Ask a Stylist: Which Work Pants Work Best for My Body Type?
October 06, 2016 | Filed in: Ask a Stylist
Need wardrobe advice? Sara Holt, manager of our New York city showroom, is the woman to ask. This week, she’s the pants yenta. Find your perfect pair of work pants for different body types, below.
The search for office-appropriate pants can be torturous—there’s always something a bit “off,” right? Your hips wind up looking wider than they are, the waistband digs, or the pockets gape… you name it, we’ve taken it into consideration. Our pants are painstakingly designed to flatter the maximum number of body types, but let’s not kid ourselves: They won’t all look great on everybody. Below, I’ve outlined which ones work best for certain shapes, based on more than a year of experience helping hundreds of women try on our clothes.
A quick note: Don’t let these recommendations box you in! Just when I decide that one pair of pants won’t fly on petites, a 5’2” woman makes them look incredible. If you love a style, try it. Chances are that the proper size, combined with a great top and shoes, will work for you.
The Ficchi Culotte
The Ficchi culotte in black.
BEST FOR: Tall people, straight shapes, and petites who are willing to wear a heel.
WHY: This fashion-forward silhouette hits above the ankle for a chic, swishy look, but it calls for some leg real estate—hence the height advantage.
STYLING TIPS: Leggy ladies can pull these off with fun flats or even sneakers. Otherwise, stick with heels (the higher the better, frankly) and balance out the loose cut with a fitted top. If you’re petite, be sure to tuck in your shirt so your proportions don’t get lost.
The Dupont Pant
The Dupont pant in black.
BEST FOR: Petites, pear shapes, and anyone who wants to make the most of their height.
WHY: I understand the fear of wide-leg trousers, I really do—but it’s time to give them a go. I call the Dupont “the skinny pant for the curvy girl.” The relaxed cut balances out fuller hips and gives you a lean, lengthy shape.
STYLING TIPS: If you’re tall, these will milk your height to its fullest; for a cool, streamlined look, try adding a long, flowy top. If you’re shorter, add heels and keep your shirt tucked in to define your waist.
The Nakamura Trouser
The Nakamura trouser in plaid and the Reversible belt.
BEST FOR: Petites, pear shapes, and straight shapes.
WHY: If you’re hippy, the Nakamura’s subtle pleating is your friend. If you’re looking to emphasize curves, the drape helps create a nice, shapely silhouette.
STYLING TIPS: These trousers are designed to be relaxed, not fitted, and they should hit around the ankle bone or just above. (If you’re very petite, they can be easily hemmed.) The subtle crop looks fabulous with flats or oxfords (otherwise, heels are the way to go). When trying these on, the key is to make sure the pleats lie flat and don’t pull—if you need to size up and then take in the waist a bit, so be it.
The Foster Pant
The Foster pant in midnight blue.
BEST FOR: All shapes and heights, as long as you’re comfortable wearing a very fitted pant.
WHY: I haven’t found a body type that these don’t look good on. They’re designed to be tight and mold to your body, and they have a smoothing effect. If you have a tiny waist and fuller hips, they’ll stretch without gaping in the back. Speaking of which, these are magic butt pants—they make your ass look amazing, whether you have one or not. Note: If you’re tall, these will be slightly cropped on you.
STYLING TIPS: You can adjust the hem of the Foster very easily, either by using the innovative button-up option or simply rolling them under to achieve whatever length you want. (As a petite person, I do the latter—the hem has never budged on me during the day.) Think of them as a work-appropriate substitute for leggings: They tuck nicely into boots and pair well with large, drapey tops. Alternatively, if you want to flaunt your backside, tuck in your shirt and go for it.
The Oshima Pant
The Oshima pant.
BEST FOR: Petites! And pear shapes, straight shapes, and those with fuller midsections.
WHY: Congratulations, petite, you have finally found your pant. The Oshima is cut like the Foster on top (i.e., very fitted, with the same “lifting” magic on your butt), but then has a slightly flared crop at the calf, which helps balance out fuller hips. For the belly-conscious, they have a Spanx-esque effect—the band is wide and forgiving (no muffins here), but holds its shape.
Sidenote: Trying to decide between the Foster and the Oshima? If you’re tall, go for the Foster—the Oshima is not for you. If you’re more fashion-forward, the Oshima’s kicky, ankle-baring hem has a modern vibe; if you prefer a more traditional, straight-leg cigarette pant, the Foster’s your best bet.
STYLING TIPS: This stretchy pant is great for a balance play—wear it with something boxy and oversized on top, and let the fit-and-flare do the rest. They’re also short enough to wear with flats.
The Pigalle Pant
The Pigalle pant in black.
BEST FOR: Hourglass shapes, straight shapes, petites, and anyone who wants to emphasize (or create) a waist. Because it’s so stretchy, it fits any kind of middle—it’s even maternity-friendly.
WHY: Made from a thick, super-comfortable knit, the Pigalle has a tapered cut that looks best on smaller frames. The wide, fold-over waistband does a great job of flattering the tummy area. If you’re tall, these will be cropped on you.
STYLING TIPS: Do you ever wake up in the morning and wish you could put on a 1998-style tracksuit? I’m not going to endorse that, but a viable substitute is the Pigalle pant with the Woolf blazer—it’s like a sporty casual suit. Add a heel if you want, and tuck in a shirt like the Lagarde for extra polish. The knit fabric will conform to your shape, so I recommend sizing down if you’re on the fence.
