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December 4, 2024

Upgrade Your Office Wardrobe With the 8 Best Work Pants for Women

Source: iStock.com/Diamond Dogs

Raise your hand if you’ve ever tried to survive an eight-hour workday in uncomfortable pants. 

Luckily, office fashion has come a long way from stiff suits and sky-high heels. Today’s workwear is polished and versatile but more comfortable than ever—no more counting the minutes until you can change. 

If you want to find the best work pants for women, read our helpful guide. These trousers will help you feel confident in tackling whatever the day throws at you. 

8 best women's dress pants for work

These eight comfortable dress pants for women will effortlessly take you from Monday meetings to after-work happy hours.

1. Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight-Leg Pants 

Black Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight-Leg Pants on a mannequin against a white background.
Source: ThredUp

The Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight-Leg Pants check every box. These versatile and comfortable trousers are available in sizes XS through XL and multiple inseam options, from 26 to 32 inches. They have a pull-on waistband, and the rayon, nylon, and spandex fabric is comfortably stretchy. 

What we love 

The straight-leg cut of these pants gives them a casual yet stylish vibe. Dress them down with a classic white T-shirt or up with a fitted blazer. They’re wrinkle-resistant, great for busy days and long commutes, and with the range of colors available, there’s sure to be something that suits your personal style. 

Considerations 

The four-way stretch of these pants makes them an excellent choice for a lot of people, but the size range is somewhat limited. The faux pockets could also be a drawback if you like carrying small items without using a handbag.

How to wear them

Quince’s Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight-Leg Pants are ideal for business meetings, after-work drinks, and everything in between. These adaptable pants look great styled with loafers or heels. 

2. Abercrombie & Fitch Slim Straight Tailored Pants

Dark blue Abercrombie & Fitch Slim Straight Tailored Pants on a mannequin against a white background.
Source: ThredUp

The Abercrombie & Fitch Slim Straight Tailored Pants are a top pick for refined office wear. These flattering trousers look excellent on a wide range of body types, fitting sizes 24 to 34 with short, regular, and long inseam options. They’re made of a viscose, elastane, polyester, and recycled polyester fabric blend, which makes them stretchy but structured. 

What we love 

These ultra-high-rise pants, which have a straight fit and are made of Abercrombie’s menswear fabric, are available in gorgeous neutrals: black, light taupe, dark gray, and navy. The cut makes them perfect for wearing with cropped blazers and tucked-in blouses, and the hook-and-bar closure is super sleek. 

Considerations 

These work pants don’t have pockets, which might be a dealbreaker for some people. The fabric is lightweight, which is excellent for moving around the office but might wrinkle easily. 

How to wear them

These pants keep you looking sharp. Wear them with pointed-toe flats and a Gucci purse to make a professional impression at business meetings and work lunches. 

3. Madewell Harlow Wide-Leg Pants

Black Madewell Harlow Wide-Leg Pants on a mannequin against a white background.
Source: ThredUp

Madewell’s Harlow Wide-Leg Pants breathe new life into your work wardrobe. These high-waisted trousers are available in sizes 00 through 16, with standard, plus, petite, and tall fits, so they’re ideal for women of many body types. 

What we love 

The Harlow Pants are breathable thanks to the drapey TENCEL lyocell and linen twill blend, so you can wear them in summer without overheating. They have cute sailor-inspired button tabs, and the range of colors lets you express your unique style. Choose from black, acorn, harvest moon, faded ivy, dark forest, and smoky grape. 

Considerations 

These work pants aren’t ideal for winter since they’re lightweight. They may wrinkle easily, so iron or steam them before wearing. 

How to wear them

Pair the Madewell Harlow Wide-Leg Pants with a fitted tank top, statement belt, and shoes like slingback pumps and block heels. This looks effortless and transitions seamlessly from desk to dinner. 

4. Lululemon High-Rise Ribbed Mini-Flared Pants

Black Lululemon High-Rise Ribbed Mini-Flared Pants on a mannequin against a white background.
Source: ThredUp

If you dream of yoga-level comfort at work, you’re in luck. The Lululemon High-Rise Ribbed Mini-Flared Pants are undoubtedly the most comfortable pants for your weekdays. They look professional enough for the office but also work for the gym. Sizes run from 0 through 2, and your color options are black, slate, navy, and espresso. 

What we love 

These pull-on flare pants have a smooth waistband and ribbed Nulu fabric. They’re stretchy, buttery-soft, and retain their shape well. The flare is subtle but distinct, and the pants reach just above the ground for most women. 

Considerations 

The flared silhouette may not suit all body types. They’re best for casual dress codes if you wear them to work.

How to wear them

Wear Lululemon High-Rise Ribbed Mini-Flared Pants on casual Fridays with an oversized blazer. They’re also perfect for work-from-home days when you want to feel put-together but cozy. 

5. Everlane Organic Straight-Leg Pants

Brown Everlane Organic Straight-Leg Pants on a mannequin against a white background.
Source: ThredUp

Everlane’s Organic Straight-Leg Pants are chic and elegant, with a high waist and cropped hem. These work pants, made of organic cotton twill fabric, are available in sizes 00 through 16. They’re sturdy and soft for long days at your desk. Grab them in colors like bone and pumice stone. 

What we love 

The cropped length of these pants makes them ideal for warmer weather. Thanks to the minimal design, you can wear them with white sneakers (which go with everything), loafers, and heels. They’re subtly stretchy, with a slim fit through the hips and thighs. 

Considerations 

If you’re tall, you might find the cropped hem of these trousers too short. Because the waistband isn’t stretchy, it might feel too snug.

How to wear them

Wear these pants with ankle boots and a tucked-in blouse. You can also style them with a tank top, a long cardigan, and flats.

6. Spanx Perfect Kick Flare Ponte Pant

Dark blue Spanx Perfect Kick Flare Ponte Pants on a mannequin against a white background.
Source: ThredUp

These Spanx pants are the ultimate shapewear work pants for women. They’re flattering and sculpting, with a full-on design and hidden tummy-control panel. Available in sizes XS through 3X, they smooth and shape any body in all the right places with their stretchy rayon, nylon, and elastane mix. 

What we love 

The thick ponte fabric of these pants gives them a polished appearance. Their flared hem is super trendy—ideal if you work in a more modern environment—and they’re comfortable enough to wear all day. Spanx’s Perfect Kick Flare Ponte Pants are available in classic black and fits including regular, petite, petite plus, and plus fits. 

Considerations 

These pants have a rather slim fit, which may not appeal to you if you prefer a looser silhouette. There are no pockets, but they do look fantastic with different types of purses to carry your essentials. 

How to wear them

Pair these pants with heeled mules and a cropped blazer. This fashion-forward look is perfect for presentations, conferences, and networking events. 

7. Reformation Mason Pants 

Brown Reformation Mason Pants on a mannequin against a white background.
Source: ThredUp

Reformation’s Mason Pants are wide-leg, flowy, and ideal for taller people. They have a fitted waist and a relaxed fit through the thighs and hips. They’re available in sizes 0 through 12 and have an inseam of up to 32 inches. Pick from colors like black currant, slate stripe, charcoal, khaki, and poppyseed. 

What we love 

The Mason Pants are made of sustainable Tencel fabric. The design is flattering, and the fit is breezy. Functional details take these trousers to the next level—pockets, pleats, a finished hem, and front buttons. 

Considerations 

These pants’ lightweight fabric may wrinkle easily. Iron and hang them the night before to get out the door faster in the morning.

How to wear them

Pair Reformation’s Mason Pants with a fitted knit top and statement heels in cool weather. In spring and summer, swap the knit top for a fitted tank. 

8. American Giant Ponte Joggers 

Brown American Giant Ponte Joggers on a mannequin against a white background.
Source: ThredUp

The Ponte Joggers from American Giant are the ultimate casual work pants. While they’re not designed as workwear, they’re perfect for professionals on the go, whether you’re heading on a long flight for a business trip or commuting for hours. They’re available in sizes XS through XL and made of pro modal, nylon, and spandex fabric. 

What we love

These joggers have a polished slim fit, a tailored waistband, side pockets, and tapered legs. They’re stretchy and cozy and look great straight out of a suitcase. These pull-on pants are available in super black, beech, deep olive, and heritage navy. 

Considerations

American Giant’s Ponte Joggers are very casual and may not work in formal office settings. However, you can wear them for travel, casual days, late nights, and when heading to and from your desk.

How to wear them

Dress these pants up with a tailored sweater and sleek sneakers for the airport or casual work dinner. If you need to make them work for casual Friday, wear them with a blouse, ankle boots, and a fitted blazer. 

Find the best pants for work on ThredUp

Dressing for work shouldn’t hold you back style-wise. From tailored skinny pants to wide-leg trousers, today’s work pants have evolved, making it easy to look polished and professional while showcasing your personal aesthetic. 

If you’re hunting for affordable office wear, ThredUp offers an extensive selection of work pants. Visit our website to browse thousands of preloved items from top brands in different styles, sizes, and fits at wallet-friendly prices.

If you need a little help styling your picks, our Style Chat feature offers real-time fashion advice and outfit inspiration. Brainstorm new looks and find the pieces in no time so you can build your office wardrobe.