Staying Fit
True story: Once upon a time we all had a pair of black tailored pants. They weren’t particularly stylish but did the job when we needed to look polished, work-worthy or dressed up … which was pretty often. Sometimes we even bought a backup pair. As our lifestyles became more casual, jeans pushed those pants to closet “Siberia.” But fashion is cyclical, and pants are back as the key basics to own. From sleek flares to stretchy work pants and retro-thinking culottes, they’ve returned to give denim the boot — or at least shared hanger space. Which ones are worth it for you? Here are 10 you should consider this year.
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1. Ponte knit pants
If you buy only one new pair of pants, this is the ideal basic that pivots from work to weekend, day to night. Ponte, FYI, is a type of knit that’s thick and opaque. It provides the perfect blend of structure and stretch for a sleeker-looking silhouette without the need for shapewear. It’s a hero fabric for any pull-on pant style. Choose a straight leg like the Lane Bryant Pull-On Textured Ponte Twill Straight Pant in Black ($60, lanebryant.com), the Athleta Venice Heathered Pintuck Pant in Navy Heather ($119, athleta.gap.com) or the Worthington-Plus Womens High Rise Slim Pull-On Pants in Black ($35, jcpenney.com); or a legging hybrid like the Spanx The Perfect Pant, Ankle 4-Pocket in Classic Black or Classic Navy ($110, spanx.com).
2. The unstuffy work pant
Our tailored work pants used to be uncomfortable. They were itchy, scratchy, cinched and pinched; sagged at the bottom area; gave us tummy and muffin bulges; and looked like leftovers from a pantsuit (and many times they were!). Some of the newest variations are pared down, streamlined (no belt loops! no linings!) in sensible, feel-good, stretch-infused fabrics with a high waist that tucks all in. Style preference will vary depending on your work dress code, but try a pair of “travel” pants in a wrinkle-resistant performance fabric like the Lane Bryant On-The-Go Straight Pant in Dark Water ($80, lanebryant.com) if you commute; tailored flares like the Old Navy High-Waisted Pixie Full-Length Flare Pants for Women in Black Jack, Raisin Arizona ($40, old navy.gap.com) or stretch flares like the J.Jill Fit Performance Boot-Cut Pants in Black or Dark Grey Heather ($99, jjill.com) if you live in ankle boots; and flat-fronts like the Ann Taylor The Side Zip Straight Pant in Silver Lake Grey ($98, anntaylor.com) if you prefer untucked tops.
3. The work-from-home/computer pant
It looks like a work pant, feels like a sweat pant. Some of us never want to wear anything too dressed up again, and zippers are definitely not in the plan. And yet, we still need a pant that pulls together a slouchy sweater or tunic-top for a finished effect on Zoom, over a countertop or in a cubicle. One of the best solutions is a sophisticated knit pant like the Catherines Anywear Classic Pant in Charcoal Heather Grey or Black ($55, catherines.com), Everlane The Dream Pant in Dark Forest ($78, everlane.com) or the Ann Taylor The Easy Ankle Pant in Double Knit in Lazy Grey Melange ($90, anntaylor.com).
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