The reader mail bag is a bit full, so let’s spend some time this week answering reader questions. Starting with a question about return to work attire.
Hi Abra,
My return to work deadline is March 1. I’ve gained some weight working from home. My shirts still fit, but none of my suit pants do. Can you recommend a pair of high-quality, professional pants and some ways to style them?
Sincerely, Eliza
I have owned so many brands of pants and suits over the years. I am also looking for new suits in my new size. My search landed at Theory.
Whether you need a pull-on, relaxed pant or wool suit pants, Theory has it. My favorite choice are these Good Wool Flares. The pants have a bit of stretch for comfort throughout a long work day. Also, because the pants are 96% wool, they’re breathable, which is why there is no lining. If you want something a little more relaxed, try these Kick Flares that are ankle cropped and look great with flats.
These pants are a little bit spendy at $200+ a pair, but the quality is there. And if, like me, you also need a suit, grab the coordinating blazer.
Theory gifted me these pants in black late last year. I loved them so much that I bought the entire set — blazer, pants, and shirt — in the stone blue, for a cool monochromatic look. I have a business trip at the end of March, and I think that will look really polished and modern.
If your workplace is more casual, I recommend wearing the flare pants with a striped blouse and a comfortable silver shoe. For summer, I love a Swiss dot top to lighten up a work look.
One final note on the Theory pants, they run a bit small. The size guide says I should be an 8, I actually went up to 12 and had the waist tailored, but I could have gotten away with a 10. Also, they are dry clean only. I dry clean at home with this kit.
Need something more affordable, but don’t want to buy ponte? Banana Republic probably makes the best pant in its price point. Plus-size? Land’s End makes a washable wool pant.
Pants are so hard to find. If you have a suggestion for great pairs of pants, please leave them in the comments.
{this post may contain affiliate links that generate commission for the author; the original pair of Theory pants was gifted to me}
Not pants specifically, but I needed a similar refresh on work clothes and I had good success at Ann Taylor – in person. Annoyingly, I have 2 or 3 different sizes in Ann Taylor pants (that all fit) since the sizing varies by item. So, if you have a nearby store, it might be worth blocking a few hours to go try on all the different styles/sizes!
I second Ann Taylor. I spent a few hours in the store and got four new pairs of pants. They have a ton of different fit options and I was able to find the combination (curvy/petite) that works for me.
Ann Taylor is also a big winner because they carry petite sizes in store!
Ann Taylor tried to charge me NY sales tax on items that PER THE NY TAX LAW are not taxable – then the SA accused me of trying to commit tax fraud. I refuse to shop there.
lululemon has a new trouser called the Daydrift pant. The fabric is great, they don’t have zippers or snaps, and they are wide leg. A great RTO pant.
I love the Natalia Pants from J. Crew – https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens/categories/clothing/pants/wide-leg/cropped-natalia-pant-in-four-season-stretch/CC482?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=black&colorProductCode=CC482
JCrew’s wide-leg trouser. Stretchy but holds its shape, does well with machine wash (I do iron to help the crease stay crisp).
MM LaFleur Smith pants (also a little spendy) – classic straight leg cut with pockets that don’t flare out. Machine washable wool.
For a budget-friendly option, I’ve had decent success at Express (of all places! LOL) Their blazer/pant options are good for an additional option. And, sometimes they have an interesting color or pattern happening, depending on the season.
Seconding – I’ve had decent luck at Express for pants in the past and was just thinking I needed to go back!
Pants shopping is hard. I think it’s that it really does take a lot of trial and error in a physical store usually (for me). Good luck.
You once recommended a side zip pair of crepe trousers from Ann Taylor. I bought a pair and they are my favorite and wear like iron! I’m trying to find the link to see if they still carry them and i can buy another color
They have several side zip styles. https://shopstyle.it/l/cmSkt
I think these are the ones you’re talking about. https://shopstyle.it/l/cmSku
I recommend these Zara drawstring trousers (they also have a bunch of other styles too). These come in a bunch of colors and can look very polished for office wear while feeling soft and cozy for wfh without wrinkling. I stored them folded no problem.
Link: https://www.zara.com/share/double-waist-wide-leg-pants-p01608225.html?v1=423952438&utm_campaign=productShare&utm_medium=mobile_sharing_iOS&utm_source=red_social_movil
I’ve had really good luck with Quince dress pants! The material is thick (no VPL!) and the price is great.