Fashion is constantly evolving, and while some pant styles have stood the test of time, others haven’t aged as gracefully. Certain cuts and designs are actually doing your look more harm than good. If you want to keep your wardrobe fresh and flattering, here are 15 pant styles you should consider retiring—along with suggestions for what to wear instead.
1. Shiny Satin Pants
Shiny satin pants might look great on the rack, but on your body, they can actually highlight every bump and curve in an unflattering way, especially in unforgiving lighting. If you want to avoid a major fashion faux pas, shop for more natural matte-finish fabrics like cotton or linen that smooth out your figure and create a more elegant appearance. The shiny monochromatic pantsuit, especially in young candy colors, is also not a good look.
2. Low-Rise Jeans
Low-rise jeans have had their moment in the sun, so it’s time to retire these unflattering denims. They not only create an unflattering silhouette by cutting off the torso, but they also emphasize the midsection, creating the dreaded muffin top. Instead, opt for mid-rise or high-rise jeans that provide a more balanced and streamlined look. Give distressed denim a goodbye while you’re at it.
3. Cargo Pants with Excessive Pockets
Cargo pants with bulky pockets may have been trendy twenty years ago, but it’s time to put them out to pasture. These pants can add unnecessary volume to your frame, making your legs look wider and heavier. They are also too casual. Swap them for chicer-tailored, slim-fit trousers to make your legs look more balanced and sleek.
4. Ultra-Wide-Leg Pants
While wide-leg pants can be stylish, the ultra-wide versions make you look like you’re drowning in fabric. These excessively large pants also make you look shorter and boxier. If you want to look your best self, choose a moderate flare or straight-leg cut that elongates your legs without swallowing your shape. In bold shade, these are also a serious no-go.
5. Capri Pants
Capri pants and three-quarter legs trousers also need to be reconsidered and retired. They often cut off at an awkward length, making your legs look shorter and your calves appear wider. Instead, try cute cropped ankle-length pants that elongate your legs and give a more polished, sophisticated look. And go for a more tailored, structured look.
6. Baggy Sweatpants
Baggy sweatpants are comfortable, we get it, but wearing them out and about can make you look frumpy and unkempt. If you’re after comfort, opt for joggers or tailored athleisure-style pants instead and leave the baggy sweatpants for around the house.
7. High-waisted Pleated Pants
High-waisted pleated pants can add bulk to your midsection, creating a busy mess around your waist and drawing eyes to your tummy. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear pleated trousers; just try to shop for pairs with only 1-2 pleats instead. If you still run into problems, ditch the pleats altogether and opt for a sleeker, flat trouser. Beware of linen fabrics, which are notorious for wrinkling.
8. Low-Rise Flare Pants
Separately, low-rise and flare pants can be stylish, but together, they tend to make your hips look wider and can create an unbalanced silhouette. If you want to wear flares, try to shop for a pair with a high waist that elongates your legs and creates a more proportionate look. Again steer clear of bold or bright colors as they look too young and almost a little clownish.
9. Elastic Waistband Pants
While practical and comfy, elastic-waist pants need to go. Unless you are pregnant, wearing an elasticated waistband can give off a frumpy, shapeless vibe to your outfit. Instead of elastic waistbands, try to shop for pants with a defined waistband that cinches your waist and creates a more tailored, polished look. It’s hard to beat a chic tailored trouser with a great belt.
10. Super Tight Skinny Jeans
Super tight skinny jeans can redistribute the way your legs normally look and even sometimes emphasize the wrong areas. Plus, skinny jeans are totally outdated and don’t look flattering on anyone. For a chic silhouette, throw out the skinny jeans and look for a pair of straight-leg jeans that will universally flatter all legs and are just more elevated and stylish.
11. Paperbag-Waist Pants
Paperbag-waist pants look cute in theory, in execution they can add way too much bulk around the midsection, making your waist appear larger than it is. If paper bag-waist pants don’t look good on you, try to shop for a traditional, flat-waist design that will complement your figure.
12. Tapered Leg Pants
Tapered-leg pants were once inescapable in fashion, and you can thank your lucky stars that they are no longer trendy. These pants are not your friend; they make your hips and thighs appear larger while narrowing your ankles, creating an unbalanced silhouette. Ditch your tapered-leg pants in favor of a more stylish cropped wide-ankle cut.
13. Slashed and Distressed Jeans
Jeans with too many rips and tears aren’t cool or edgy; they are trashy and will detract from your overall appearance. They also make you look juvenile and unkempt. For a more sophisticated edge to your outfit, swap out overly distressed jeans for a plain, classic pair of denim jeans.
14. Pleather Pants
Pleather pants can be unforgiving, highlighting every curve and wrinkle in an unflattering way. Not only this, but they can essentially turn into a greenhouse with how much heat they create, which in turn will make you look like a sweaty, disheveled mess. If you love the leather look, invest in real leather for a smoother, more refined finish. They will also last forever and be less likely to end up in landfill.
15. Drop-Crotch Pants
Drop-crotch pants are a surefire way to look shorter and give you an awkward, saggy appearance. If you like the silhouette of these pants, try swapping them for tailored joggers or tapered pants that offer a more flattering fit.