Ask Angie & All: Can linen or jersey pants be business casual?

I've been actively hunting for a pair of charcoal pants for a few months, and have so far found only two that fit. Unfortunately, no photos on me. (No returns here, no cameras allowed into malls!) I'd have to spend almost a month's budget on each, so not an easy chance to take, given the non-traditional fabrications. But would you say they might be worth it?

My 'dressy' occasions are relatively casual (I hardly ever need tuxedo-level dressy; and if I did, I'd be better off with Indian formals; if it calls for a businesslike suit, my pencil skirt and blazer will have to do). For business casual or smart casual situations, could I get away with either of these?

(1) linen-blend pants in black (shown here in grey only): http://www.marksandspencer.com.....1336052341

(2) straight leg treggings (what they were called in the store; the website has a different name); for a wonder, no hemming needed with low heels (2 inches), though they are a Regular Medium and I'm 4'10'': http://www.marksandspencer.com.....s=center-3
The lower leg ends up a good bit wider on me than shown on the model, becoming a true straight leg. The material is sturdy enoughto avoid VPL issues, but I am a little worried about displaying my butt in a jersey knit. Though, I'm a non-tucker most of the time.

Overall, it seems only a super high-waisted style and a degree of stretch (treggings) or considerable give (linen) *along with some girdling qualities or cut* will fit my long rise, big booty and apple belly. Both of these pants were advertised as high-rise and ended up as mid-rise (barely navel-high) on me, which is a couple of inches lower than my actual waistline. The pulling and wrinkling and (ahem!) cameltoe-ing on the rest, including high-waisted polyesters and wool blends, were ghastly!

Should I consider one or both of these? Or should I pass? (I'm not adding 'keep looking' as an option, because that seems to call for a miracle!)

14 years ago

Anonymous

I would pass on the linen pants because linen wrinkles so much. I think the other pants are fab and would work perfectly for business casual.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I prefer the structure of the linen pants - but they will crease.

Ponte pants are acceptable in biz casual environments - but the styles with more structure are better for this purpose (zipper and fly - thick fabric). This style is really nothing more than a pull on legging, which means wearing tunics - a more casual look all together.

Does that make sense, Manidipa?

ManidipaM

Veteran

Yes, that was my own worry, Angie --- the lack of pockets for example was a niggle in my mind, and I couldn't explain why. 'lack of structure' makes sense, thanks for helping me identify that.

As for wrinkling linen, I'm not uncomfortable with creases myself, which should be somewhat minimized by the blend I hope --- but would it be *seen* as too casual by others?

Not to me. I have worn linen bottoms for biz casual before and loved it. Now, I only wear linen shirts and jackets because that's my preference. I feel swish in linen - always have. But I do make sure that I only wear one linen piece at a time - so that the rest looks very pristine.

Here is Christy, wearing structured Ponte pants for biz casual:

youlookfab.com/2011/08/18/straight-leg-trousers-for-business-casual/

Thanks, Angie!

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