Editor’s note 2/26/20: While we stand by this advice, you may want to check out our updated guide to patterned pants outfits for the most of-the-moment takes on this trend.

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Even the most stylish girls can get tripped up on a trend from time to time. I remember a sort of panic setting in the first time I saw patterned denim pop up at stores like H&M and Urban Outfitters. Patterned tops or dresses are one thing, but pants?! I mean, we all just got used to wearing brightly colored jeans!

As with any challenging fashion scenario, this mild case of fashion anxiety diminished as soon as I started noticing how stylish girls on campus were rocking them. Here at CF, we believe that anyone can pull off any trend with the right confidence and a little bid of creativity.

Today, we’re tacking patterned pants and leggings and breaking down the easiest ways to pull these babies off with ease. Ready to learn a few style tricks? Read on!

Table of Contents

Tips and Tricks for Rocking Patterned Pants or Leggings

• Start conservatively. If bold patterns aren’t your thing, you can still participate by looking for bottoms with subtle details, like tiny polka dots, pinstripes, or tie-dyed designs.
• Try leopard print. Leopard print bottoms are very popular, so they’re another great option if you just want to stick your toe in the water with this trend. See our post on how to wear leopard print pants for ideas!
• Consider the cut. Printed pants with flared bottoms can look a little dated (think of a leisure suit from the ’70s), but patterned trousers can look preppy and even business-casual when styled correctly. While printed harem-style or flowy pants are hot on street style blogs, they can be hard to pull off in real life. The easiest and most flattering way to rock this trend is with a skinny cut pant.
• Elongate your legs. This can be done in many ways, but wearing heels or wedges is probably the easiest and most fool-proof fix. Ballet flats will look great also, especially with cropped styles. Avoid flat ankle boots here — they can make you look stumpy.
• Keep your top half simple. Solid colors and slimming silhouettes will nicely complement the boldness of your pants.
• Think about the pattern itself. Horizontal stripes can be tricky, as can anything with too many loud colors. It might be a good time to enlist an honest (but sweet) BFF if you’re not sure if a particular pattern is flattering or not.
• Leggings aren’t pants! I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but always pair your printed leggings with a tunic or a simple dress that covers your butt. You don’t want to leave yourself vulnerable to ridicule or an embarrassing camel-toe situation! My rule of thumb is, if a pair of jeggings is thin enough to show the seam of a regular pair of underwear, I stick with bum-covering top options.
• Balance the look with your top half. Sometimes patterned bottoms can have a tendency to look like pajama pants, especially if you go with a chino-styled cut. Counteract this by pairing them with something neat and dressy up top — a dress shirt and blazer would accomplish this perfectly!
• Be confident! As with almost every fashion trend, those around you can sense whether you feel good in something or not. Carry yourself with some swagger — people will admire your bold sense of style!

Outfit Inspiration

Pants, Top, Blazer, Shoes, Tote