Rihanna looking fantastic in her Vintage1 moto jeans.

March 16th, 2010

Every woman needs the perfect motocross pant as a key Drive Like A Woman wardrobe essential. Balmain championed the look, taking elements of the functional motorcycle pant and reworking them into a more fashion forward, day to day wearable style. Detailing around the knee and other areas provide added panache.

Our 5 moto favorites update the standard wardrobe staple (jeans/leather pants/legging) making them anything but boring—and we know our Drive Like a Woman woman is never boring! We love the subtle details that not only give trousers that added edge, but also create a more flattering finish to the overall silhouette. They elongate the leg and draw attention away from hips and thighs, bringing focus to the knees - on trend and yet still comfortable and practical.

The key to this look is to not play pick and mix with trends. Let the trousers do the talking, and team with simple separates such as a white tee, or vest and blazer. Unless you’re Rihanna in which case throw on a fur vest and work it!

Here are our 5 favorite moto pant looks:
1. The Real Deal: The original Balmain motocross pants straight from the catwalk. For the ultimate in leather luxe, dress up with killer heels and in keeping with the Balmain theme, work with a sharp shouldered upper body silhouette. $5,330.

2. The Stand-out: These leather Preen pants will add instant attitude to any ensemble - so authentic they actually look like they were made for the motorbike. Be prepared to get noticed. $810.

3. The Star Jean: Rihanna looked fantastic in these denim moto pants by Vintage1. For an alternative look that is equally eye catching, try this denim finish for a completely different spin on the trend. Other celebs such as Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson and Kim Kardashian have been seen sporting these jeans. $198.

4: The Dressed Down Legging: James Jeans offers the option for those who want a subtler injection of biker chic. This cotton legging version is simple enough to work into any outfit, with just enough detail to subtly amp up your look. $185.

5. The Bargain: To play with this trend without breaking the bank, we love Topshop’s skinny biker trousers. These pants offer the biker finishing touches without the hefty price tag! $58.

-Emma Moffat
Emma is the Associate Fashion Editor at Drivelikeawoman. She is a fashion writer and stylist based in London where she also runs her fashion blog: www.kiyomistyle.blogspot.com.