Black pants are considered a wardrobe staple, but that doesn’t mean all black pants outfits have to be understated. More than any other bottoms, black pants make a marvelous canvas on which to show off your creative fashion genius. Easily blended into an aesthetic, black pants can be luxe, edgy, formal, or trendy. Due to their somber color—or, technically, lack thereof—black pants serve more silhouette than specificity, allowing you to try a daring new cut or style without overwhelming the rest of your look.
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To streamline your search for fashion inspiration, we’ve rounded up a dozen street style and celebrity black pants outfits, plus tips on how to style them, so you can make the most of your favorite pair.
Cozy Contrast
One way to add depth to an all-black or mostly all-black look is to experiment with different textures like wool, cashmere, tweeds, and knits. The fuzzier and more contrasting, the better.
Related: 21 Unique Ways to Wear Head-to-Toe Black
Leather Layers
For a sleek and refined look, wear a leather or faux leather button-down shirt with your favorite pair of leather pants. Bring out the shine of your separates with a fuzzy teddy jacket and spice up the look with a white purse.
Mixed Prints
Black pants are an excellent backdrop for bright colors, prints, and patterns. They’re also the perfect bottoms to wear if you love a bit of intentional clashing. Case in point: Gigi Hadid’s black pants outfit featuring color block heels and a vibrant striped sweater. Hadid’s black jeans create enough space between her bold top and boots that the overall effect isn’t visually overwhelming.