How to Style a Paperbag Pants Outfit

The cinched waistline of paperbag pants looks great with form-fitting tops, like a fitted tee shirt or tank. For workwear or more formal/office wear, a fitted blouse will work too.

For a casual outfit, try paperbag pants with a cute crop top with trumpet sleeves or a lightweight button-down top in black. If you’re plus size, you can also rock this look by teaming them with a slim pullover sweater.

Tuck in your tops

Paperbag pants are so chic and flattering because they cinch in at the waistline to show off your curves. However, they do add volume to your waistline so it’s important to wear fitted tops that tuck in to balance out the look. For this reason, cropped tops work well since they end above the cinched waistline.

If you’re not into cropped tops or a figure-fitting shirt, you can also try teaming your paperbag waist pants with a casual blouse with long sleeves. This is a great way to give your outfit a more refined, sophisticated feel.

You can also layer your look with a cute fall jacket. When choosing a jacket, be sure to pick a slim fit so that it doesn’t contrast too much with the loose shape of the pants. For example, a cropped denim jacket or fitted blazer works well with paperbag pants. You can even choose a longer cardi coat in a neutral color like black or brown to create a chic business casual look.

Go for a super wide leg

If floor-sweeping paperbag pants feel too dramatic for your style, you can still tap into the trend with a pair that’s cropped or has a tapered leg. Like culottes, these styles work best when they’re worn with slim-fitting tops that are tucked in to balance the volume and show off your waistline. Crop tops and bodysuits, as well as slim-cut layering options (such as long, thick cardi-coats, and even blazers), all work with this style, as do the streamlined knits that are popular this year.

For casual plans, a plain or graphic tee and chunky sneakers will do the trick, as will a wide-leg shirtdress teamed with flats or heels for workwear. You can also dress it up for night-time plans with plaid paperbag pants, a structured moto jacket, a sparkly heat stone top and heels. These waist-cinching trousers are perfect for elevating your look day or night!

Dress them up

Paper bag waist pants are a bit dramatic and the oversized fabric at the waist can be overwhelming on some figures. If you’re petite or short, go for a pair with a slightly more tapered leg or even a capri cut. They’ll be more flattering and you’ll still get the impact of the waist detail. For a casual look, try plain or striped cotton pants with a fitted or loose-fitting, long-sleeved top that’s been carefully tucked in. Form-fitting crop tops are great for this, as are a few different styles of streamlined bodysuits.

Dressing your paper bag jeans up is easy with the right accessories and footwear. A blazer steps up the sophistication level and is perfect for the office or happy hour. You can also try a thin belt to add more waist definition, especially if the pants have a belt loop on the front. Choose a narrow belt that’s about 1- to 1.5-inches (2 1/2- to 4-cm) wide, like a rope or ribbon style.

Dress them down

Paper bag pants are a fashionable throwback style from the 80’s and can be very stylish and casual. Try a pair of striped wide-leg paper bag waist pants with a matching boho-inspired or floral printed tie-front crop top for a spring look that’s perfect for strolling the farmers market or going out to lunch. Add closed-toe heels and a leather shoulder bag to finish the outfit.

If you prefer a more feminine pastel color, choose a pair of paper bag pants in lavender, baby blue or shell pink. Alternatively, you can opt for a pair of jogger-cut paper bag pants in dove gray or neutral shades to go with your favorite sneakers and tees.

You can even dress down paper bag pants by wearing them with a fitted long-sleeve top and some heeled boots or combat boots for a casual office outfit that transitions well from work to happy hour. Just make sure that your shoes are tall and not too bulky so that they don’t drown out the volume of the pants.