How to Style Ruti On the Loose Pants: Outfit Ideas for Real Life
If you've spent any time on social media lately, you've probably seen the Ruti On the Loose Pants. These relaxed, slightly barrel-shaped pants have become an influencer favorite (and a personal favorite of mine), but once you buy a pair, how do you actually style them?
I've owned the Ruti On the Loose Pants in black, size 12 petite, for several seasons. I've worn them for travel, casual weekends, dinners out, and plenty of days when I wanted to be comfortable but not schlubby. I've also washed them repeatedly, and they continue to look great.
As a petite, midsize woman in midlife, I appreciate that these pants have a modern silhouette without an exaggerated barrel leg. They're generously sized, and the petite version is a true petite cut not just a shorter inseam.
Below, I share 10 ways to style Ruti On the Loose pants, from sneakers and casual layers to silk blouses, blazers, and dressier shoes. From a hike to the boardroom to a wine bar, I've got you covered. Plus, these outfit formulas can often be recreated with items already residing in your closet!
Shopping tip: Use my code ALISON15 for 15% off at Ruti.
How to Style Ruti On the Loose Pants
The beauty of the Ruti On the Loose pants is they're relaxed without looking sloppy. They have a subtle barrel shape, but the fabric and silhouette are refined enough to work with everything from sneakers to dressier shoes.
I like these pants with a range of proportions. A fitted tank creates a sleek column of color, while a relaxed button-front shirt looks modern with a half-tuck. A shorter sweater works beautifully with the fuller leg, but you don't have to wear everything cropped or tucked in. I've also styled these pants with longer shirts, soft jackets, and blazers.
The trick isn't following a strict formula about balancing volume. It's paying attention to how the fabrics work together, where your layers end, and the overall feel of the outfit.
And don't overlook footwear. I truly believe these pants work well with sneakers (chunky and sleek), loafers, flats, mules, sandals, clogs, and even ankle boots. The right shoes can completely change the mood of the outfit.
10 Ruti On the Loose Pants Outfit Ideas
Ruti Pants With a Column of Color
The Formula: Ruti On the Loose Pants + fitted tank in same color + relaxed top layer + sneakers
This is an outfit combo I personally wear on the regular with my Ruti pants: the Chico's tank has the same finish as the pants creating a cohesive column of color that you can then dress up or down as you wish with a switch of top layer and shoes. This is a great concept for travel as it is comfortable but not frumpy, and easily customized to your situation.
Above, I am wearing the Ruti pants and Chico's tank with a Tommy Bahama linen shirt and Birkenstocks showing this can work in warmer months, too. For this collage, I went casual with a denim shirt jacket and sneakers, but you could easily elevate it with a soft jacket or ruana and flats or sandals.
How to Dress Up Ruti Pants for Dinner
The Formula: Ruti On the Loose Pants + drapey going out top + clutch purse + dressier flats or low heels
I own this blouse, and it's even cooler in person. Tucked in or left out, the silky fabric works well with the Ruti pants and looks purposeful. Add printed shoes and a contrast clutch (or contrast shoes and a printed clutch) for an artistic and fashionable touch. Modern jewelry and a sheer glossy lip in a pop of color complete the look that is perfect for dinner or a dressier occasion.
Ruti Pants With an Off-the-Shoulder Sweater
The Formula: Ruti On the Loose Pants + off the shoulder sweater + statement earrings + smaller handbag or clutch
I shared a variation of this outfit formula in my guide on how to style the Athleta Brooklyn pant; it's a combination I often wear when I want to look dressy and cool but relaxed. I love this strapless bra for comfort yet support, and find a bit of shoulder and a statement earring can elevate these pants to wine bar or Michelin star restaurant level.
How to Wear Ruti Pants With Sneakers
The Formula: Ruti On the Loose Pants + Chunky cropped to high-hip sweater + sneakers + classic yet refined accessories
Another variation on how I personally wear these Ruti pants on the regular: I own this exact sweater (it runs big; size down) and find it a great length with the Ruti pants. Long enough to feel covered when untucked, but short enough to not compete with the barrel leg.
Unlike many other travel pants, these have the leg opening and weight of fabric that works well with both chunkier sneakers and shoes and wearing socks. I'd go with a navy sock like these so they blend into the ensemble and not cut the leg line.
A Casual Ruti Pants Outfit With Clogs
The Formula: Ruti On the Loose Pants + relaxed cardigan sweater + necklace stack + clogs
These pants can be athletic, elevated, and also great for a more relaxed look. As comfy as sweats but more refined, the Ruti pants pair well with your favorite v-neck cardigan and Boston clogs. Keep it comfy with a supportive bra tank (check out my Evelyn & Bobbie review) and add some shine with a stack of delicate necklaces.
Ruti Pants With a Silk Shirt and Flats
The Formula: Ruti On the Loose Pants + silk shirt + flats + day-to-night bag
The fabric of the Ruti On the Loose pants works really well with soft fabrics with shine like silk and cupro. I have paired them with a silk shirt, both tucked in and untucked, and really liked the result.
For this outfit, I used flats and a bag I personally own. The bag can transform from crossbody to shoulder bag to a little crescent clutch-style bag which is great for travel and for taking a look from day to night (just tuck the extra piece of strap in the purse).
How to Style Ruti Pants for Business Casual
The Formula: Ruti On the Loose Pants + oversized poplin button-front shirt + loafers + crossbody bag
Wondering how to style the Ruti On the Loose pants for a business casual office? This is a combo I wear quite often, even for running errands and casual weekends. I do the half-tuck with a button-front shirt, with one side of the front tucked into the pants, the other hanging out. This creates a waist and an architectural detail that keeps the eye moving.
Keep the look casual with sneakers and a baseball cap, or dress it up for work and beyond with loafers and classic accessories. I added a pop of blue, one of the biggest colors of the season, to pull the look together.
Ruti Pants With a Blazer
The Formula: Ruti On the Loose Pants + blazer + sweater tee + loafers
I like styling my Ruti pants with a blazer. I choose a blazer that has some drape like classic suiting fabric or a soft knit; a stiffer fabric like twill or thick wool competes with the pant fabric. Here I played with shades of brown as combining brown with black is now a very chic combination.
How to Wear Ruti Pants With Boots
The Formula: Ruti On the Loose Pants + belted jacket + sock booties
Yes, you can wear the Ruti On the Loose pants with boots! The fabric weight is heavier than many quick-dry travel pants; a sock bootie in leather, suede, or microfiber in the same color is streamlined and doesn't break the leg line.
Field jackets, barn jackets, and chore jackets are on trend, and they can work quite well with these Ruti pants. I especially like a jacket that nips in at the waist with a drawstring, seaming, or a belt; it flows well with the barrel leg. I added a lightweight fitted turtleneck in a pop of color for warmth and to show these Ruti pants can transition into colder months (and the look would still be chic if you remove the jacket).
Ruti Pants for Active Travel
The Formula: Ruti On the Loose Pants + water-resistant jacket + run belt or fanny pack + waterproof sneakers
While the Ruti On the Loose pants don't have zipper pockets or a drawstring, I have found they can work as active pants and used them as such on travel and on weekends. The fabric doesn't suck up moisture, they stretch and have room for movement, and with a run belt they stay in place and keep your essentials secure.
What Shoes Look Best With Ruti On the Loose Pants?
One of the things I appreciate about these pants is how many different shoes work with them. Unlike some lightweight travel pants, the Ruti On the Loose Pants have enough substance and shape to hold their own with chunkier footwear.
For casual outfits, I like sneakers, from streamlined retro-inspired styles to chunkier trail shoes. Loafers and ballet flats are great for dressing the pants up, and I especially like a sleek flat with a silk shirt or blazer.
Clogs and Mary Janes can give the pants a more creative, relaxed feel. In warmer weather, flat sandals and Birkenstocks are an easy option.
And yes, you can wear Ruti On the Loose Pants with boots. I recommend a close-fitting ankle boot or sock bootie that slips underneath the pant hem. This combo creates a more continuous line rather than having the pants and boots compete with each other.
You don't need heels to make these pants look polished. The shape of the shoe, the rest of the outfit, and your own personal style are what make these pants work in a range of situations.
| Shoe style | Best for |
|---|---|
| Sneakers | Travel, weekends, casual outfits |
| Ballet flats | Dinner, polished casual |
| Loafers | Work, everyday, fall |
| Mary Janes and clogs | Relaxed, creative outfits |
| Flat sandals | Spring and summer |
| Sleek ankle boots | Cooler weather |
How Do Ruti On the Loose Pants Fit?
I am 5'3″ tall and usually wear a 14-16 petite, jeans in a 32 or 33 depending on the brand. I wear the Ruti On the Loose Pants in a size 12 petite. I find them generously sized, with a relaxed fit through the leg and a comfortable waistband. They're not a traditional straight-leg pant, but they're also not an exaggerated barrel shape that overwhelms the rest of an outfit.
What I particularly appreciate is that the petite version feels like a true petite, not just regular pants with a shorter inseam. That being said, I find they're designed to accommodate my soft curves. When you're petite, proportions matter. Where the rise sits, where the leg widens, and where it begins to taper can make a difference in how a pair of pants looks and feels and these feel designed for grown women, not teenagers.
Ruti offers these pants in petite, standard, and long lengths. I recommend checking the size chart and garment measurements rather than assuming you need the same size you wear in every other brand.
Are Ruti On the Loose Pants Worth It?
These are not inexpensive pants, and I wouldn't suggest spending this kind of money on something simply because it's popular on Instagram. But after wearing my Ruti On the Loose Pants regularly and washing them multiple times, I'm pleased with how they've held up.
The fabric is one of the biggest reasons I like them. It has stretch and is comfortable enough for travel, but it doesn't have that swishy sound or obvious performance-fabric appearance that can make some travel pants difficult to dress up. Even so, they resist wrinkles and dry faster than ponte or other stretchy pant fabrics.
They also have a more refined silhouette than many of the relaxed, barrel-shaped pants I've tried. I can wear them with sneakers and a casual jacket by day, then pair them with silk and dressier flats for dinner.
For me, that's where the value lies. These aren't pants I have to build a special outfit around or save for a particular occasion. They work with my wardrobe and my lifestyle.
If you prefer a very structured trouser, a dramatic barrel leg, or natural fibers, these may not be the pants for you. But if you're looking for comfortable, easy-care pants that can be casual or polished, I think they're worth considering.
Are Old Navy SleekTech Pants a Dupe for Ruti On the Loose Pants?
I've seen the Old Navy SleekTech pants described as a dupe for the Ruti On the Loose Pants. I own both, and while they have a similar general concept, I don't consider them interchangeable.
The Old Navy pants have a more exaggerated barrel shape, while the Ruti pants have a subtler silhouette. The fabric and waistband are also different.
One noticeable difference is the sound and movement of the fabric. The Old Navy SleekTech pants have a swishy quality, while the Ruti pants don't. To my eye, the Ruti pants look more refined, which is part of why I find them so easy to dress up.
That's not to say the Old Navy pants aren't worth considering. If you prefer a more pronounced barrel shape, choosing these for more casual of outfits, or want a less expensive alternative, they may be a better fit for your needs and budget.
But if you're deciding between the two, I wouldn't assume you're getting the same pants at two different price points. They're different enough in fabric, fit, and overall appearance that I wear and style them completely differently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruti On the Loose Pants
Do Ruti On the Loose Pants run big?
In my experience, yes. I usually wear a 14, sometimes 16, and wear a size 12 petite in the Ruti pants. They are designed for a relaxed fit, so I recommend consulting Ruti's size chart before ordering rather than automatically sizing up or down.
Are Ruti On the Loose Pants good for petites?
I've been very happy with the petite version. It feels like a true petite cut rather than simply a shorter pant, which matters with a relaxed barrel silhouette. I'm wearing a 12 petite in my photos, and I appreciate that the proportions work for my body.
Can you dress up Ruti On the Loose Pants?
Absolutely. I've worn mine with silk shirts, blazers, dressier flats, and jewelry for dinners and other occasions. The fabric looks refined enough that the pants don't immediately read as activewear, even though they're extremely comfortable.
Can you wear Ruti On the Loose Pants in winter?
I wear mine from spring into late fall and find they work well with sweaters, jackets, socks, and ankle boots. For colder weather, I like a lightweight turtleneck, a substantial jacket, and close-fitting boots. Whether they're warm enough for winter depends on your climate and how much time you'll spend outdoors.
My Final Thoughts on Ruti On the Loose Pants
The Ruti On the Loose Pants have earned their place in my wardrobe because they're comfortable, versatile, and don't require a lot of effort to style. I wear them with a t-shirt and sneakers, an elevated sweater and dressy sandals, a workout top and hiking shoes, or a silk blouse and flats, and each combination works.
If you already own these pants, I hope these outfit ideas inspire you to try something new with pieces in your closet. And if you're considering buying them, I hope seeing the different ways I wear and style mine helps you decide whether they're right for you.
You can shop the Ruti On the Loose Pants using my code ALISON15 for 15% off. And if you're looking for more comfortable pants that can go from casual to polished, check out my guides to the best travel pants for women and how to style the Athleta Brooklyn pants.
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I get it, to each her own. However, I think barrel pants of any kind, cheap to expensive, are a joke played on women by the marketing departments of clothing companies. Also, what’s with all the manmade fiber pants lately? These are nylon, the Athleta ones are polyester. Why.
I splurged on a pair of these pants, but have been having a bit of trouble working them into my everyday wear (I tend to want to ‘save’ my newer, more pricey peices) so I really appreciate this post! Two observations: while the petite proportions are great overall, I needed to size up because I have a long torso and need a higher rise, so the fit on me is more baggy/slouchy; and, in my crazy thinking I had enough black pants already and chose the graphite which is a fantastic color on its own, but limits my ability to create a column of color as I have not exact matches for tops. Just a consideration for folks who are deliberating over which color to choose!
I couldn’t get the On the Loose pants to fit right on me either – something about the flat front just gave me a bunchy diaper look that I could not fix no matter where they sat on me. I returned them – they gave me a store credit, and instead I decided to give it one more shot and tried their Wide-ish pants, they fit SO much better (in the same size), and I have worn them in all the ways Alison has styled the On the Loose. Something about having a button in the front just makes all the difference in the fit and the drape for me. They travel well and go with just about every top you can pair them with.
I also tried the dupes from Amazon – it’s no contest. If you’ve tried the Ruti, its 100% the fabric that makes all the difference. It’s smooth, drapey, cool, and it just lays great. The Amazon version were also bunchy in the front, but SUPER loud!