If You're Not a Party-Dress Person, These Fancy Pants Need to Be on Your Radar

Up until about four years ago, I never wore trousers. Looking back, I honestly don't know how I lived without them. While I still wear dresses or skirts the majority of the time, nothing makes me feel chicer than slipping into a pair of tailored trews.

My affinity for them started when I was hellbent on wearing a suit to a friend's wedding. It was the summer I had several weddings to attend (they all come at once, don't they?), and the frock fatigue was real. Granted, it took me longer to find a two-piece that worked for my hourglass, 5'4" frame than it would have took me to find a cute dress, but in the end, it was worth it. I was the only woman who wore trousers for the big day, and although it was a couple years back, people still comment on how much they loved my outfit.

Perhaps the compliments went to my head, but over the festive period, I fully intend on embracing fancy pants in lieu of dresses once again. With another wedding, nights out, a baby shower and New Year's Eve party all on the agenda over the next few weeks, I'll certainly be glad of the change-up, and I think you will be, too. From satin and sequins to velvet and jacquard pants, I guarantee you'll find a trouser style to suit you. Keep scrolling to see how fashion people wear theirs and then shop my edit of the best party trousers around.

How to Style Party Trousers:

@daniellejinadu wearing sequin trousers

(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Sequin trousers make even the most basic items look special.

@maggie_mccormack wearing lace trousers

(Image credit: @maggie_mccormack)

Just because you're wearing standout trousers doesn't mean you have to go simple on top.

@kristincabat wearing velvet trousers

(Image credit: @kristincabat)

There's two points of inspiration from Kristin—colourful styles and velvet options.

@sobalera wearing sequin trousers

(Image credit: @sobalera)

If in doubt, sequins will always serve you well.

best-party-trousers-275255-1702310988655-main

(Image credit: @chiarasatelier)

You can always rely on satin to elevate an outfit.

Shop the Best Party Trousers for Winter 2024:

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Explore More:
Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.