As I mentioned in my previous post, I’m trying to diminish my reliance on skinny pants. In the workplace, skinny pants are not always appropriate, but a pair of trousers never go out of style.
Finding the perfect trouser, however, is a great feat for anyone, especially the petite. I know several petites opt for skirts and dresses since the alterations are simpler. With pants, there’s so many aspects to compare that it can be disheartening to shop for a pair.
Since I’m an hourglass shape, I’m designed for dresses and flirty skirts. But I feel more comfortable in pants despite my issues with gaps at the waist and the proper length for my height. With patience and due diligence, I’m able to find pants that fit with minimal to no alterations.
The best trousers I have are from Theory, which are probably the most expensive items I own. They’re well-constructed with quality fabrics and sleek styles. I wear a size 00 and if they are not cropped, I have them hemmed.
Not everyone can afford Theory and there are more affordable options available. Gap is one of them and I tried every fit of their Premium Pant collection to see what works for my body type. The first test was the Perfect Trouser Pant in 00P. It gapped at the waist and was loose overall. The Boy Fit and True Straight styles had similar results.
The Modern Bootcut and the Curvy pant fit similarly but I don’t like tabbed fronts so I only purchased the Curvy pant. The Curvy pant skims my body well with a little extra room in the hips. The only downside is that the length is too short for 3″ pumps, so 2″ heels will have to do instead.
Outfit Details: Jack by Dakota Collective plaid coat – XS, Martin + Osa sweater – XS, Gap Curvy Pants – 00P, Colehaan satchel, Jessica Simpson pumps
Shop: coat, sweater, pants, pumps
Finding a great pair of trousers not only makes you happy, it makes you look polished and professional. I’m almost finished with my trouser collection and to make it complete, I’m looking for a wool or subtly patterned pant that runs small.
Where have you found your favorite trousers?
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve yet to try theory pants but everyone who’s ever owned a pair has nothing but positive experiences to say about them. I hope one day I can add a matching pair with my theory jacket
I’ve also tried on the Gap Premium pants in true straight. I couldn’t find the right length that worked for me and I would’ve preferred a different material. The best luck I’ve had with trousers are actually from Express. I swear by the Editors line and have heard good things about their Columnists pants (yet to try though).
I’m a pants girl myself! I love the skinnies, especially with all my long poochy stomach hiding tunic tops! Trousers are classic and I have a zillion pairs in my closet that don’t quite fit anymore. I’m waiting to see if I grow back into them. Last I looked, Victoria’s Secret, BR, and Theory all had trousers that fit me pretty well. But then I was a less discerning shopper pre-blogging!
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This hot pink looks great on you! I am on the lookout for the perfect trouser. I will give Theory a try!
@Cee: I haven’t been to Express in a while, maybe it’s time for me to check it out! =)
@Petite Mom: That’s great that you have several places to find pants. I’ve yet to try VS pants but they seem to have so many different styles,
@Sydney: Thanks, I hope Theory works out for you. =)
I haven’t tried Theory yet because there aren’t any retailers close to me, but I am very interested in their suiting. You look a lot taller in pants than you do in skirts. I prefer skirts to pants, but I can’t explain why exactly. I make all of my trousers, so the fit is perfect. However, I find myself wishing that my current crop of trousers were skinnier, as they are all more of a boot cut. I wouldn’t go so far as to say they are wide leg, but they are definitely not skinny like everything you see in J.Crew.
When I was in grad school I wore pants exclusively and got lots of comments on them. But for some reason, I always feel like I look frumpy in them when I try to wear them to work now, so I have only worn pants maybe 5 times since September.
Thanks! I feel taller in pants since there’s more fabric to lengthen my frame which probably explains that effect. LOL. It’s always nice to have variety with pant styles so you can mix and match over the years and still look modern! =)
i need to get my hands on a pair of theory pants! i know cee mentioned the express editor pants, but when i recently tried on a pair of 00′s they were still too big
the columnist fit better on me.
Those trousers fit you very well! My favorite part of the outfit is the plaid coat – plaids just have so much character – especially in an outerwear context.
I am such a big fan of trousers – they are so comfy and of course, work-appropriate. I don’t know that I’ve ever found THE perfect pair. My favorites are a pair of BR that fits well in the waist / hips / thighs. I’ve found that any trousers that don’t in these 3 areas make me look rather squat. The bad thing about the BR is the length – it’s a bit short if I want to wear heels (my fault for shortening it too much back when I was a flats girl).
@Leena: Definitely try Theory, they’re worth the look! =)
@SewPetiteGal: Thanks! The plaid coat definitely makes the outfit more interesting. I agree, those three areas are very important when picking out a pair of pants.
I love trouser pants! …..My favorite fit pants of all time for sure! (Still loving that plaid Dakota coat on you).
I love neutrals and can’t get away from them..LOL
I am not a fan of pants but you look great!
@Callandra: Thanks, the plaid coat was a great find and I try to wear it out as much as possible!
@Really Petite: I love neutrals too but I needed some variety to dress it up a bit. =)
I *heart* pants. Way more than I *heart* skirts. (although I love both.) My single favorite pair of trousers is from Old Navy…I bought them years ago and have yet to find another pair (even at ON) that equals that one. BR and Loft are good standbys for me–their regular length pants are perfect for my 3″ heels.