THANKS finding trousers! - YouLookFab Forum

Update:

I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who helped me with leads on warm slim leg black trousers for winter. I think kkards mentioned Brooks Brothers, a brand I gave up on long ago for its too-masculine looks. But times have changed! Turns out they have a wool blend pant that looks most promising:
http://www.brooksbrothers.com/.....;cgid=0304

I bought in two sizes, a 4 and a 6, for a comparison. Here's a question for you veterans in the fashion industry: Do clothing measurements indicate the body measurement that fits the garment, or is that the width of the garment? If the latter, the 4 might be a hair snug. Anyway, crossing my fingers that one of them works. Thanks, fabbers, for helping me with your expertise!

Hi fabbers,

I need your help!

I have finally figured out what kind of pants I need for work this winter in the Northeastern U.S. that fit, flatter, and coordinate with my wardrobe...only to discover I can't find them anywhere. Anyone else have that problem (she says with a wink)?

My ideal bottoms are full-length TROUSERS that hit at the waist (for new, shorter tops that don't require camis underneath), have a side zip for a smooth line, contain some wool or heavier fabric/blend, ARE LINED, have a slim leg and TAPERED ANKLE so that I can wear comfortable flats, boots, or booties and keep my feet dry. *I already have plenty of boot cuts that i prefer to wear with heels, and straight legs don't flatter, as the wider ankle destroys the slim point I am after. Straight legs are the WORST look; my boot cuts are hemmed for heels, which I'm trying to get out of.

In a list, including where I am willing to compromise, are my requirements:
-full-length trouser pants (ankle length may do bc my legs are short)
-preferably lined--although heavier fabrics for winter (including the ubiquitous pontes) may suffice
-at-waist rise, although mid-rise considered
-side-or-back-zip or pull-on preferred for clean line, although button fly and belt loops considered
-slim leg, tapered ankle (no negotiation here)
-NOT leggings, jeggings, skin-tight ponte pants or NYDJ versions (although fit manipultaions possible here--sigh)
-black a must; dark brown needed; dark green and burgundy considered
-<$300 (I'm willing to pay for something I like--I just don't want to take out a loan, ha ha)
-No Nordies, please; too many bad experiences. Almost any other department store or brand considered: Dillards, Macy's, Lord&Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Talbots, Hobbs, Boden, BR/Gap, etc.

THANK YOU for your help; I don't want to go another winter without these!

6 years ago

3style

Veteran

Brands which I know often have high rise side zip: Lands End, Chicos, WHBM, jjill.
Brands which have moderately priced woolen trousers: Talbots, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic.

I think that you might get lucky and find the intersection of those two things. The last pair I had which featured all of your criteria were from Pendleton in 1996! I remember because I loved them so much. The don't have a Pendleton store near where I live now, but they do have a big online presence now. You could check that out.

Anonymous

Take a look at the Vince stitch front seam leggings. They are PANTS not leggings. They are a very thick fabric. Not wool, actually an Italian cotton blend, but a very luxurious feeling suiting fabric, very thick and substantial. The material is kind of akin to "scuba" fabric, but with more of a suiting appearance.
I'm 5'2" and they are ankle length on me, there is also a fairly generous hem that could be let out. They are also high rise on me - about a 10-inch front rise.
I adore these pants - I have them in 3 colors -black, navy and olive.
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Vi.....010/p.prod

Kate

Aritizia online has plenty of pants to meet your requirements. They are my go-to source for trousers. I love a high waist with a side zip myself and have probably half a dozen such from Aritzia in a variety of neutral colors. Happy hunting.

Sal

This post reminds me how I love side zip trousers too but have not seen many recently. Very flattering and practical. Good luck!!

Kate, Thanks for the Aritzia reference. I'm not sure if I had heard of them previously. They have a very large and interesting selection of dresses, including a fair number with the ever elusive longer sleeves. There is one of their physical locations that I could get to with a little bit of effort.

Have you ( or anyone else here) tried anything more casual from them, like leggings or t-shirt dresses?

I buy a fair bit from Aritizia - it's a Canadian chain. Quality is hit and miss and depends on the label (there are many house brands). Fit is generous in sweaters and tops; not so much in pants. I don't find their pants necessarily an easy fit (i have several pair, but they are not the cut you are after) but then again, high rise is not for me. The pants also tend to be on the short side.

Column

3style: So funny you mention 1996! I have two pairs of older trousers whose legs I had taken in from back-in-the-day. One was from Carlisle Collection, which I think is still around. Anyway, yes, this is what I'm after. The alterations got me by, but the pants are still short of JFE. Since the waist and seat fit, I'm amazed at how fitted legs have become (bc the seamstress easily took 2" off each leg width).

Ryce: the "leggings" look interesting; I will consider them. At 5'4", I will likely need to take out that generous hem.

Kate and Lisa: Thanks for the Aritzia reference; I will look. I have some summer crops from them, but they don't like multiple returns or sizing or something like that, I recall. I got stuck keeping a $200 pair of wide crop off white jeans I was only ho-hum about bc of their return policy, so I'm a little leary of trying something new. Drat--if, indeed, they have what I want.

Sal: Thanks for the support; yes, I love the slenderizing side-zip pant! It is just so frustrating that quality (such as lining) appears to be from a by-gone era (unless we shop British, where I'm assuming the weather demands lining in garments)!

unfrumped

Talbots has some side zip tapered pants but may not have any in wool. I wear an under layer to winterize.
Would also check out the “ designer” brands on Nordie’s even though you nix’d the site- I search for wool. Some will have side- zip.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I know the pants Ryce is suggesting, and they're worth a try.

Try WHMB too.

kkards

not side zip, but I think these first 2 finds fit your other criteria. and then I found this one from brooks brothers, which I think fits everything but the color.

Nordstrom

Boss by Hugo Boss Tanitea Mini Dot Stretch Wool Suit Trousers

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Top Pick

LEWIT Tuxedo Detail Suit Trousers

Brooks Brothers

Stretch-Wool Dress Pants

Unfrumped, Angie and kkards: These sound (and look) great! Thanks for the suggestions; I will report back!

Hi all. Updated the top of my original post to say I narrowed choices thanks to your input! Crossing my fingers!

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