Pairing pants and shirts can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With some simple guidelines, you can easily create stylish and put-together outfits. In this article, we’ll explore how to pair different types of pants and shirts for both women and men. We’ll cover fit, color, pattern, and occasion so you can always look your best.
Guidelines for pairing pants and shirts
Here are some basic rules of thumb when putting together pants and shirts:
- Match the formality of your pants and shirt. Don’t pair dress pants with a casual graphic T-shirt.
- Aim for enough contrast between your pants and shirt. Pairing two similar shades can look off.
- Make sure the fit is cohesive. Well-fitting pants and a billowy shirt don’t make sense.
- Consider the season. Lighter pants and shirts work for summer while darker hues are better for winter.
- Think about patterns and prints. Be careful mixing busy patterns and limit yourself to one or two statement prints.
- Remember to coordinate colors. You want some color connection between your pants and shirt.
Keeping these guidelines in mind will help you look polished no matter the occasion. Next let’s get into specific ways to pair pants and shirts.
How to pair women’s pants and shirts
Women have so many stylish pants and shirt options these days. Here are tips for pairing some of the most popular silhouettes and styles:
Skinny jeans
Skinny jeans have remained a staple in women’s wardrobes for years. They can be dressed up or down seamlessly.
- For casual wear, pair skinny jeans with T-shirts, tanks, or blouses. A fitted tee balances the slim jeans.
- For work or going out, pair them with a silk blouse or sleeveless top. Heels dress the look up.
- Pair high-waisted skinny jeans with crop tops or tucked-in shirts to show some skin.
Wide leg pants
Wide leg pants offer a relaxed yet pulled together vibe. Be mindful of the fit up top.
- Balance the volume with a fitted tank or bodysuit tucked in.
- A billowy blouse in a lightweight fabric works well too.
- Wrap blouses with a tie waist complement the wide leg shape.
Dresses
For an easy one-step outfit, pair pants with dressier tops.
- A flowy midi dress can be dressed down with casual sneakers.
- A fit and flare dress pairs well with sandals for summer.
- A long sleeve maxi dress commands attention at formal events.
Jumpsuits
The one-piece wonder that is the jumpsuit can replace pants and a shirt altogether. Consider these pairings:
- Wide leg jumpsuits look great with wedge heels or sandals.
- Pair a sleek black jumpsuit with statement earrings and heels.
- For casual wear, top a denim jumpsuit with a jean jacket or duster.
How to pair men’s pants and shirts
Men have key go-to pants and shirt pairings that always look sharp. Follow these tips:
Chinos
Flat front chinos offer a polished yet relaxed vibe for the office or weekend wear.
- Pair chinos with an Oxford button-down shirt for work or business casual settings.
- For weekends, match with a polo, linen button-down, or casual sport shirt like a henley.
- Tuck or half-tuck shirts into chinos for a neat, tailored appearance.
Suit pants
Suit pants demand a dress shirt for a professional ensemble:
- Tuck a solid or subtly patterned dress shirt into suit pants and add a coordinating jacket.
- Pair suit pants with a crisp white or light blue dress shirt for interviews or formal events.
- A dress shirt with French cuffs always looks smart with suit pants.
Jeans
Men’s wardrobe workhorses, denim jeans, pair well with:
- A T-shirt or cotton button-down for weekend casual wear.
- An untucked sport shirt like a polo or rugger hugger shirt.
- A short or long sleeve henley for a weekend look.
Joggers
Joggers offer comfort without sacrificing style:
- Pair cotton or jersey joggers with a hoodie or sweatshirt for kicking back.
- Garment dyed joggers add interest. Pair with a T-shirt and white leather sneakers.
- For going out, match black joggers with a button-down or collared shirt.
Expert tips for pairing patterns and colors
Pairing complementary patterns and colors takes practice. Use these insider tips when putting looks together:
- Limit patterns to one or two statement prints. Too many competes for attention.
- Anchor busier patterns like plaid or floral with solid colored pieces.
- Try combining patterns in similar color families for cohesion.
- Alternate sizing of patterns, like pairing thin stripes with wide polka dots.
- Make colors pop by pairing complementary shades like navy and burgundy.
- For a more subtle look, keep colors within the same hue family.
- Use lighter and darker versions of one color, like light blue shirt and indigo jeans.
- Pair neutrals with almost anything, like jeans and a white tee or shoes.
Following these simple guidelines helps patterns and colors complement versus clash.
Conclusion
Pairing pants and shirts for a stylish, pulled-together look doesn’t have to overwhelm or confuse you. With some fundamental guidelines around fit, color, and pattern, you can feel confident mixing and matching pieces. Pay attention to formality, season, and occasion to guide your selections. With practice, you’ll be coordinating pants and shirts like a pro. Aim for pieces that express your unique style. With the right combinations, the possibilities are endless.
