Flat-front styles represent about 70% of Brooks Brothers' casual pants compared with 50% two years ago.

WSJ: The Pleats Plea: Wear These

"That's because people are sitting around with nothing better to do, and there's no better time to buy a pair of Karate Casual pants, " Lindland says.

FORBES: Magazine Article

She had just finished a round of Sunday-morning television interviews, and had changed out of a gray suit and pearls into a casual blouse and khaki cargo pants.

NEWYORKER: Leap of Faith

And while most runway looks, like the pink feathered Badgley Mischka gown or Tracy Reese's sequined pants, may seem a little extravagant for the business casual set, Keane, Kolb and Albu agree, there's still a takeaway: silhouettes, textures, colors, tailoring details and ideas on how to accessorize.

CNN: Fashion Week: From runway to closet