Are traditional (?) pants out of style? - YouLookFab Forum

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Are traditional (?) pants out of style?

purple8

I need business casual pants for fall. I like skinnies and ankle cuts, but I'm in the mood for a nice a traditional sort of trouser look (I don't know if I'm calling it the right thing, but the longer, slightly wider sort of pants.)

When I'm out shopping, I'm mostly seeing either ankle stuff (ok), or very wide leg (looks weird on me) or wide and tapered/draped (gives me ice cream cone butt syndrome.)

Would, say, j crew super 120s trousers be ok, or am I going to look like I'm a clueless frump mom? (Which I kind of am, but hey...)

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from purple8

Suja

Veteran

I think the pants you are looking for are not super current with the fashion-forward crowd but essential for professional office wear. They are harder to find but absolutely appropriate for the office. I think they are a mainstream basic and are not dated but also not the most fashion forward. I

I can dress a little more trendy for work so I don't wear them but I would if I worked in an office where I had to look more traditional/conservative.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I do not wear bootcut jeans, but I love a pair of modern classic bootcut wool trousers with a structured fit in luxurious fabric. See pics below. I've had these trousers for years, and update the support act that goes along with them every season. To my, eye, the look is forever elegant.

I do need dry weather to sport the look though.

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Tessitura

I have a similar issue: I don't like ankle or crop pants, and since I'm a bit taller, most of them don't fit the way they're supposed to, anyway. Personally, I think that a pair of bootcut or trouser cut pants is absolutely fine for business casual. They're not trendy. That's okay with me. They're classic, and most importantly... flattering.

When I'm wearing trousers, I generally try to have something interesting or fashion-forward about my overall look. I'm wearing dark tan boot-cut trousers today with a linen graphic-print tee and a blush pink silk blazer, and sandals. I feel that the look is a reasonable combination of classic and modern. Angie, I'm sure, has done a better job with her citron and cream sweaters... The only time I've felt frumpy was when I wore the same trousers with a blue pinstripe button-front... the animal-print lining on the cuffs wasn't enough to rescue the overall look from being hopelessly mundane. So there is a threshold, I think... my mistake, in that case, was in not viewing myself from a distance.

If fashion-forward isn't your thing, my other strategy is to simply amp up the polish... a blazer can do a lot for any outfit, but especially (I think) trousers.

rachylou

Veteran

I *do* sort of feel if something doesn't start to happen around the ankle on a pair of pants - I mean tapered or boot cut - things take on a staid feeling. But traditional is always presentable.

Style Fan

Veteran

I wore boot cut trousers or traditional trousers for years when I worked. I did what others suggested and what Angie has shown: I wore the trousers with a beautiful blazer or other topper to fashion it up (I made the phrase up). Theory usually had some trousers or Cambio but I haven't bought any in 5 or 6 years.

catgirl

Veteran

Dry weather is my issue here. I need conditions that rarely exist in my climate to wear pants like Angie's. Otherwise, I think those and classic straight leg trousers are always an option as long as they fit well.

purple8

Ok, this is making me feel better.

Angie, I love those pants. I don't need to look super traditional or conservative all the time, but once in awhile it's refreshing to see a classic. It looks so self-assured, somehow.

Thanks to all for the input on how to keep it looking fresh. I think finding the balance between classic and polished and casual and on-trend is tricky. I can do a formal interview or court look. I can do casual. But somehow the in-between look is easy to fumble. And most sites on dressing for work have really stupid advice like, "Don't wear clubbing clothes to the office," or like, "Wear clean, appropriate clothing," none of which helps you get the nuance of building a nicer wardrobe, or, say, an understanding of why some pant lengths or shirt hems work, and others don't.

I appreciate that this blog and forum acknowledges that not everyone is working for a quirky start-up or independent cupcake shop where anything goes, and that even worker bees in flyover states want to look stylish. Thanks all!

Anonymous

I have very similar fashion issues to those you just described. I think finding that "in between" look is what frustrates me the most. I seem to have an idea of what it should look like, but can't seem to actualize it. That results in me over shopping and buying similar articles looking for that sweet spot.

Thank you for posting this question. It has made me really think.

viva

Veteran

"Not everyone is working for a quirky startup or independent cupcake shop." So true!!!! I still have a pair of traditional pants from BR and wear them on work trips. It is a challenge not to be too staid, but I have found a lot of help here. Basic tricks include:
- semi-tucking
- fluid tops
- colored belts
- Cropped sweater over longer top

Anonymous

I like this style pant as well, and have had luck at Banana Republic. The Martin fit works well for me as I am curvy in hips and bum and I need a straight or slightly flared leg to be flattering.

I am in Canada so I am not sure if my resources would work for you but if you are interested, send me a note.

unfrumped

Veteran

I still need the type of pants you describe. Not just because they're spot in for work, but because they can give better proportion for pears.
My biggest aha was to quit trying to make them work with flats, meaning really flat. Even a 1.5" chunky heel is good. For me that works best in a boot, so fall/ winter is no problem. Finding just the right footwear for summer( since some of my trousers are all- season) has been a HEWI for me-- things that fit and act like a low- heeled boot but read more seasonal in midsummer.

Eliza

Veteran

A current shoe or bootie, especially with a pointy toe (as Angie sports), can help to keep the trouser look fresh.

Great tips here.

Anonymous

I wear black bootcut trousers a lot and they can feel dull and whole-heartedly agree with all that's been said about ways to liven up the rest of the outfit. You could also try pattern mixing on top between your shirt and blazer. Or add in some animal print in the top or shoes.

Aida

Veteran

I have a couple pairs of classic work pants, but only one of them fits like a classic classic work pant (#1, 2). I've also got a pair that are sized up for a slouchier vibe (#4, 5) and a relaxed pair that's shorter which I wear at full length (#5) and rolled up (#6).

EDIT: I should add that I work in a creative field, and my work outfits are more smart-casual than business-casual.

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Thistle

Veteran

I think these are essential for work in wet weather or in cold weather. I am very pear shaped, and straight legs are my skinnies. Basically, I wear them with outfits other might wear skinnies with.

I like baby boot cuts as well. I don't wear heels over 1.75 inches, so I feel like these look better.

I have found a lovely selection of work pants at Talbots in a variety of cuts, colors and a wide range of sizes. Best of all, they carry many that are machine washable.

Thistle

Veteran

I should note I work in Accounting. In the Midwest. For a male dominated employer in heavy manufacturing. Yeah, pretty conservative. A lot of trendier pieces are just not work appropriate for me.

purple8

Love these good ideas and pics.

Thistle, I'll have to check talbots. For some reason I had it in my head that Talbots was for the 70+ shopper, but I probably have it mixed up with somewhere else.

What other brands do people like for work? Before I left the business casual environment 10 years ago, I used to like Ann Taylor a lot, but now that I've returned to business casual, the AT clothes don't seem as durable as they used to. Thinner or something. Or maybe I've just changed. I don't know, but I would love some durable well-made basics.