Black Trousers 2 Ways – Casual vs Work

As I learned from experimentation last year, trousers can have a place even in a more casual wardrobe. While they’ve always been a staple for workwear, trousers paired with sneakers is a newer-to-me casual combo that’s on trend and very comfortable. I’m partnering with Express to share a classic petite-friendly pair that is currently on sale, plus two ways to style them! You can see the looks in motion in my Instagram Reel.

1. Novelty Button Sweater Jacket

This Chanel-inspired sweater jacket is SO cute, it might be one of my favorite Express finds! The XS is a slightly loose fit and the sleeves are a tad long on me (see photos below), but it’s a cropped style so works better than usual for petites. I have packed this on trips to wear with jeans and ankle pants and it’s so comfortable and versatile.

I have a similar tweed jacket that I purchased over 6 years ago and still reach of all the time (even earned a spot in my capsule wardrobe), so I’d say this style is definitely a timeless one, at least for me. In comparison to my tweed jacket, I like that this is a soft sweater knit which is easier to dress down and wear casually if I wanted to. I’ve been wearing it with blue, grey and cream jeans and sneakers or flats for a smart casual look.

See this jacket on me paired with simple blue jeans and a tank top!

2. Draped Top

This draped top had good reviews and indeed looks very chic paired with jeans or trousers. I love the unique pleated drape design combined with a lightly padded shoulder for structure. Note that this top has a cropped length and not long enough to tuck into anything, and I either fold the sleeves under about an inch or push them up on my arms.

3. High Waisted Pintuck Trousers – 50% off

Classic pair of trousers with lots of great reviews. I dug deep in the older product pages to find these pants with a nice drape fabric and perfect petite-friendly length! I noticed that many more recent trouser styles, even in Petite / Short inseams, are actually rather long and still require hemming on me. These fit very well and the length works for me to wear either with sneakers or low heels. The 00 short measures 12.5″ across the waist, 11″ rise and 27.5″ inseam.

We’ve been having a lot of Converse sneaker chats over on IG, and this is a laid-back, easy way to wear them with something other than jeans.

I also wanted to mention that my velvet corset top (my review) was restocked in several colors and is currently under $30! This was an unexpectedly versatile find that adds a luxe, elegant touch to an evening outfit or winter wedding look.

Thank you to Express for partnering on this post.