One secret of spring/summer shopping? Spring pants are as vital as any other seasonal necessity. I know it might seem strange to stock up on something that feels so wintry, tailored and polished during the most vibrant months of the year; spring is about warmth, flowy silhouettes and breezy attitudes—not carefully cut trousers that restrict us every time we try to move. But pants are more versatile than we give them credit for. And they’re also way more warm weather-friendly than we’re apt to acknowledge.
My life changed for the better in 2015, when I decided to fill my summer internship wardrobe with flowy pants. I’d previously opted for dresses and skirts, but anyone who’s done the same knows you can only buy so many of those before your wardrobe feels filled with one-off pieces you can’t pair with anything else. Shorts are an obvious no-no in an office setting (even a more casual, fashion-focused magazine one), and jeans are ill-fit for New York City’s humid summers. Pants were my only option, and they turned out to be the MVP of my closet—both during those three months, and for years to come.
Spring pants and summer pants, alike, are flexible in every possible way; they play well with basically any top you own, they’re easily dressed up or down and they’re often cozy enough to sleep in. They’ll take you anywhere, and they’ll infuse your wardrobe with vitality. So tell me again why spring dresses are the move and spring pants aren’t?
Throw these one with any top in your wardrobe for instant statement-making style.
I’m usually opposed to printed jeans, but these are too cute—and too out-of-the-box—to pass up.
Come spring, sleep pants are everyday pants—am I right?
I’ve been a wide-leg jean fiend for a while now, and these are about to take my obsession to the next level.
Nothing says spring like a drop-crotch harem pant.
A surprisingly edgy take on spring’s tie-dye trend.
The only jean that could feel more spring-appropriate than a relaxed one? One rendered in pastel pink.
Yoga pants that are definitely cute enough to wear on the daily.
These hardly say “cargo” to me, but hey—if they’re as comfy as cargos and as chic as tailored trousers, I’m in.
Colorful pants are always a good idea.
A spring-friendly approach to corduroy—in case you can’t bear to part with the textile just yet.
All the adorable appeal of a pink tulip, rendered in trouser form.
Matching top, included.
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: It’s high-time we acknowledge how many cute cargos are on the market these days.
Another pair of yoga pants that are veritably chic enough to live in.
Because dresses aren’t the only way to do spring florals.
OK, these are definitely pajamas—but aren’t they cute enough to at least try to wear outside?
I never met a silky culotte I didn’t like.
I mean. They’re pink. And gingham. And covered in bows. Need I really say more?
Floral pants are having a serious moment.
A classic pant that’s worth adding to your work rotation.
More tie-dye, because edgy isn’t the only way to do it.
A spring-friendly alternative to your go-to pair of jeans.
Simultaneously structured and sporty—and pretty damn cool, too.
Isn’t it about time you gave the statement jean a shot?
Tangerine continues to be one of the most underrated spring shades around.
For days when you just can’t choose between your favorite wrap skirt and your favorite culotte.
All the comfort of leggings, without the casual connotation.
Another skirt-pant combo—because the silhouette is seriously happening this spring.
These are at the top of my spring wishlist. I’ve never seen a tailored trouser that a) looked this comfortable and b) looked like it’d pair exceptionally with sandals.
Because no spring wardrobe is complete without a little (OK, a lot of) gingham.
I mean, “spring green” literally has “spring” in the name.
Tailored trousers so fun you won’t resist them. Because really, how could you?
These white pants are sure to pair just as well with your lightest-weight spring tops as they would with your winter sweaters (because it’s still cold out there, folks).
Um, is anyone else as positive as I am that these would be perfect for date night?
Say what you will about cargo pants, but this hot pink take on the trend is welcome in my wardrobe any time.
Basically as breezy as a skirt—except you won’t be worried about wind-induced wardrobe malfunctions.
Tie-dye is coming in hot this spring, and I’m stocking up on every possible iteration.
There are few things I love as much as a vibrant culotte pant—especially one that comes with a matching top.
A fresh new way to get your spring florals on.
Because cotton feels more spring-friendly—and office-appropriate—than denim.
Be the trendy hippie style star you wish to see in the world.
Yes, these mint pants come with suspenders—because spring overalls are on the menu, too.
Another date night-friendly pick.
Look, velvet might become a liability once warm weather sets in. But it’s still chilly—and I’m eyeing these, hard.
These are branded as a swim cover-up, but I’ll probably wear them everywhere once the weather warms up.
Can you tell I have a thing for textured flares?
These culottes are so vibrant, they’re sure to keep you smiling—even if the temperature drops below 30 again.
Flowy pants are just as breezy as maxi dresses and skirts—so just, give ’em a shot, OK?
Because wide-leg pants don’t have to feel bohemian.
Mine, mine, mine.
A no-fail silhouette sure to pair magnificently with your favorite silky tanks.
A more subtle take on spring florals.
Perfect for day-to-day wear—and festival use—alike.
Millennial pink stripes are all but guaranteed to make your spring more delightful.
Because wide-leg crop season is back, baby.
Pretty sure these pants play well with anything.
Yet another high-waisted crop iteration to add to your repertoire.
More flare cords, because I have a problem, OK?!
I own a pair of pants just like this, and I can personally attest to their versatility: They’re comfy, office-appropriate and fit for wear during any season.
Dressy enough to wear to a fancy dinner. Versatile enough to dress down for day-to-day wear.
Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
A version of this story was originally published in March 2019.
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