Scroll To See More Images
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?
1. Wake Up Pants, $88 at Free People
Throw these one with any top in your wardrobe for instant statement-making style.
2. Laura Ashley Ryder Cherub High-Rise Jean, $79 at Urban Outfitters
I’m usually opposed to printed jeans, but these are too cute—and too out-of-the-box—to pass up.
3. Dream Time Sleep Pant, $88 at Free People
Come spring, sleep pants are everyday pants—am I right?
4. BDG Hadley High-Rise Wide-Leg Jean, $79 at Urban Outfitters
I’ve been a wide-leg jean fiend for a while now, and these are about to take my obsession to the next level.
5. Walk on Fire Pant, $50 at Free People
Nothing says spring like a drop-crotch harem pant.
6. BDG Tie-Dye High-Rise Carpenter Jean, $79 at Urban Outfitters
A surprisingly edgy take on spring’s tie-dye trend.
7. AGOLDE Riley Cropped Straight-Leg Jean, $178 at Urban Outfitters
The only jean that could feel more spring-appropriate than a relaxed one? One rendered in pastel pink.
8. Peace Out Flare, $88 at Free People
Yoga pants that are definitely cute enough to wear on the daily.
9. Super Wide-Leg Cargo Pants, $60 at ASOS
These hardly say “cargo” to me, but hey—if they’re as comfy as cargos and as chic as tailored trousers, I’m in.
10. Bali Striped Low-Rise Flare Pant, $49 at Urban Outfitters
Colorful pants are always a good idea.
11. High-Waisted Corduroy Pants, $79 at & Other Stories
A spring-friendly approach to corduroy—in case you can’t bear to part with the textile just yet.
12. Paperbag Belted Trousers, $25 at Nasty Gal
All the adorable appeal of a pink tulip, rendered in trouser form.
13. Make My Day Set, $148 at Free People
Matching top, included.
14. Jordan High-Rise Jogger Pant, $59 at Urban Outfitters
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.
16. Paisley Crop Pants, $128 at Free People
Because dresses aren’t the only way to do spring florals.
17. Wynonna Sleep Pants, $58 at Anthropologie
OK, these are definitely pajamas—but aren’t they cute enough to at least try to wear outside?
18. Raquel Allegra Culotte, $355 at Revolve
I never met a silky culotte I didn’t like.
19. The East Order Luca Side-Slit Balloon Pant, $149 at Urban Outfitters
I mean. They’re pink. And gingham. And covered in bows. Need I really say more?
20. Pam Wide-Leg Pants, $178 at Anthropologie
Floral pants are having a serious moment.
21. L’Academie Midtown Pants, $148 at Revolve
A classic pant that’s worth adding to your work rotation.
22. Urban Renewal Blown-Out Tie-Dye Joggers, $49 at Urban Outfitters
More tie-dye, because edgy isn’t the only way to do it.
23. Ovoid Peg Pants, $51 at ASOS
A spring-friendly alternative to your go-to pair of jeans.
24. Spring Wide-Leg Pants, $165 at Anthropologie
Simultaneously structured and sporty—and pretty damn cool, too.
25. Citizens of Humanity Flounce Cropped Flare Jeans, $228 at Anthropologie
Isn’t it about time you gave the statement jean a shot?
26. Keepsake Follower Crepe High-Rise Pant, $145 at Urban Outfitters
Tangerine continues to be one of the most underrated spring shades around.
27. Wrap Style Contrasting Print Pants, $69.90 at Zara
For days when you just can’t choose between your favorite wrap skirt and your favorite culotte.
28. Seashore Striped Pants, $98 at Anthropologie
All the comfort of leggings, without the casual connotation.
29. Slash Palazzo Trousers, $75 at Topshop
Another skirt-pant combo—because the silhouette is seriously happening this spring.
30. Dara Pleated High-Rise Trouser, $44 at Urban Outfitters
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.
31. Casey Kick Flare Pant, $39 at Urban Outfitters
Because no spring wardrobe is complete without a little (OK, a lot of) gingham.
32. Lost+ Wander Cactus Bloom Wide-Leg Pants, $95 at Lulus
I mean, “spring green” literally has “spring” in the name.
33. Buttoned High-Waisted Pants, $49.90 at Zara
Tailored trousers so fun you won’t resist them. Because really, how could you?
34. Tuck-Hem Wide-Leg Trousers, $80 at Topshop
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).
35. Every Day I’m Rufflin’ Cropped Pants, $43 at Lulus
Um, is anyone else as positive as I am that these would be perfect for date night?
36. BDG Pink Soft Utility Pant, $79 at Urban Outfitters
Say what you will about cargo pants, but this hot pink take on the trend is welcome in my wardrobe any time.
37. Jai Wide-Leg Pants, $300 at Free People
Basically as breezy as a skirt—except you won’t be worried about wind-induced wardrobe malfunctions.
38. Tie-Dye Utility Pant, $148 at Free People
Tie-dye is coming in hot this spring, and I’m stocking up on every possible iteration.
39. By the Shore Culotte Pants, $52 at Lulus
There are few things I love as much as a vibrant culotte pant—especially one that comes with a matching top.
40. Clean Crop Flare Pants, $78 at Free People
A fresh new way to get your spring florals on.
41. Cotton Twill Culottes, $89 at & Other Stories
Because cotton feels more spring-friendly—and office-appropriate—than denim.
42. The Janis Printed Bells, $145 at Free People
Be the trendy hippie style star you wish to see in the world.
43. Straight-Leg Skate Pant, $56 at ASOS
Yes, these mint pants come with suspenders—because spring overalls are on the menu, too.
44. Maui Moments Satin Wide-Leg Pants, $25 at Lulus
Another date night-friendly pick.
45. Velvet Cuffed Pants, $89 at & Other Stories
Look, velvet might become a liability once warm weather sets in. But it’s still chilly—and I’m eyeing these, hard.
46. Beachy Keen Swim Cover-Up Pants, $35 at Lulus
These are branded as a swim cover-up, but I’ll probably wear them everywhere once the weather warms up.
47. Rolla’s East Coast Cord Flare Pants, $99 at Free People
Can you tell I have a thing for textured flares?
48. Tomas Coral Striped Culotte Pants, $95 at Lulus
These culottes are so vibrant, they’re sure to keep you smiling—even if the temperature drops below 30 again.
49. One Aloha Printed Wide-Leg Pants, $128 at Free People
Flowy pants are just as breezy as maxi dresses and skirts—so just, give ’em a shot, OK?
50. Sleek Stride Satin Wide-Leg Pants, $46 at Lulus
Because wide-leg pants don’t have to feel bohemian.
Mine, mine, mine.
52. Charm and Finesse Satin Paper Bag-Waist Pants, $50 at Lulus
A no-fail silhouette sure to pair magnificently with your favorite silky tanks.
53. Golden Hour Pants, $109 at Free People
A more subtle take on spring florals.
54. Ashley Nylon Jogger Pant, $39 at Urban Outfitters
Perfect for day-to-day wear—and festival use—alike.
55. Wide Striped Pants, $85 at & Other Stories
Millennial pink stripes are all but guaranteed to make your spring more delightful.
56. Duo Snap Button Corduroy Culottes, $89 at & Other Stories
Because wide-leg crop season is back, baby.
57. Embroidered Tiered Pants, $168 at Free People
Pretty sure these pants play well with anything.
58. High-Waisted Twill Pants, $79 at & Other Stories
Yet another high-waisted crop iteration to add to your repertoire.
59. Pull-On Corduroy Flare, $78 at Free People
More flare cords, because I have a problem, OK?!
60. Stripe Plisse Trousers, $55 at Topshop
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.
61. Webber Tie-Front Wide-Leg Pants, $72 at Lulus
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.