I’m looking for the perfect black work pant, which is no easy task. I’d like something fitted, but still comfortable. I also want them to be ankle-length with a skinny leg opening. I know I’m not the only one who finds it difficult to find pants that fit well. I’ve got a little bit of junk in the trunk, so it can be hard to find pants that fit well in the bottom and thigh areas without having that annoying gap in the back. I’m also on the shorter side (5’3″), so regular pants are sometimes too long or cropped pants will hit me at an awkward length. The point of all that is that I prefer to try on pants in stores since sizes and fit can vary widely. I’ve been looking for a few weeks now and here are a few pairs that I have my eye on:
– Ann Taylor Sleek Stretch Ankle Pants I actually bought these pants last week for about half-off. On the hanger, I was not loving them, but then I tried them on and my opinion completely changed. They fit rather well and they are pretty comfortable. I’m not 100% sure that I’ll keep them though. We’ll see if they pass the at-home test.
– Banana Republic Black Soft Pant I like the slouchy vibe of these and I think they’d be great for warmer months. I’m not sure how they’d look with flats though, or if I could pull them off.
– Banana Republic Sloan-Fit Slim Ankle-Zip Pant I tried these on in the store a couple weeks ago and I kind of liked them. The legs are actually skinny and I like the side zipper- it gives a flattened, slimmer silhouette. I was having fit issues though. I was in a bit of rush when I was trying these on, so I’d like to go back to a store and take my time.
– J. Crew Minnie Pant I know people love these pants. I’ve seen them in the store, but I’ve never tried them on, so I’d like to do that at some point.
Have you found your perfect black work pant?
![It's a very belated book haul! These are the four books I picked up on my trip to Australia back in May. Of course I had to check out some bookstores on my first trip to Sydney and I think I ended up visiting 9 in total (check out my stories to see the mini bookstore vlog I made)!
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It was so fun book shopping over there since majority of the covers are different from our US covers. I couldn't resist this pretty edition of PACHINKO, which I've already read. And when I picked up this copy of PEOPLE PERSON, I was so excited to see it because it wasn't out yet in the US at that time. I also bought two books that I hadn't heard of before I discovered them in the bookstore: IDOL and LOVE AND OTHER PUZZLES.
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Do you tend to prefer US or UK book covers?
[P.S. This is an old photo that includes a HarperCollins UK title, but please note that I support the HarperCollins Union.]
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[ID: A stack of the following books sits on top of white bedding in front of a white wall (from top to bottom): PACHINKO, IDOL, LOVE AND OTHER PUZZLES, PEOPLE PERSON.]
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#Pachinko #Idol #LoveAndOtherPuzzles #PeoplePerson #whattoread #beautifulbooks #bookhaul #booksandtravel #travelandbooks #bookishaesthetic #bookstacks #bookstacklove #ukbookcovers #ukbookhaul #newbooks #bookbuying #bookpurchases #coolgirlsread #readerslife #bookishcommunity #australiatrip #stackofbooks #bookwormlife #booksandbooks](https://starcrossedsmile.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
I have found my perfect black work pant (thankfully). There’s a Canadian chain called RW and Co that sells these perfect tailored and insanely comfy straight leg skinny pants. I’m not embarrassed to admit that when I discovered how perfect they were for work I bought two black pairs, 1 grey pair, 2 colored pairs, and 2 capri pairs. I had to stock up!
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
That’s not embarrassing, that’s smart! I used to not like buying multiples of things, but now there are things I love that I’m kicking myself for not buying in multiples.
I’m a big fan of the J. Crew Minnie Pants. I heard they have a new style called the Martie which features a higher waist that I’m interested in trying. Like you, I prefer to try on pants for fit in-store but once I find something that works, i like to order them online for convenience.
Rowena @ rolala loves
I think I saw The Martie when I was in the store a few weeks back, but I didn’t try it on. I certainly like the sound of a higher waist, so I’ll have to properly check them out the next time I go to J. Crew.
I know what you mean. Finding the “perfect black pant” sounds so easy in theory but given the parameters of what you need/want, it is not easy at all!
These sound like great options. I’ve actually owned a pair of J.Crew Minnie Pants. I like them but I’ll have to check them out in Petite sizing next time I plan to purchase pants because I grabbed the pair I currently own on sale and the length is still not right (unless I spent the time/money to get them properly hemmed).
xo,
nancy
http://www.adoretoadorn.com
I’ve only recently starting paying attention to petite clothing and I don’t know what I waited for! Most of my clothes are still “regular” sized, but it’s nice to have the option.
I have black pants that I wear for work that I love but they are not technically work pants, if you know what I mean. I hope you find a pair that you like!
Thanks Jenmarie! My ultimate goal is to find them and buy them in multiple colors :)
Yes, you’re right. It’s no easy task at all. But, I did manage to find a couple a few seasons ago. These styles look great, my problem is that sometimes the inseam is too short, I need the in-between sizes since I’m somewhat tall. I found Theory and Zara work pants that I loved.
FASHION TALES
Thank you for the suggestions- I forgot to think about Zara! It’s an ongoing hunt, but hopefully I’ll pick up some good pairs soon.
Le 2 e est canon !
Bisous
Yu’
Thanks!
Ugh, I’ve been searching too and it’s such a chore. I have some acceptable ones from Macy’s, but they’re a smidge too fitted–I really want a pair that fits closely but not skin-tightly so that I can at least try to wear them year-round. These ones have been fine through the cooler days, but I think wearing them from now on would suffocate my legs. I love pants but there’s always a waist problem or a crotch problem. Finding a really good pair feels like a death march.
I’m in the same boat- I want fitted, but not too fitted! Haha, it can be difficult to be on the right side of that line :) You’re right, another thing to consider is material too. Once the weather actually starts to warm up, certain materials will just be too hot/sticky (gross, lol)!
I’ve been searching for work pants and they all fit me horrendously so I feel ya :( I’m also on the short side and it’s such a struggle. I’ve heard good things about the J. Crew pixie pants (but haven’t tried them myself) so that may be something to add to your list :)
Mili
I was thinking about the Pixie pants too, but when I saw them in stores, they looked more like nice leggings, rather than pants. I still want to try them on though- they might make a good off-duty pant :)
I really like the Ann Taylor pants, they are really chic!
Thank you! I’ve worn them once and they are quite comfy.
Love those BR pants! You can never have enough of the perfect black pants! Have a wonderful weekend, Nnenna!! <3 <3
So true! Thanks Jessica- I hope you are having a good weekend :) We need to catch up soon!
I love a good cropped pixie cut for black pants- just like those J Crew ones you want to try on! I feel like they just give you such a nice shape and still look fresh and stylish (and not too office-y). Though the slightly slouchy pair from BR look really cute too. I always have a tough time buying pants because I’m so particular slash only wear dresses slash hate pants haha. I’m curious to see which ones you end up with :)
xo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
I feel like an ankle-length pant looks best on me (or maybe it’s that I love my skinny ankle jeans so much and want to wear the work pant version of them :) Ugh, yes, dresses are so much easier. Maybe I should give up this whole hunt and buy a bunch of pretty dresses instead :)
I can totally relate to the search for the perfect black pant! I’m pretty happy with my gap pair, though they aren’t totally narrow at the ankle. http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=760954022&tid=goaff4441350&ap=2&siteID=goafcid150
Chic on the Cheap
Thank you for the link! I’ll check these out the next time I go to Gap.