Modern Herringbone Trousers (Ann Taylor, $99 + 30% off with code)
I don’t endorse the wearing of pants very often on this blog, but you know what, it’s damn cold outside. At one point today, I was so cold, I thought I had been teleported back to Montana–and the draftiness of my shift dress was not helping the situation. So this morning, by goosebumps bring you herringbone pants.
Herringbone is a cold weather classic. It’s chic, it’s a bit preppy and a modern trouser with a great fit and a versatile color is a great choice for many women.
I like this pant because the wider waistband eliminates some of the unsightly bunching you get when you combine campaign/holiday season eating habits with trousers. But if you really want to be kind to figure, try something with a tab front, like these ones from Rachel Zoe or these from The Limited (a great pant!).
Pants! My favorite pair of winter wear to work trousers are these high waist wool flannel ones from J.Crew. I was very surprised to find the high waist to be so flattering. I have them in black and in tan and I adore them. One word to the wise though: always have a tailor/seamstress tack the cuff of the pant closed the whole way around – prevents you from sticking a stiletto in the open cuff and tripping (not that I would have first hand knowledge or anything).
https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/pants/fulllengthtrousers/PRDOVR~56736/56736.jsp
@Meagan, any insight on the fit of those trousers? I LOVE a high-waisted pant (Ann Taylor's “curvy” fit is a favorite) but since I have hips and a butt, JC pant are always a bit of a gamble. I'm looking for a good camel-colored wool flannel pant, and would love your opinion on those…
@Nora, here's the best I can say on the fit of these trousers – I have thighs and a butt but I don't really have hips (I have never lost the athletic but pear shape from years of playing soccer). These are definitely more forgiving in the butt and thigh for me than their denim and skinnier legged trousers. Hope that helps, sorry I can't speak to the hips.
@Meagan, thanks! That helps quite a lot.
I usually wear skirts as well, but I would like to own a pair or two of nice trousers. However, everything at Ann Taylor is too big. Would love suggestions for a pair that fits a slender and petite but curvy build.
I hate pants, but my Florida butt is freezing in this DC weather. After reading rave reviews and cult-like following, I think I'm caving and buying a pair of Alvin Valley pants. They're known for their forgiving fit and wide wasitbands. Has anyone here tried on a pair? My coworker said she horded them in the late 90's before they went out of business and still wears them (the company was resurrected this year).
Loving these herringbone trousers! And I can say first hand that it's a pants day here in Montana! That lovely winter wind has set in, and it's bone chilling.
Belle, may I ask why you don't endorse wearing pants?
Anna: i find skirts to be more comfortable, fewer seams.
I agree about the pants!
I am short and curvy (24.5″ waist, 38″ hips, generous thighs) and Ann Taylor dress pants are the ONLY ONES that fit me. I buy from the curvy line; a size 10 fits fine (loose and flowing) in the hips and thighs, and I have the waist taken in a little bit, the length hemmed and the belt loops taken off. No other designer even comes close with their dress pants to fitting someone who is truly curvy. And they're lined – it's really appalling the number of designers who will charge $200 or more for slacks that aren't even lined, and that doesn't work well on many figures.