The conversation about reinvigorating my wardrobe is mostly about pants. Bye, bye leggings four/five days per week. Instead, I want cool jeans and chic trousers. But I want to be comfortable, and when you sit all day, comfort is key. So let the search begin.
First off, I want the pants to be easy to wear but would like to branch out beyond black ponte, if possible. I own these fabulous Spanx pants and these great NYDJ flares. I don’t need more ponte.
Second, I don’t want anything too trendy. No cargo pants or split hems or stirrup styles. I need to be able to buy this pair in 2024 and still be wearing them (in a perfect world) in 2027.
Third, I need to feel good in them. I need them to flatter my body. So nothing too high waisted or too tight in the hips. Everything in moderation.
Keeping these factors in mind, I chose these Ming Wang Deco Crepe Pants. They are comfortable, easy to wear, look great, and they pull on — no zippers and no buttons. Think of them as Eileen Fisher’s cooler, professional sister who knows Nellie’s Sports Bar is the place to be at 2:00AM, and thinks Georgetown is for the olds. They are a bit spendy, but the quality is excellent, and once they’re hemmed, they will likely get too much wear.
For something more affordable, my friend (who is as picky about clothes as I am, who knew there were two of us?) recommends these Wit & Wisdom pants which have a tab front and belt loops. She is 5’6″ and says the inseam was the perfect length on her for flats.
I also considered these Halogen pants. They were flowy and comfortable. The high waist wasn’t too high. My only complaint was the waistband is elastic in the back. This made them fit well, and was fine for work from home, but made them less professional without a topper.
I’m also looking for pants that aren’t black, though black are the easiest ones to find and the easiest ones to wear. But even a girl working from home still wants options.
These Sailor Pants from LOFT caught my eye. They come in four colors — black, navy, tan, and this vibrant orange-red. I bought the orange ones 30% off, and I plan to style them exactly like the photo on the site, with a light blue button down and my trench. The outfit is punchy, springy and a stunner. As for shoes, I have some tan point toe flats that will work well.
So are you in the market for real pants for work? Did you find anything good? Leave it in the comments.
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I have to plug the Effortless pants by Artizia. I’ve worn my black pair to the Capitol and out to cocktails with friends. They are tailored but are breezy through the legs and DO NOT WRINKLE. They go on sale a couple times a year, and there are always some to be found on Poshmark if you balk at the price. I went up a size.
https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/product/the-effortless-pant%E2%84%A2/77775.html
The Birch color definitely leans peach-y, FYI.
My favorite comfortable and professional pants are the full-length Cameron pants from JCrew. They are stretchy, don’t wrinkle, and mine have been washed dozens of times and still look great. They come in high and mid-rise and different lengths. And the Jcrew Natalia pants are similar if you like a wide leg. I’ve tried lots of other brands’ work pants but find I reach for these most often.
I am shopping for pants for the office this weekend. These are exactly the tips I need–thank you!
Sara, thanks for reminding me about Artizia. I may try a pair of the Effortless and Wilfred Limitless (no pleats) and compare.
I did decide to order two pairs from Artizia for comparison. I went for the Effortless pants in tall (I have full-length inseam of at least 32″) and Agency pants: https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/product/agency-pant/101340.html
Thanks, everyone. The conversation here has been really useful. I’m in the office 3 days/week, and I’m in need of pants that are comfortable but can be dressed up.
I just ordered these stretch wide leg pants from JCrew and I’m very impressed with them – I also got the cotton version too.
https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens/categories/clothing/pants/wide-leg/sydney-wide-leg-pant-in-four-season-stretch/BN850?display=all&fit=Classic&color_name=black&colorProductCode=BN850
I have these, too, and was pleasantly surprised how much I like them!
I’m in the market for casual white pants, either jeans or khakis.
I’m thinking about buying the Spanx white pants again. I bought a pair last year, and their lined with silver so they’re no show. It’s a nice feature.
I remember when your wardrobe was devoid of pants. It’s fun to see your style evolve as it helps me to see where my own is evolving. Thanks for blogging!
I love the Betabrand wide leg pants. Lower price point than Spanx. Allows me to look decent while still being able to chase after two toddlers.
So glad you’re talking pants! I wear them much more than skirts and am glad to learn of new to me brands, styles, or colors. Any issues ordering and possibly returning pants by Beta brand? I’ve changed sizes lately, so not sure what to order. How is their fit—comparable to which other brands?
I love these wide legs from Express. I’m 5’9″ and can wear the long size with 2.5″ heels and they hit just above the floor. https://www.express.com/clothing/women/editor-mid-rise-relaxed-trouser-pant/pro/09192313/color/Pitch%20Black/e/regular/
I do need a pair of black pants, but I’m mainly here to commiserate about how much I miss late nights at Nellie’s.
I read this post earlier in the week, and as I scrambled to get ready this morning remembered the MM LaFleur Foster pant that I hadn’t worn in a while and thought it’s worthy of a mention. Stretchy but not ponte, these are super flattering on me (despite a postpartum tummy that bothers me in other pants) and have a really nice shape. I still love an ankle pant as I’m tall/have long legs and find a lot of full length pants to be a lot of work (I often wear a flat so that I’m not atypically tall). I’ve also had these for years – 6 or 7? – and they have really held up. They’re definitely my favorite travel work pant. Anyways, I thought I’d add to the list here!