The $50 dupe pants that feel like pjs but look designer.

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There are wardrobe moments that make you stop mid-sentence and ask, "Where did you get those?" This was one of them.

I was stopped in my tracks by a pair of pants that my very stylish colleague Isabelle "Dolph" Dolphin wore to the office.

At first glance, I was convinced they were the $200 Kookai trousers I'd been lusting over with that coveted low-rise, tie-front waist that's been all over my TikTok feed.

L-R: The Kookai pants in black and Dolph's dupes in charcoal. Image: Kookai, Cotton On.

The silhouette was impeccable. The fabric draped like something that should come with a three-figure price tag. The colour had that cool, expensive depth that cheap fabric can never quite replicate.

So naturally, I complimented her immediately, already mentally preparing to justify the splurge.

Her response?

"They're from Cotton On. And they were $50."

I'm sorry, what?

Watch: Our experts reveal how to plan a correct dress code. Post continues below.

The TikTok discovery that started it all.

Dolph explained how she stumbled upon what might be the dupe of the year.

"I was scrolling TikTok one afternoon, sifting through all the Black Friday content, when I came across a video of these stunning pants with a caption saying they'd been restocked," she told me.

"At first glance, I assumed they were from some high-end minimalist label — but when I realised they were from Cotton On, I hit the link instantly, and the sale price sealed the deal."

The sizing situation.

Dolph's Cotton On finds in "Weathered Blue" Image: Cotton On.

Like any savvy online shopper, Dolph did her homework before committing.

"For sizing, I did a little detective work in the comments and on other people's videos," she said.

"Everyone said to size up for a looser fit."

The universal wisdom suggested going up, but Dolph had already checked out — "because I have no chill," she admitted with a laugh.

She stuck with her usual XS, and despite being 175cm tall (which can make trouser shopping a minefield), she was nervous they wouldn't reach her ankles.

The verdict? "They're perfect. I couldn't be more impressed. I'm 175cm, bought an XS, and they fit like a glove."

For reference, if you're after that ultra-relaxed, pooling-at-the-ankles fit that's very much en vogue right now, size up. If you want them to fit true to size with a clean break at your shoes, stick with your usual.

Why they're actually that good.

"There are so many reasons these are now my favourite pants," Dolph gushed. "They feel like wearing sweatpants — genuinely the most comfortable thing I've ever put on my body — yet they're ridiculously versatile."

And she means ridiculously versatile.

"I'd wear them with heels for an evening look or with thongs for a quick walk to the beach. They're well-made, have a premium feel, and look amazing."

They come in four colourways: charcoal, dark oak, black and Dolph's weathered blue.

The office reaction.

When Dolph wore them to work, it wasn't just me fawning over them and stopping her in the kitchen. "People were honestly shocked when I told them the price and where they were from," she said.

"The fit, the feel, the colour — it all makes me look so chic while I feel like I'm sitting in my pyjamas."

This is the holy grail of workwear, isn't it? Looking polished and put-together while feeling like you're wrapped in a cloud.

"I also highly recommend them to the girlies who deal with period pain, stomach issues, or just want comfortable, transeasonal pants that still look luxe."

The elastic waist isn't just forgiving — it's liberating. No digging in, no unbuttoning after lunch, no constant readjusting. Just pure, blissful comfort that happens to look incredibly expensive.

So we've rounded up Dolph's gem of a find, plus some more tie-front waist on-trend pants, from bougie to budget we are loving right now.

Best tie-front waist pants for women.

Cotton On Honey Tie Pant, $49.99.

Image: Cotton On.

Kookai Maria Tie Pant, $200.

Image: Kookai.

Design by Si Estrella Mesh Trousers, $85.

Image: Design by Si.

Benni Verner Wrap Pant, $180.

Image: Benni.

Pretty Little Things Plus Black Woven Wrap Front Pants, $100.

Image: Pretty Little Things.

Halara High Waisted Tie Side Wide Leg Work Pants, $79.90.

Image: Halara.

Luxmii Zakai Wrap Pant Navy, $229.

Image: Luxmii.

These are the pants you'll reach for on days when you can't be bothered but still need to look like you tried. They're the pants you'll pack for every holiday because they take up minimal suitcase space and work for any occasion. They're the pants that make getting dressed in the morning feel less like a chore and more like a joy.

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Feature Image: Supplied.