High Rise Pleated Trousers: Outfit Ideas and Style Tips

Hi there! Thanks so much for stopping by today. I’ve always loved high waisted pants, whether they’re wide leg trousers, linen pants, or something else with a high waist. These types of pants are unique because they’re typically super comfortable and flattering! They’re a chic option that you can consider a go-to style for different occasions – I love them for a casual outfit but they’re perfect for work outfits too.

High Rise Pleated Trousers: Outfit Ideas and Style Tips

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A Few Tips On How To Style High Rise Pleated Trousers

One of the top tips to consider for this style of pant is tucking in your top if you’re wearing a t-shirt or sweater. These tops won’t lay neatly over the pleats if you leave them untucked and it tends to look frumpy. There are a few exceptions to this tip – if you’re wearing a blouse that’s shorter in length, a vest, or an oversized button up. Some vests are cropped, but even long line vests have the perfect cut out at the top and lay nicely on pleats! Oversized button ups hang loosely over pleats and give an effortlessly cool, off duty vibe. You can also half tuck in the button up if you feel like the shirt is wearing you – that’s what I did above, but I love wearing this shirt untucked too.

If you’re wearing a top that’s tucked in, don’t forget your belt (I often do)! It’s the perfect accessory to help accentuate your waist even more than the pleats already do! Yes, that’s right, pleats help emphasize your waist!

Okay, here’s a roundup of ways to style high rise pleated trousers to create different looks.

High Rise Pleated Trousers You Can Wear Anywhere, All Year

I like these pleated trousers so much I wrote an entire blog post on them. I’ve worn them in so many different ways – for running errands, for date night, and for a day walking all over Boston. Of course, they also work for the office. It was around 95 degrees in the photo below, but I felt great in my linen top, these pants, and my sandals that let my feet breathe!

High Rise Pleated Trousers outfit inspo

They come in several color options that will work throughout the seasons. You might wonder what material can be worn all year – these pants are a super soft and comfortable fabric called tencel lyocell. While I’m thinking about fabrics, I know care instructions can be intimidating. But, these pants are machine wash and you can dry them! I’ve washed and dried mine many times without any issues. I like to give them a quick steam before heading out. You can shop my outfit here.

The exact color of my pants is old, but there are lots of other colors available. Shop them in the regular length here and the petite length here!

High Rise Pleated Trousers For Date Night

I can’t believe I forgot a belt in every outfit I have photos of in these pants, but they do look so cute with a belt! While I love belts and other accessories like jewelry, I have a hard time remembering to accessorize! Anyway, I love this date night look. It’s proof that you can dress these pants up or down. And, it would also look so cute with a cropped linen tank top, sandals, and a black bag!

High Rise Pleated Trousers for date night

I put together an outfit that is available that I would wear for a spring, summer, or early fall date night. My exact pants are linked in a different color.

High Rise Pleated Trousers For Coffee & Errands

Is there anything better than comfortable pants and a t-shirt? I love how this is a slightly elevated look to just jeans and t-shirt! These black fisherman sandals are one of my favorite pairs of summer shoes, and they’re by an unsuspecting brand if you ask me! I highly recommend them!

Pleated Trousers with a tee
Pleated Trousers casual style

High Rise Pleated Trousers Styled For Fall

Okay, last but not least, here’s how I wore these trousers in the fall. I know this is a lot of outfits in the same pants, but that’s the point for me! I rely on being able to wear my clothes in a lot of different ways, and I prefer that I can wear them in more than one season. So, don’t pack away these pants once it gets cool outside because they’re actually perfect for fall too. I love to wear mine with loafers.

High Rise Pleated Trousers Styled For Fall

The Perfect Pleated Pants In Crop Or Full Length

These pants are called the effortless pants for a good reason. They come in different lengths, different materials, and the perfect colors. They’re flattering, super chic, and somehow work for the office or a casual, elevated weekend pant. You will get so much wear out of these! At 5’4, I prefer the cropped length. Check out this reel for a couple of ways I’ve styled them for work.

The Perfect Pleated Pants In Crop Or Full Length

I linked different variations of these pants below, but there are way more options than this. To shop my shoes, click here. They come in lots of colors. I’m wearing my normal size.

Casual Black Linen Trousers Outfits

Linen is an essential fabric for summer if you’re on the east coast. Flowy linen trousers will take you from work to the weekend just by changing your top and shoes. Pick your favorite t-shirt and most comfortable shoes for a weekend look. Then, wear them to the office on Monday with a button up and dressier shoes – like slingbacks.

weekend casual outfit for women
Abercrombie trousers

My exact pants are old from Abercrombie, but I found the perfect pair available at Quince. While I don’t own these pants, I’ve always been pleased with everything I’ve bought there when it comes to quality, and they have great prices.

Black Linen Pleated Pants For The Office Or The Weekend

Some linen pants feel like they’re meant for the beach or the pool, but pleated linen pants are a good option for work. The belt loops and pleat add a level of sophistication that drawstring linen pants just don’t have!

Black Linen Pleated Pants For The Office

I linked the Quince linen pants again for this work look and slingbacks that look the same.

Pleated Pants And On-Trend Linen Vest For The Office And Dinner

If you’re someone who frequently goes from the office to dinner, work events, or just out with friends, this outfit is perfect for you. It’s work appropriate but also super chic. Linen vests, whether you go for a longline vest or a shorter one, are all very on-trend but have a classic look to them. I wore one all last summer that I plan to wear again this summer!

This little straw bag is perfect for after-work events or dinners, and you can pack it in your work bag so you have it with you at the office.

Pleated Denim Trousers

Denim trousers are the perfect base for an outfit. I love this trend, and I hope it sticks around. This style of pants will look nice with a simple t-shirt and elevated accessories. You can easily pair these pants with a seasonal top like a blouse or sweater for a lot of offices too.

Day-to-Night Pleated Linen Trousers And Matching Top

Versatility is always key when putting together outfits for a summer vacation, especially if you’re flying and need to maximize space in your suitcase. This outfit is perfect for a day-to-night look.

Did you find an idea for how to wear pleated pants? Let me know in the comments! If you want more outfit ideas and tips on wearing trousers, check out my blog post on how to style trousers casually.

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