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When described out loud, the paper-bag pants trend sounds daunting. The silhouette is usually gathered at the waist, cinched by a sash, belt, or button, with a loose-fitting leg that’s either tapered at the ankle or pooling to the ground. Perhaps that’s why we continue to reach for our straight mom jeans or basic skinnies — out of pure ease and the assurance that we already know how to manage such proportions.
But the roomy, high-rise paper-bag style is not to be knocked, especially since it accentuates the waist and creates a look with a long, lean shape. If you choose a design that’s smartly tailored in a quality fabric, you’ll quickly replace your fitted, cropped trousers with the paper-bag pant, which is available in every material from free-flowing silk to satin or linen for a bit more structure.
Ahead, we recommend the perfect outfits for centering around these seemingly polarizing slacks and provide you with a few favorite pairs on the market that have won us over in recent history. From the ’80s denim aesthetic, achieved by the likes of Miu Miu, Asos, and Anne Fontaine with a subtle pleating and bunchy waistline, and often a slight acid wash effect, to the sporty vibes of Tibi’s nylon joggers or Zara’s neutral lounge pant that you can finish with heels for a sleek and sophisticated twist, scroll through to get inspired and shop the paper-bag pants that speak most prominently to your sense of style.