Should I take a chance on pants?

I've been enviously watching so many of the beautiful looks with trousers. I still do not think that boyfriend jeans would flatter my frame, but I like a lot of the looks that I'm seeing with loose-fitting straight-ish trousers. I'm wondering if it's time to dip my toe into the waters again, but I'm reluctant. The last time I tried to find trousers was several years ago, when I was thinner, and I *still* found nothing that was remotely flattering on my body. Now, I am around a size 12-14 pants size, which narrows the field even further. (My Gap Long & Lean and Real Straight jeans also are worn out and my other jeans no longer fit, so I really don't have anything right now.)

The bottom line is that even though I'd like to be more fit and sleek, I generally *like* how I look, and dresses and skirts make me feel confident and beautiful. My experiences in shopping for jeans and trousers in the past felt very demoralizing and made me hate my body - my hips are so wide and my rise so high, and I'm carrying a lot more padding around the midsection than I'd like.

Is it worth the bother at all? Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to abandon my dresses any time soon, but I often feel like I can't participate in certain style trends that require jeans or trousers, and I'd like to have some flexibility.

Angie and others, can you suggest anything suitable for a size 12-14, very curvy with a VERY high rise, that I should try? I'd rather have one great pair of jeans and one great pair of trousers so I'm willing to raise my price point a little higher, but I don't want to settle for something that is uncomfortable or unflattering.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Sure, what's the worst that can happen? I did recommend NY&Co pants for you once, but those don't work, right? Those pants have a really long rise.

Also try the GAP perfect trousers and the INC brand from Macy's

DonnaF

Veteran

What about thick ponte pants to start? Their stretch would make them easier to find a fit. My guess is that Eileen Fisher, J. Jill, and Talbots are most likely to have the highest rises and thickest fabrications. The EF pontes I thrifted and just stuck in my Goodwill bag are amazingly thick and flattering for a pair that is really not my size (regular and not petite).

For jeans, I would try NYDJ in a 12 or even a 10. Their rise is fairly high and I find the dark gray cheetah patterned ones I have to be comfy and flattering. Both my thighs and calves are chunky, so a lot of jeans don't work for me. The rise on Macy's own brand of jeans, Style & Co. is even higher and cut for a pear or hourglass with thighs so they work for me.

The trousers that flatter me the most (narrower than most) are also by Style & Co. but have a VPL problem so I had to buy new underwear! To cushion against feeling defeated, I wouldn't start by looking for trousers since IMHO they are right up there with swimsuits in terms of finding a flattering fit. And be sure to shop when you are well rested and well fed and in comfy shoes.

Rejoice in the Remain polka dot sweater that looks so great on you -- and so meh on me, the polka dot fan!

deb

Kari, I wear a size 12 so just try it. I think it may be that your are just not used to the look. I have not worn my trousers for several years and am dipping my toes back in. What I am finding is that the current jackets I wear with my skinnies do not go. Here is an example, http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....k-trousers. I will keep trying to see what will work for me. In the meantime, the folks at work will have to suffer until I figure it out.

Kari

Thank you all. If I do decide to give this a go I'll make a list of these suggestions.

Deb, it's not the look so much as the fit. Last time around I could not find a pair of pants that fit me at all, not even something that could be tailored.

Parsley

Seconding the recommendation for NYDJ. I'm a similar size to you, and I've had good luck with them.

Don't I remember a great-looking pants outfit that you posted not too long ago?

I think you can do pants!

marianna

I know where you're coming from... pant shopping can be so depressing. I'm not participating in the trouser trend because I can't find a good fit. I did buy some new NYDJ skinny ponte pants this year which I am wearing multiple times a week already. The high rise is so girdling and comfortable for me.

annagybe

(website)

You might have to mail order it, but when I was 12-14, DKNY fit me pretty well.

I should say that I do have a pair of black ponte pants, which are great, but I'm thinking more about jeans & trousers (not skinnies.)

Macy's in downtown Seattle used to sell DKNY jeans

http://www.dkny.com/women/shop.....&s=12

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I echo all the suggestions. Get yourself to Nordies and try NYDJ jeans and trousers. Their rises are extremely high. Of course you can do pants and so can Marianna!

Thistle

I am in your size zone and curvy. I recommend trying Talbots. They have thick fabrics, and higher rises. They also have three fits, Signature, Heritage and Curvy. They just added a new Hollywood fit (read cigarette pants). They also carry up to size 20 I think, and they have a plus size department to give more options.

If it does not work, remember: it is not you. It is the clothes.

You are so beautiful,and feminine and curvy. I pin a lot of your WIWs as your style helps inspire me. You have lovely curves, and your beautiful skirts and dresses show them off so well!

I wear a 12 and only wear jeans and trousers. And in central Ontario, I have fewer stores to choose from.

It can be done

I can't find skinnies though, one day I will ask the forum about that

Another plug for Talbots. *smacks forehead*

I was there with a client a few months ago and bingo!

Transcona Shannon

I'm the same size as you Kari (12-14) in trousers and have had some luck. But you're right - it's harder to find trousers that fit and I really have to leave my ego at home when trying them on. I used to leave the store empty handed and feeling completely horrible about my body.

The best pants for me have been Esprit but unfortunately they are no longer available in North America. Anne Klein trousers have also worked for me.

You've gotten great suggestions here and I know you'll find a fab pair

Nadya

I suggest you try try Jag as well. You might try a 14w, sometimes plus size rises run different than misses. Jag trouser jeans are favorites of mine.

Sveta

Kari, I also wear size 12 in trousers so I feel you pain. You may remember my lamentations on how hard it is to find trousers for my curves plus length and now I have more trousers than skirts! (Angie is still chuckling at this)
I don't have an advice for you as I need lower rise in trousers, just wanted to cheer you on from the sidelines!

christieanne

I can so relate! The brands that I like are Jag (for jeans - awesome) and Talbot's.
I have a pair of NYDJ but the thigh area seems to stretch through the day. It might be me as I seem to have that issue with lots of brands. Weird.
My rise preference might be lower than yours only because I have a short waist.
Sometimes a slight alteration is needed. Remember that it's not you - it's the clothes! You could so rock a pair of classic tweed trousers with all your colorful tops.

catgirl

Yes, you should - just keep in mind that it's a difficult search across the board, let alone if you are in a limited size range or have fit issues that designers don't consider. Having met you I know how gorgeous you look in your skirts and dresses - it's a high standard to meet for trousers! But I KNOW you can do it - just keep repeating "It's not me, it's the clothes" until the right pair finds you.

Jenava

NYDJ, CJ by cookie johnson, and Kut from the Kloth are all brands that I favor, and I have a fairly long rise, round thighs and a full tummy and bum. I hear you on pants shopping being a drag though...my trick is to bring a lot of sizes into the dressing room and always start with the largest one that's probably too big! (-:

Carole

Wow, look at all the great suggestions! I look forward to seeing you in pants, and soon I hope!

bj1111

vouch for cj by cookie johnson for those like me who are ample in thigh and hip

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