How to Style Paper Bag Pants: 6 Paper Bag Pants Outfits
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Mar 18, 2022 • 2 min read
You can create trendy or classic looks with paper bag pants. Learn how to style paper bag pants with these year-round outfit ideas.
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What Are Paperbag Pants?
Paper bag pants are high-waisted pants with pleats that cinch at the waist with a tie or belt. The extra fabric at the top of the pants gathers around the waistline and shows above the belt. Paper-bag-waist pants come in many cuts for different body types, from wide-leg pants to skinny jeans. Paper bag pants also come in various materials, including denim, linen, cotton, and faux leather.
3 Tips for Wearing Paper Bag Pants in Cold Weather
Try these styling tips to create fall or winter outfits that highlight your paper bag trousers:
- 1. Add a jacket. When layering pieces with paper bag pants, stick with slimming garments, such as a fitted denim jacket or cropped blazer. Style a white button-down shirt under a cropped blazer to create a business casual look. Finish this work outfit with a pair of wide-leg trousers and high heels or loafers.
- 2. Tuck in a sweater. Slim pullover sweaters look good with paper bag pants because they are form-fitting and contrast the slouchy pleats of the paper bag pants. Tuck a turtleneck sweater into a pair of wide-leg pants, or wear paper bag pants with a cropped cardigan for a warm and comfy look.
- 3. Wear with booties. Wear heeled ankle boots with a cropped pair of paper bag jeans to accentuate your body shape. You can pair straight-leg or skinny paper bag pants with this outfit, styling a fitted long sleeve blouse on top to create a casual date night look.
How to Style Paper Bag Pants in Warm Weather: 3 Tips
Here are outfit ideas to help you style your paper bag pants for spring and summer:
- 1. Pair with lace-up sandals. Create a chic spring outfit with lace-up sandals and a pair of cropped paper bag pants. Opt for lace-up sandals with a heel or small wedge, as the extra height balances the whole look.
- 2. Tuck in a T-shirt. Pair a graphic tee with your jogger-cut paper bag pants for a casual outfit. Finish this relaxed look with a pair of white sneakers.
- 3. Wear a fitted top. The key to styling paper bag pants is creating a balance between your upper and lower body. Since paper bag pants are loose-fitting, opt for a tight crop top or bodysuit. Crop tops, bodysuits, tank tops, and camis work well with the high waistline of paper bag pants, creating an hourglass silhouette.
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