Plaid Trousers to Wear to Work, or Really Anywhere

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As someone who hasn’t observed a strict business dress code since my first real job in 2009 and 2010, I never would have expected plaid or checkered trousers to be my most-wanted item for fall 2017. But here we are!

I should have known they’d creep up on me when we started seeing them on runways last year. (I’ve always been a fan of a menswear look, and I like that they can look super polished or a little punk, depending on how they’re styled.) By the time I was selecting options for our fall shopping guide in September, plaid trousers — whether high-waisted and wide-leg, cropped and flared, or creased and tapered — were in almost every store. I’m shocked I managed to add in any pants besides trousers because I wanted every single pair I saw, from the fast-fashion versions to the actual business-business looks.

Just in case I’m not the only one, I figured I’d highlight a few favorites below in a range of prices. Whether or not your office does have a strict dress code, be happy that you can style these for work (top with a blazer or a sweater and heels) or the weekend (add fun boots and a leather jacket or sneakers and a graphic tee). If you’re really bold, match plaid with plaid, like in the Zara photo above.