- Katie Holmes was spotted wearing wide-leg trousers on the set of her newest movie Happy Hours.
- The pleated pants are a staple in her wardrobe; Holmes has been wearing the comfortable yet outfit-elevating style for years.
- Wide-leg trousers are the cool-yet-dressy staple everyone needs ahead of fall—and they start at $30.
Trousers aren’t exactly known for being cool. The office-ready pants have a somewhat stuffy reputation; they’re the style that sits in your closet until Monday morning when you reluctantly pull them on. But that’s changing—and Katie Holmes is leading the charge.
On the set of Holmes’s newest movie Happy Hours, the actress/director wore a pair of wide-leg trousers (a.k.a., the surprisingly cool, outfit-elevating pants she’s been loyal to for years). And while I’m still not wearing slim work pants for fun, this oversized version is one I love thanks to the comfortable wide leg that’s even a little laid back.
Getty Images
If wide-leg trousers aren’t in your wardrobe yet, you need to grab a pair before fall. It’s the everyday-chic staple you’ll reach for on repeat; keep your look low-key but elevated with a simple white T-shirt, or dress the pants up with a pair of pumps.
Below, shop the trending style from just $30.
7 Trending Wide-Leg Trousers
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Taylor Wide-Leg Trousers
Old Navy
To get Holmes’s look for less, grab Old Navy’s high-waisted Taylor trousers while they’re on sale for just $30. This option is available in sizes 00-30 and seven colors, including this outfit-making dusty rose. I own a pair of pants in this eye-catching color and find that it makes getting dressed remarkably easy; you really just need a white T-shirt and flats.
Nimin High-Waisted Work Pants
Amazon
Nimin’s high-waisted trousers are an obvious choice thanks to their classic look, under-$40 price tag, and more than 1,100 reviews. But what really sold me—someone who is 5-foot-3—is that they’re available in petite sizes (though you can also snag them in regular and tall fits).
Banana Republic Hayden Wide-Leg Pull-On Pants
Banana Republic
Banana Republic’s $40 Hayden trousers are on double-discount sale right now. But it’s not just the price that makes these a must-grab; the pants are made from a soft and breathable cotton-linen blend that’s perfect for late summer. The comfy elastic back is also a nice bonus.
Everlane the Linen Way-High Drape Pants
Everlane
This has been a remarkably hot summer, and it’s far from over, making linen is the way to go. That’s why Everlane’s 100-percent linen Way-High Drape Pants are a no-brainer. Shoppers rave that the “polished” looking pants are “breezy, cool, and perfect for summer.”
Zara Palazzo Pants
Zara
If comfort is your top priority, you can’t go wrong with Zara’s super-wide-leg palazzo bottoms, which feature chic pleats. It’s not just that the legs are easy and spacious, but they feature a completely elastic waistband. With pull-on pants being one of summer’s biggest (and comfiest!) trends, this pair is an easy add-to-cart.
Wayf Maddox Pleated-Cuff Trousers
Nordstrom
Wayf’s Maddox trousers might be the coolest version of this trending style. Like the other options on this list, these pants include a relaxed fit and sophisticated pleats—but the cuffed hems set them apart. It’s a casual detail that helps dress down the polished look.
4th & Reckless Tally Trouser Pants
Anthropologie
My favorite pants from this list are 4th & Reckless’s Tally trousers, and it’s all thanks to that skinny front tie. Unlike a more traditional belt—which might make the pants feel a little too serious—this thin cord adds a cool, chic touch.
