Look at the waistband and the fall of the leg, since the stiffer cloth makes bulk very obvious. These are the sportier shapes, and they ask for a softer top to balance the sheen.

The DONNI. silk taffeta cargo pants come in rhubarb and in pistachio, both with a drawstring waist and side pockets, and I would wear either with a plain gray sweatshirt so the color does the talking. The Alaïa taffeta cargo pants in black have a curved leg and big side pockets, which makes them the sharpest of the group. I can see them with a fitted knit and loafers.

Then the volume. The Alaïa balloon trousers in pink have gathered ankle cuffs, and the PatBO Patricia balloon pants in off-white are bold, from the Spring 26 show in New York. Both need a slim top and a flat shoe, or the whole outfit tips over. The Polo Ralph Lauren pants in cafe tan are parachute-style, made from eco nylon taffeta with a gathered hem, and the two Herno trousers, navy and blush, are tapered at a cuffed ankle. Those are the ones I would grab for travel.

Try walking up a flight of stairs in the pair you like. If the ankle cuff pulls or the pocket flares out, move on.

What I would skip: a balloon hem with a chunky sneaker, which can make the leg look like a bag.

Pair taffeta pants with something that has less shine and more movement. A matte knit does that, and so does a soft cotton shirt. These are the tops and skirts I would reach for in the same fabric when you want one tonal outfit.

The Roland Mouret peplum top in black is strapless with a sculpted peplum, and I would wear it with the wide Chan Luu trousers for a dinner. The Chloé ruffled blouse in blush has puffed sleeves and a high collar, so it is a sweeter match for tailored pants. The Self-Portrait top in plum, with puff sleeves and a fitted waist, and the AZEEZA Rachel camisole in white, with a flared peplum, are the lighter pair. The LUUKAA Tamara top is a striped A-line shape with side slits that works over slim legs.

If you would rather wear the skirts on their own, the Max Mara Lonza midi in brown has a drawstring and a full shape, the DKNY midi in black has exposed-zip pockets, and the Self-Portrait belted skirt in navy has a rounded hem.

Check the seams in any of these: puckering at the stitch line is the first sign taffeta has been rushed.

I would begin with the leg shape that already suits what you wear: wide, if your closet runs to tailoring, or a gathered cargo if it runs to sweats.

Then choose the color you can see against your favorite shoes, and look at the lining and waistband before the label. Hold the pair up to a window and look at how the light sits on the cloth. Add a matte top, never a second shiny piece, unless it is a night out.

I keep thinking about those Byzantine weavers. It is a pleasing thought that a trouser can rustle like a robe. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Satin Pants and Zebra Pants.