As you transition your wardrobe from summer to fall, celebrity stylist Chaise Dennis tells PEOPLE “pants that land somewhere between tailored and relaxed” are trending this season, and a loose pair of slacks checks off both these requirements.

Case in point: Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Katie Holmes, and Scarlett Johansson are hopping on the trend, having incorporated sleek work pants into their streetwear looks. I was originally skeptical about the comfort of slacks, but after wearing a lightweight and very stretchy pair for nine hours, I’m convinced they’re just as good as sweatpants. 

Read on to learn more about my favorite pair and shop additional styles starting at $20 from popular brands like Madewell, Nordstrom, Amazon, and more.

Work Pants Inspired by Stylists and Celebs

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Sloane Tailored Wide-Leg Pants

These pants were a lifesaver when I got called to jury duty. The waistband was so stretchy I didn’t have to worry about it digging into my skin after lunch. I prefer the curvy fit since it has a little extra material in the thighs so I can actually pull them past my hips. Plus, the wide legs had a relaxed, airy feel that let me bend and walk with ease — I honestly felt like I could jog in them. And after a nine hour day, I wasn’t in a rush to take them off. I will note, the material can be prone to pilling between the legs, but after using a fabric shaver, it looks as good as new.

Ewedoos Wide-Leg Work Pants

While these work pants have the tailored look of slacks, one reviewer wrote they’re “so comfy it feels illegal to wear to work.” The top pleats give them a structured look you can pair with a button-up or a loose blouse for an office-friendly look. Plus, the material is wrinkle-free, which will save you from steaming it in the mornings. Another shopper applauded the weightless feel and described the bottoms as like “wearing lightweight sweatpants.”

Nordstrom Bootcut Pants

Nordstrom’s bootcut pants hit another celeb-worn trend: flare bottoms. Instead of a straight or wide, loose feel, these dress pants have a fitted look from the thigh to the knee that subtly flare out at the ankle. It’s a universally flattering fit, according to stylists, and it can help elongate your legs. The pants are made with a smooth, soft viscose material that’s stretchy yet retains shape, so you can go from the office to happy hour without worrying about saggy material.

Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Flare Leg Pants

Dlooda Bootcut Dress Pants

Open Edit The Icon Trousers

Madewell High-Rise Bootcut Trouser