To me, printed pants are one of those items I admire on other women but often struggle with styling on myself. I routinely ooh and aah over styles doused in punchy floral prints, darling polka dots, and classic stripes [1], but the moment I'm faced with piecing together a printed pants outfit that reads both playful and polished, I tense up as if it's my first time getting dressed. Womp.
I'm not here to wallow, though. This season, I'm getting over my printed pants qualms (the same way I am with polka dots [2]), and looking to the street style set to inspire five fresh outfits that are perfect for Spring and Summer and with a little something extra, to boot. From an unexpected and eye-catching mixed-print look to a Summery-sleek take on head-to-toe [3] polka dots, these fashion-forward outfits have convinced me the look is one I desperately need to embrace, particularly when it's too hot for jeans [4].
See the five looks ahead, all featuring affordable printed pants from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's [5] with stylish extras to complete each outfit top to bottom.
Ground a Print With Denim
A bold, floral print can feel like a lot when a mix of colours are involved, but a denim or chambray top is a classically cool offset for the office, a dinner date, or for a weekend outing. To keep the mood chipper, I'm all for a straw bucket bag and barely-there strappy sandals [6].
POPSUGAR Shirred Button Down Shirt
POPSUGAR Shirred Button Down Shirt [7] ($33, originally $44)
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants [8] ($37, originally $50)
Pamela Munson Petite Isla Bahia Fringe Basket
Pamela Munson Petite Isla Bahia Fringe Basket [9] ($240)
Charles & Keith White Criss Cross Low Heel Sandals
Charles & Keith White Criss Cross Low Heel Sandals [10] ($39)
Stone and Strand Tiny Hollow Hoop Earrings with Fresh Water Pearls
Stone and Strand Tiny Hollow Hoop Earrings with Fresh Water Pearls [11] ($345)
Edge Up Your Stripes
Classic stripes [12] land on the safer end of the spectrum when it comes to printed pants, but a genius way to sidestep a snoozy look? Tiger print on top and bottom (i.e. your shoes). In the warmer months, skip the jacket and stick to a structured blouse and complete the look with a sleek, ladylike bag to keep the overall effect polished.
Hofmann Copenhagen Tabitha Blouse
Hofmann Copenhagen Tabitha Blouse [13] ($235)
POPSUGAR Paperbag-Waist Wide Leg Crop Pants
POPSUGAR Paperbag-Waist Wide Leg Crop Pants [14] ($37, originally $50)
IMAGO-A Nº43 Carré Top Handle
IMAGO-A Nº43 Carré Top Handle [15] ($495)
Massimo Dutti Buckled Animal Print Flat Sandals
Massimo Dutti Buckled Animal Print Flat Sandals [16] ($120)
Persol Sun PO3225S Polarized Green Acetate Sunglasses
Persol Sun PO3225S Polarized Green Acetate Sunglasses [17] ($360)
Pair Your Polka Dots
Polka dots [18] always makes an impact, especially when worn head to toe. Yes, a printed jumpsuit is one way to interpret this look — and wouldn't you know the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's [19] has a stylish tuxedo jumpsuit [20] in the April collection [21] — but you can also team together a wrap top and pants for a similar effect. To finish, is there anything cuter for Summer than bright yellow espadrilles, a mini basket bag, and spotted neck scarf? I think not.
POPSUGAR Knot-Front Long Sleeve Top
POPSUGAR Knot-Front Long Sleeve Top [22] ($33, originally $44)
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants [23] ($37, originally $50)
Castañer Carina 80 Wedge Espadrilles
Castañer Carina 80 Wedge Espadrilles [24] ($93)
Loewe Basket Stones Small Bag
Loewe Basket Stones Small Bag [25] ($850)
Ann Taylor Polka Dot Silk Little Scarf
Ann Taylor Polka Dot Silk Little Scarf [26] ($30, originally $40)
Monica Vinader Alta Capture Charm Bracelet
Monica Vinader Alta Capture Charm Bracelet [27] ($450)
Adam Selman x Le Specs Luxe Lolita 49mm Cat Eye Sunglasses
Adam Selman x Le Specs Luxe Lolita 49mm Cat Eye Sunglasses [28] ($119)
Red (Print) All Over
Another way to take head-to-toe prints [29] for a spin is with a coordinating tank-top-and-trouser set. I love this look for a wedding or party instead of a dress and would finish with a uniquely-shaped handheld bag, sleek hoop earrings, and cute wedges [30] (because, yes, '90s-inspired styles are having a moment).
POPSUGAR Button-Back Tank
POPSUGAR Button-Back Tank [31] ($27, originally $36)
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants [32] ($37, originally $50)
By Far Ball Bag
By Far Ball Bag [33] ($625)
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Kira Leather Wedge
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Kira Leather Wedge [34] ($528)
Jenny Bird Faye Knockers
Jenny Bird Faye Knockers [35] ($85)
Double Flower Power
If your playful print [36] comfort zone is florals, then blossoming bottoms are for you. Choose a colour-coordinated sweater and natural shoes to complement the your bloom of choice and for the big finish, reach for a contrasting floral-print bag (I'm obsessed with woven styles for Summer).
Wilfred Thais Cardigan Deep-V Cropped Cardigan
Wilfred Thais Cardigan Deep-V Cropped Cardigan [37] ($138)
POPSUGAR Wide-Leg Pants
POPSUGAR Wide-Leg Pants [38] ($30, originally $50)
Cuyana x AMANU Studio: Style 06
Cuyana x AMANU Studio: Style 06 [39] ($275)
Ray-Ban RB1971 Square Evolve Sunglasses
Ray-Ban RB1971 Square Evolve Sunglasses [40] ($183)
Zara Floral Woven Box Bag
Zara Floral Woven Box Bag [41] ($149)