How to wear pants to all the holiday parties
Take a chance on pants for everything from hanging with friends to festive fêtes
Whether you refer to it as the most wonderful time of the year, or simply party season, you can bet the holidays are going to be cold. But that's only one reason why I'm picking pants for every occasion. Sure, my legs will be warmer, but there's also the cool factor of being only one in a handful of merry-makers not wearing a dress. So how do you make pants feel special? That's where we come in. Check out five outfits starring pants, perfect for all of your events, all season long.
The Casual Potluck
Stand out – but stay comfortable – in clashing prints. Loose-fitting, printed pants play on the pyjama dressing trend that's still going strong for fall. This pair are covered in swooping cranes, an animal that can represent happiness and good fortune. What better way to relax at a laidback feast with your favourite people?
Crane Fluid Pants, Loft, $92.96
Pair patterns like a street style pro: treat black and white stripes like a neutral. Stick to one palette when mixing prints (in this case, red, white and black) and you'll never go wrong.
Plush Rib-Knit Tee in New Black Stripe, Old Navy, $39.94
All that pattern up top calls for a clean slate below. White sneakers are no longer a trend, they're a staple. This perforated pair has memory foam that hugs your feet, adding an extra layer of comfort.
Adidas Cloudfoam Daily QT Clean Sneakers, Soft Moc, $94.99
Romantic Cocktails
A sexy cami and statement shoes bring the heat. These pleated gauchos have a wide waistband (very flattering) and a loose fit – they'll quickly become the most versatile pants you own. Dress them up, like we did here for date night, or kick it in your favourite hoodie and sneakers.
Consuelo Gauchos, Bammies, $128
A party of two is still a party! Fringe always feels festive, especially in fall's hottest colour – red. If this feels too bare, toss a cozy cardigan on top or a sheer long sleeve tee underneath.
I'm calling it – block heels are the shoe of 2017. Put a little sparkle in your step with this pair, that takes on two fall trends, transparency and embellishment. A delicate ankle strap will highlight the tapered pant cuffs.
Fancy Gala
Men have had the lock on formal suits for too long – it's our turn. Velvet is back and it's ideal for an event with a dress code. It looks and feels luxe, yet it's still comfortable enough dance the night away. The straight leg crop on these pants feel fresher than a tuxedo pant, and leaves room for a spectacular pair of heels.
Contemporaine Satiny Velvet Pant, Simons, $89
Paired with the matching jacket, velvet pants become an elegant suit. What you wear underneath is up to you – go classic with a white shirt, sassy with a strapless crop or get really bold and wear a pretty bralette (and nothing else).
Contemporaine Satiny Velvet Jacket, Simons, $125
An all black suit requires a major shoe. Fun fact: the d'Orsay style, where one or both sides of the shoe are cut away, was first invented as a military shoe for 19th century soldiers. Now, it's a sexy detail that makes these bedazzling pumps extra special.
Lauren Lorraine Ruby Embellished Half d'Orsay Pump in Nude, Nordstrom, $106
Ladies Night Out
The perfect mix of badass and beautiful. Millennial pink pants? Yes, please. This tailored pair is made of lightweight Japanese crepe, so they hang beautifully, and the tie belt accentuates curves.
Wilfred Geneva Pant in Roebuck, Aritzia, $145
Toughen up those pretty pants with a retro concert tee. This one has pink undertones that will pull the outfit together nicely, but if you have an authentic souvenir in your closet, go with that. And if the concert tee isn't your thing, try a shirt with a feminist message.
Rolling Stones Retro Tee, Free People, $87.40
The sock boot is a major fall trend and these ankle-length pants are a perfect match. Stick with sleek black to offset the pink and play up the rocker chick vibe. This outfit is all about contrasts.
Pointed Toe Sock Bootie, $52.42
Office Holiday Party
Keep it classy with a head-to-toe hue.A wide cropped pant really does look great on everyone. I love the deep green of this pair – everyone has multiple pairs of black pants, and any deep jewel tone can be worn as easily as black if you want to branch out. Wear these to the office and pop the top in your purse to change into party mode.
High Waist Trousers in Green, Zara, $49.90
Tonal dressing is a simple way to show you're up on your trends. It doesn't matter if the shades don't match perfectly, in fact, a little contrast is welcome as long as the colours aren't too far from each other. This sequined top has a little peekaboo at the back that's office appropriate, but still merry. Don't let the photo fool you: it may look black, but it's a deep dreamy green.
Sequined Top in Green Gables, Vero Moda, $69
You can't go wrong with green and gold during the holidays. A metallic bootie adds a touch of seasonal splash, but won't compete with the glittering sequins.