Style guide
How to wear black pants: 6 outfits from day to night
Black pants are probably the most versatile piece in a closet: they work for the office, a night out and any Sunday. Since black goes with everything, the question is not what color to wear them with, but how dressy or bold you want to look.
These six outfits were put together in ZATE from real closets. For each one we tell you why it works, so you can build yours with what you already own.
1. Cream knit shirt, white jacket and black heels: black pants at the office
Pieces: cream knit shirt, black pants, embroidered white jacket, black heels, brown and black bag, gold flower earrings, black sunglasses.
Why it works: Cream and white on top with black on the bottom is a soft contrast, gentler than pure white. The gold earrings and black heels make it ready for work. Tip: tuck the shirt all the way into the pants.
When to wear it: A day at the office, a meeting, a work lunch.
2. Asymmetric indigo top and tall black boots
Pieces: asymmetric indigo top, black pants, tall black boots, black sunglasses, gold hoop earrings.
Why it works: The shoulder pads give the top structure, and indigo with black is a dark, elegant pairing. The boots under the pants lengthen the leg. Tip: a top with a detail (one shoulder, draping) does not need a necklace.
When to wear it: A dinner, a night out, a cold day.
3. Leopard sweater, black blazer and gold flats: for a night out
Pieces: long gold necklace, gold flats, wide black pants, black blazer, gold necklace, woven brown clutch, green leopard sweater.
Why it works: Leopard works like a neutral print: it is perfect with black. The blazer and the wide black pants make it elegant, and the gold flats, necklace and clutch dress it up for the night. Tip: if you wear a bold print, keep everything else plain.
When to wear it: A night out, a dinner, an event.
4. All black with an embroidered red jacket
Pieces: black long-sleeve tee, black pants, embroidered red jacket, black heels, long gold earrings.
Why it works: Black from head to toe with one red piece: the embroidered jacket is the star and everything else supports it. The black heels continue the line of the pants. Tip: when the jacket has texture or embroidery, keep what is underneath plain.
When to wear it: The office, a dinner, a presentation.
5. White tank and open shirt: black pants in the heat
Pieces: white ribbed tank, black pants, white shirt, metal bracelets, black heels, fine gold necklace.
Why it works: The open white shirt over the tank is a light layer for hot days, and white with black never fails. The metal bracelets and a fine gold necklace are the only details. Tip: roll the shirt sleeves up to the elbow.
When to wear it: A hot day in the city, the office, a lunch.
6. Fuchsia top, red jacket and tall boots: for a date
Pieces: fuchsia halter top, black pants, embroidered red jacket, tall black boots, gold heart hoops.
Why it works: Fuchsia with red is a bold pairing that looks confident, and the black pants balance it. The tall black boots add a night-out touch. Tip: with two strong colors on top, keep everything below black.
When to wear it: A date, a night out, a dinner.
With your own closet
What if we built these outfits from what is in your closet?
Scan your closet with your phone: ZATE recognizes every piece and tells you what to wear for each occasion, with the clothes you already own.
Build my closet in ZATEColors that go with black pants
Black pants go with any color, and they shine most with strong ones: red, fuchsia or a leopard print. For the office, cream and white on top soften them; for the night, gold dresses them up.
Common mistakes
- Wearing a faded black with a deep black: if you go all black, keep the blacks the same shade.
- Wearing them too long with flat shoes: the hem should graze the shoe, not bunch on the floor.
- Thinking they are only for the office: with a colorful top and boots they are a night-out outfit.
Frequently asked questions
What color top goes with black pants?
All of them. White and cream for a classic outfit, black for an all-black look, and any strong color, like red or fuchsia, if you want the top to be the star.
What shoes go with black pants?
Black heels for something dressy, tall boots under the pants to lengthen the leg, and gold flats for a comfortable night out.
How do I make black pants look like a night outfit?
Add a strong color or a print on top, a blazer and gold jewelry.