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Pleated Trousers Never Go Out of Style—These Are the Ones Worth Buying Now
If you get one new wardrobe essential, let it be these.
We talk about wardrobe basics as if they’re just white T-shirts, straight-leg jeans, and a button-down shirt. But one look at fashion’s hall of fame—beyond the red carpet—and you’ll see which styles made it through the ebbs and flows, trends and trenches. Take pleated trousers, for example, which have never gone out of style. From Cindy Crawford’s off-duty looks in the ’90s through today’s office staples, pleated pants have always given women an effortlessly put-together edge. A style straight from the menswear playbook, this was not just another chic pair of trousers but a political statement—women forgoing flirty skirts in favor of power pants in the workforce was about as rebellious as a fashion statement could get. Of course, the best pleated trousers don’t just belong in the office. Now, we wear them as comfortable everyday pants, fit for a stylish evening event, a quick brunch date, or even a wedding reception.
The Pleated Trouser Shopping List
- Best Overall: COS Pleated Cotton Barrel-Leg Trousers, $139
- Best in White: Ralph Lauren Pleated Straight-Leg Pant, $348
- Best High-Rise: Helmut Lang Linen-Blend Pleated Trousers, $495
- Most Professional Style: Tibi Tropical Wool Stella Pants, $495
- Best for the Office: Aritizia The Effortless Pant™, $148
- Best Unisex Find: Mfpen Black Favorite Trousers, $211
- Most Versatile Option: Leau Classic Column Straight Trousers, $140
- Best Relaxed Fit: Vince High Waist Pleated Trousers, $448
- Best Pinstripe: Favorite Daughter The Favorite Pants, $218
- Best Long: Helsa High Waist Pleated Suit Trouser, $278
As the temperatures begin to drop, you may be inspired to consider a wardrobe refresh. Pleated pants offer a kind of sophistication and warmth that isn’t quite present in jeans or a maxi skirt, so it’s essential to keep a couple of these in your closet. With the help of the stylish team at ELLE, we found the best pleated trousers to shop ahead of fall.


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