A great pair of trousers should do more than just look nice — it should be wrinkle-resistant enough to travel in, comfortable enough to wear all day, and versatile enough to dress up or down depending on your plans. Our Pleat-Front Trousers check every one of those boxes: a clean straight-leg silhouette, stretch built into the waistband, and functional pockets, all in a wrinkle-resistant fabric designed for real life. And with three colorways to choose from, there's a pair to match nearly any wardrobe.
In this post, we're covering everything about this GRACE+EMMA staple: the design, the fit, all three colors, and how to style them for work, travel, and everyday wear.
Meet the Pleat-Front Trousers
Designed with a classic straight-leg cut and a flattering pleated front, these trousers are built to look polished without sacrificing comfort. Stretch built into the waistband means they move with you throughout the day, while the wrinkle-resistant fabric makes them a smart choice for travel or long workdays where you don't have time to worry about how your pants look by 3pm.
At $48.00, they're priced as an investment piece for your professional or elevated-casual wardrobe — the kind of pant you'll wear on repeat once you own a pair.
The Design Details
What makes the Pleat-Front Trousers more than a basic pair of pants comes down to a handful of thoughtful features:
- Straight-leg silhouette — A classic, flattering cut that works for a range of body types and pairs easily with both heels and flats.
- Stretch in the waistband — Comfortable, flexible fit without sacrificing the tailored look of the pleated front.
- Unlined construction — Lightweight enough for year-round wear.
- Wrinkle resistant — Ideal for travel days, long shifts, or anyone who wants their trousers to look sharp from morning to evening.
- Functional pockets — Because a great pant should never leave you without somewhere to stash your phone or keys.
Fabric & Care
These trousers are made from 100% polyester, giving them durability and that wrinkle-resistant quality that makes them so easy to travel with. To keep them looking their best:
- Machine wash cold
- Do not bleach
- Tumble dry low
- Iron on top if needed
- Do not dry clean
Three Colors, Three Different Moods
This is where the Pleat-Front Trousers really show their range. Each color brings a distinct personality to the same polished, straight-leg silhouette.
Black
The ultimate wear-with-everything neutral, perfect for the office or dressed up for evening. Model Morgan (5'5", typically a Size 2/XS) wears a Small. With 13 in stock, this is a great starting point for building your capsule.
Tan
A warm, versatile neutral that pairs beautifully with cream, white, and other earth tones. Models Penny (5'7", typically a Size 4/S) and Chansey (5'7", typically a Size 0/XS) both wear a Small. With 18 in stock, Tan is currently our best-stocked colorway.
Maroon
A rich, jewel-toned option that adds a bit of unexpected color to your trouser rotation. Model Morgan (5'5", typically a Size 2/XS) wears a Small. With 15 in stock, this is a great pick once you're ready to branch out from basic neutrals.
Our recommendation: If you're starting with just one pair, Black is the most versatile everyday option. If you already have a neutral covered, Tan is a great next pick for a warm, earthy alternative, and Maroon is perfect for adding a bit of unexpected color to your trouser rotation.
Fit & Sizing
The Pleat-Front Trousers are designed with a straight-leg fit and stretch built into the waistband for comfort. Our models range from 5'5" to 5'7" and Size 0 to Size 4, each wearing a Small — a helpful reference point regardless of which color you choose.
The trousers are available in sizes XS through 3XL. Here's our general body measurement chart for reference:
| Size | Traditional Size | Bust | Waist | Hip/Seat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 0-2 | 30-32 | 24-26 | 31-33 |
| S | 2-4 | 32-34 | 26-28 | 34-38 |
| M | 6-8 | 34-36 | 28-30 | 39-41 |
| L | 10-12 | 36-38 | 30-32 | 42-45 |
| XL | 14-16 | 38-40 | 32-34 | 46-49 |
| 2X | 18 | 40-44 | 34-36 | 50-53 |
| 3X | 20 | 44+ | 36-40 | 53+ |
Five Ways to Style the Pleat-Front Trousers
Because the silhouette is consistent across every color, these styling formulas work no matter which one you choose:
1. Dressed Up for the Office
Tuck a simple blouse from our Blouses collection into the Black or Tan trousers and add loafers or heels for a polished, professional look.
2. Casual with a Graphic Tee
Pair any color with a relaxed graphic tee, like one from our Graphic Tees collection, and sneakers for an easy, elevated-casual combination.
3. Layered for Travel Days
Because these trousers are wrinkle-resistant, they're a smart choice for travel — pair with a simple top and layer with our Quilt Jacket, Ivory for a comfortable, polished travel outfit that won't look rumpled after hours in transit.
4. Dressed Up with a Silky Top
Pair the Maroon trousers with a silky camisole or blouse and heeled sandals for a rich, elevated evening look that still feels comfortable enough to wear all night.
5. With Statement Jewelry
Because these trousers are a clean, solid silhouette, they're the perfect canvas for bolder accessories — pair with a statement piece from our Earrings collection to elevate a simple top-and-trouser combination.
Styling tip: The pleated front and straight leg make these trousers a versatile alternative to denim for office or dinner dressing — pair with a simple button-up or blouse for a look that reads polished without sacrificing comfort.
Building a Capsule Around These Trousers
If you're picking up more than one color, here's a simple way to plan it out:
- Start with Black as your most versatile, everyday neutral.
- Add Tan for a warm alternative that pairs beautifully with cream and other earth tones.
- Add Maroon once you're ready to bring in a richer pop of color for fall dressing or evening occasions.
- Pair with your favorite blouses from our Blouses collection for a repeatable, easy outfit formula across every color.
Why a Great Pair of Trousers Belongs in Your Closet
It's easy to default to denim for everything, but a well-made pair of trousers earns its place by covering the occasions denim can't — a client meeting, a dinner reservation, or a long travel day where you need something wrinkle-resistant and comfortable. The Pleat-Front Trousers deliver on all of that while still being easy to dress down when the occasion calls for something more relaxed.
Final Thoughts
Whether you gravitate toward the reliability of Black, the warm versatility of Tan, or the rich personality of Maroon, the Pleat-Front Trousers are designed to become one of your most-worn pieces for work, travel, and elevated everyday looks. Pair them with a blouse for the office, a graphic tee for the weekend, or dress them up with a silky top for evening — these trousers adapt to however your day calls for.
Ready to pick your color (or a few)? Shop the Pleat-Front Trousers in Black, or explore Tan and Maroon before your favorite sells out — all three colorways currently have limited stock remaining.
Already own a pair (or all three)? Tag us on Instagram @graceandemma to show us how you're styling your GRACE+EMMA Pleat-Front Trousers.