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.
Let them be the muted piece and foundation of your outfit; complete the look with a splashy velvet blazer and metallic boots.
Roll up the bottoms, and work with slides. Pile a puffy vest, or something with a sporty sense of ease, on top.
Try a cargo style pair with pockets, and finish with a button-down and trainers for a twist on athleisure.
Try a coordinated set with heels, and tuck in the top to draw attention to your waistline.
Style a slouchy denim pair with rips at the knees with a fitted knit tube top and hoop earrings.
Show off a drop waist by tucking in a fitted long-sleeved printed polo, and play up the neckline with some layered necklaces. Finish your outfit with pointy-toe boots.
Style a sleek, coffee-colored trouser with chunky sneakers and a sultry cutout bodysuit. Layer menswear on top and complete with a luxe-shaped bag.
Opt for tapered denim rolled at the ankle to show off an ornamental flat, and tuck in a simple knit T-shirt at the waistline.
Style them with a strapless crop top in the same fabric and layer over a printed button-down infused with character to add some vibrancy to your look. Finish with a patent platform boot and structured shoulder bag.
Elevate a light-wash denim pair with a silky blouse and heeled mules in a vibrant colorway.
Style a cropped pair with flat gladiator sandals and a boxy embellished jacket or vest worn over a bralette.
Stick to a sophisticated neutral palette, tuck an ivory, off-the-shoulder bodysuit into your slacks, and make use of the pockets. Complete the look with a complementary leather clutch.
Style these cropped Masai Pazia Paper-Bag Wide-Leg Trousers ($138) with a work shirt, easy bag, and platform sandals.
Allow the lightwash of these DTT Sultan Paper Bag Waist Jeans ($26, originally $65) to shine and coordinate with a fun-colored shirt and shoes that don't take away from the shape of the leg.
Wear these Zara Paperbag Pants ($40) with a crop top to show off the sporty elastic drawstring waistline, then add an element of surprise with a strappy heel for a night out.
Complement these Miu Miu Iconic Rigid High-Rise Straight-Leg Blue Jeans ($835) with a fuzzy cropped sweater and pointed heel that adds some shape to a wide leg.
Make use of the pockets in these Asos Design Curve High Waist Wide Leg Pants ($15, originally $43) when you wear them, drawing attention to the top half of the pant that highlights the waistline.
Have a 2000s moment in these Tibi Crispy Nylon Pull On Joggers ($395) by teaming them with a tube top and heels. All that's missing is your Fendi Baguette.
Make the Anne Fontaine Vesco Jean ($395) the center of attention, tucking in a simple fitted tee and finishing with a pump or a mule. It's all about the detailed waistline when it comes to this stylized denim moment.