Photos: The Social Shopper: May 12, 2012

The focus of this year’s Costume Institute Gala, “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations,” celebrates the work of two fiercely original and independent artists, so it makes sense that those dressing for the red carpet followed suit. Enter Miuccia Prada, _Vogue’_s Virginia Smith, andLane Crawford s Sarah Rutson, three chic, decidedly different women who all forwent the frilly frock and took to trousers for the big night. It was unexpected, to be sure, yet it didn’t ring rebellious. Instead, it gave off a stylish, confident aura, no matter how it was worn, be it elegantly covered up (like Prada), ultra-sexy and feminine (like Rutson, pictured here on Paulidoodles blog), or enviously embellished (on Smith). After all, when the invitation calls for black-tie, it’s always nice to think a little outside of the box, isn’t it?

Here are our picks for the perfect pants for your next evening out—and don’t forget to send your own sartorial suggestions via Facebookand Twitter so we can add them (and your handle) to Vogue.com next week.