High-Rise Cameron Pant
J.Crew
The more ways you can wear a certain piece, the more essential it becomes in your workwear rotation. For our associate story producer Elena Matarazzo, the High-rise Cameron Pant has been styled and restyled an endless amount of times since their first wear. “These J.Crew stretchy but structured work pants are the first business casual pants that I purchased during college,” she says. “For folks who love a higher rise these are a perfect multi use pant that can be dressed up or down. Two easy ways to style include an oxford button tucked in with loafers or a cropped sweater with tennis shoes for a more casual OOO look.”
Zara Wide-Leg Linen Pants
Zara
When it comes to quality workwear that’s still budget-friendly, you can’t go wrong with basics from Zara. Thanks to its timeless silhouette and European Linen threads, these wide-leg pants are designed to outlive any trendy trouser. Not only do Zara’s pieces withstand dozens of washes like our other top picks, but they’ve been in our closets for several years. In fact, for Stephanie Hallet, our senior personal finance editor, the Zara Wide-Leg Linen Pants have had quite the shelf life before making their way to her own.
“I confess that my favorite postpartum work pants are a pair of hand-me-down linen trousers my best friend gave me after her first baby, but these Zara pants are a facsimile. They are so comfortable, get softer each time you wash them, and actually look quite chic with a button-down shirt (breastfeeding-friendly!) and a good necklace or pair of earrings,” said Hallet.
M.M.LaFleur The Foster Pant
M.M.LaFleur
Several of us on the Insider Reviews team own the Foster from M.M.LaFleur, and they’re some of the best overall work pants we’ve come across. The silhouette is sleek, classic, and versatile enough that you can wear it casually on the weekend too. What really differentiates these pants though is the adjustable hem, a rare feature that lets you instantly change the length. We also like how the stretchy material holds up to its wrinkle-resistant claims so you look as polished at the end of the day as you did walking out the door.
Eileen Fisher Stretch Crepe Slim Ankle Pants
Nordstrom
When it comes to quality basics, we could easily fill up an entire wardrobe with Eileen Fisher’s minimalist designs. The brand’s Stretch Crepe Slim Ankle Pants have a pull-on style and feature all the comfort of a legging, but with a straight-leg silhouette you can dress up with heels or loafers. You can choose from classic black or an elegant off-white color, but take note that the off-white is fairly transparent.
Everlane The Dream Pant
Everlane
If you dread the idea of returning to “hard pants,” the Everlane Dream Pant is here to bridge the gap between joggers and formal slacks. It’s made with a soft cotton/modal blend but cut into a tailored silhouette with pintucked details. They’ll feel more professional when paired with a button-down or blouse, but you can just as easily pair these pants with a T-shirt too. Like the Foster, the Dream Pant is made with a wrinkle-resistant material to keep you looking fresh from 9am to 9pm.
Spanx Perfect Pant Collection
Spanx
Spanx took its popular shaping technology and turned it into a line of work pants that’s entirely machine-washable. Dubbed “The Perfect Pant Collection,” the four styles include two skinny fits, a straight leg, and a high-rise flare.
You can find our full review of the collection here, but the short version is that each is made with a thick, comfortable ponte fabric that looks professional while feeling like a pair of leggings. Another plus is the inclusive size range and the option to choose petite, regular, or tall lengths.
Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant
Athleta
Similar to Everlane’s Dream Pant, the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant is a hybrid style you can wear from work to the weekend. One reviewer notes they’ve worn these pants for a hiking trip and even out to a nice dinner.
Though they might not be the best match for formal office settings, the Brooklyn pant has plenty of range thanks to its performance material: it’s quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, breathable, machine-washable, and has a sun-protection rating of UPF 50+. Even better, these pants are sustainably made from recycled water bottles.
ADAY Turn It Up Pant
ADAY
The ADAY ethos is anchored in sustainability, versatility, and simplicity, with designs that help you “do more with less.” The brand’s Turn it Up Pant blends the silhouette of traditional trousers with modern details like an elastic waistband and a washable material.
The legs are made to be cuffed for an alternate look, but if you decide you’d rather have them hemmed, ADAY will actually give you a $15 gift card if you send in a copy of your tailoring receipt.
Big Bud Press Trousers
Big Bud Press
Big Bud Press is a gender-inclusive brand that makes comfy clothing in a wide range of shades and sizes. Associate Story Producer, Maiya Pascouche has been absolutely obsessed with the brand since buying her first pair of pants. “My recent favorite work pants are their trousers,” she shares, “which have the perfect, tummy flattering pleat on the front and an elastic waistband. I only have them in off-white at the moment, but you can bet I’m stocking up on fall tones ASAP.”