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| Inspiration: Refinery29 |
Dress pants are not my favorite. When I worked in an office in Boston, I would wear jeans during cold weather whenever humanly possible. That's why this inspiration photo caught my eye - because she makes dress pants look so cute! I tried my own blend of neutrals and textured winter fabrics with brown wool pants (see how I wore them last year), a navy wool jacket, gray sweater and cognac shoes and belt. I love finding a way to wear dress pants that feels sophisticated and fun at the same time. How do you wear dress pants?
Pants: Banana Republic, $50
Belt: H&M, $20
Purse: Emma Fox c/o Ross, $60 (same)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website charm $17 and c/o Jenny Present
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $79 and $32
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $79 and $32
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| 1. J.Crew 2. Old Navy 3. Banana Republic 4. Limited 5. Old Navy 6. Banana Republic 7. Ann Taylor |
I'm not a huge fan of dress pants, either, but sometimes they are the most convenient thing to put on in the morning. I'd much rather wear a skirt or dress, so when I wear dress pants I make sure my top is more exciting than it would be otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI actually work at an office in Boston and I try to wear dress pants as little as possible. It is all about the dresses/skirts with boots or skinny pants with flats. It is near impossible to fine the perfect dress pants. I have been tying for years.
ReplyDeletenot a fan of dress pants either, but you look cute!
ReplyDeletesooooo glad my office {also in boston} allows JEANS!!
xo - heather
www.ThisLifeIsYours.com
My biggest problem with dress pants is that I have a hard time finding a pair that actually fits. They are either too small or too big, never a perfect fit. I really like these from BR!
ReplyDeleteyou look fabulous!!
ReplyDeletewww.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com
Dress pants baffle me but you are making me a believer with this cute look! You look great!
ReplyDeleteJenni
www.foundinmycloset.blogspot.com
Great jacket!
ReplyDeletexo JennWith Luck
As always I love your look! I want pants 1,3 and 7.
ReplyDeleteLike every other woman commenting, I would rather wear dresses or skirts. However, since I started watching Scandal, starring Kerry Washington, I cannot get enough of how well dress pants can be worn!
I haven't worn "traditional", flare or boot cute dress pants in a year or two. The closest I come nowadays is cropped straight leg black pants. It's hard to find a dress pant that fits right and looks modern to me!
ReplyDeleteLynette @ lynette marie
Amazing outfit, love the bag! ♥
ReplyDeletexx
I guess I'm one of the few who actually likes a good dress pant for work! I find that they're very flattering, especially if they're made of a slightly thicker material with a bit of stretch ( just not too much stretch... this is work, not a nightclub, after all!)
ReplyDeletePlanning in Between
ReplyDeleteI love how you styled dress pants. I was just looking through your blog post, pinterest, and facebook accounts last night NEEDING more dress pant, work attire inspiration. I love wearing jeans in the winter but dress pants or non-jeans are more appropriate for my job. I often style them with blazers and cardigans but haven't worn my chocolate brown dress pants because all the color options didn't work. Love the grey and navy neutrals! Love the blog!
I really like this look, and I think it is the sort of thing a lot of people could actually wear to work! I like those pants a lot. Good for you for strechting yourself a little here!
ReplyDeleteWorking in a corporate envirionment dress pants are a must yet so frustrating. They are a challenging item for sure. Fit is key and it can be so hard to find any that fit perfect. I find myself wearing the same way over and over agian, but have challenged myself to find new ways to freshen them up during the colder months.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit to being a dress pants addict. I personally get too cold when I wear a shirt or dress, plus I'm so all over the place when I work, that most of the time, skirts are just not convenient. I love dress pants from Banana Republic and Ann Taylor Loft. They fit me very well, at least according to my husband. Then again, I'm totally in style rut with dress pants, sweaters, same three necklaces, same couple bracelets and a big brown bag, so I am not the expert here.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually wearing dress pants very similar to the JCrew (#1) pants you posted. To make it feel more stylish (at least to me), I've paired it with a black collared shirt, ivory cardigan, black and ivory polka dot scarf, and a black belt outside of the cardigan. Since I have to wear hose at work, sometimes I just like wearing pants so I can avoid the hose all together. Blech!
ReplyDeleteI have the pants from HM they are much more affordable, and pair is with a most likely around this time a year with buttoned up silk blouse, sweater, and occasionally a blazer over that.
ReplyDeletexo Cassy
http://theworkette.blogspot.com/
I used to hate dress pants too! Now I like them a lot more b/c skinny and straight-leg styles are in style---SO much more flattering and cute on me! The LOFT has some awesome styles right now.
ReplyDeleteYou look great!
I actually really like dress pants. I found some great ones from the Gap that fit perfectly and i really comfortable. They have a great skinny and straight leg pair. Love your outfit by the way.
ReplyDeleteAgi:)
Love this work look. like it or not, dress pants were a must in a legal office for me. This is super cute.
ReplyDeleteOliviamoone.blogspot.com
I work in an environment where shorts, capris, and jeans aren't allowed, so I wear dress pants almost every weekday (I've been good about throwing skirts and dresses into the mix.) I love the inspiration photo AND your outfit! Really like the Limited ones you posted.
ReplyDeleteI wear mine begrudgingly. Well, I lost weight recently and most of my dress pants are too big or aren't as flattering as they could be, but I just wear them anyways. Yeah bad. I recently bought a pair that fits, except they pinch when I sit down (boo) but I have to say, the smaller size actually makes me look slimmer and I look a lot better in them. My work go to is a blouse/tank and a cardigan, or just a sweater, because no matter what time of year, I will be cold in the office.
ReplyDeleteI almost always wear dress pants to work. I often draw inspiration from your blouse/cardigan combinations and pair it with black, gray, or brown slacks. If you are wearing colored jeans, I try to accessorize using the same color, just because I always love the combinations you put together. For example, the other day I wore a b&w polka dot top with black slacks and had on a mustard colored scarf. I try to buy pants that are a slim boot cut because I am short and it makes my legs look much longer.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of dress pants either. I have 3 pair but I'm generally not happy with how I look in them. I've tried a couple of different cuts but I much prefer colored denim or skirts/dresses with tights. I'm glad that the mild weather in So Cal means I can get away with skirts and dresses even in the winter. It's nice that there are so many patterned pants this season because the other thing I typically hate about slacks is they are so boring!
ReplyDeleteI used to wear the dress pants all the time to work and I felt it made the overall look boring. Now with all the new variations out there, I try to pair them with a more fitted top to balance the bottom. I usually add a scarf or statement necklace...as long as I have some pop of color.
ReplyDeletehttp://themodernhepburn.blogspot.com/
Ok, I have to applaud you for the very amazing Emma Fox bag find at Ross!! I saw the exact style in TJ Maxx the other day (different color) and couldn't bring myself to pay the $120 for it but $60?? That's definitely doable! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Was it a clearance purchase?
http://fashionedible.blogspot.com
I had never heard of Emma Fox when I purchased it, but $60 for a leather handbag was too good to pass up! It wasn't on clearance. but I often find the same items at Ross for less than at other discount stores. I got it last winter.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I'm impressed...haha. I saw it just a few weeks ago which means Ross somehow managed to snag it before TJ Maxx (usually the other way around in my experience). You definitely got a steal and I would brag about that ;) Guess I'll have to keep giving Ross chances (sometimes the store drives me nuts) because you never know when you'll hit the jackpot!
ReplyDeleteWow! It has been forever since I wore my dress pants! You may have just inspired me to dig them out of my closet and give them a go. Great look, I love the jacket!
ReplyDeleteKristine
www.pugglewearsprada.blogspot.com
This is great timing! With our cold and often snowy winter weather, I'm clueless about shoewear for my 1/2 mile commute. Skirts and dresses, no problem; any of my boots work great. But they look awkward and strange with dress pants! Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteI used to just throw on a pair of wellies or Ugg-types over my dress pants/jeans,and change into pumps when I got to the office! It doesn't look great but I used to joke - you dress for survival in Boston 9 months out of the year, and fashion goes out the window in favor of warmth.
ReplyDeleteThey really need to come up with some cuter options! Another quick question, what are your thoughts on skinny professional pants? Especially of the non-cropped variety. Professional enough for the office or no, and any examples?
ReplyDeleteI love that style!! I haven't bought non-cropped dress pants in ages (today's are about 5 years old) but that's what I would get if I were to buy some today. I love skinnies because then they work with both flats and heels. Today's pants only work with shoes this exact height - otherwise they are too long or too short on me. Frustrating. :-/
ReplyDeletethis is a great look for work -- I would totally wear this! xo
ReplyDeletehttp://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
For some reason I've always felt like any kind of skinnies were too casual for the office. But I'm sold, they're added to my wish list!
ReplyDeleteI have never worn dress pants, since I feel like they are really mature for me, but how you put them with a fitting blazer evened it out more.
ReplyDeletehttp://emmastyleguide.blogspot.com
I am wearing dress pants right now. I only wear them to the office. I would never choose to wear them for any other purpose, and usually change out of them as soon as I get home. For me, the tricky part is finding a pair that fits perfectly. Once I do, I snap them up in as many colors as I can. I have 4 pairs of older Express Correspondent pants. They fit so perfectly and I'm glad I bought multiples because that cut was discontinued shortly after I bought them.
ReplyDeleteI recently found that Express Editor cropped trousers also fit me well, so I bought multiples. The regular length Editors do nothing for me (because I'm still mourning the loss of the Correspondent), but the cropped version works.
The younger women in my office (those in their 20s) don't ever seem to wear dress pants. I guess the wider leg is too much for girls who have known nothing but skinny fit in their adult lives. But I think they would look more professional if they adopted a more traditional trouser. Does this mean I'm old?
. I teach, so I have to wear dress pants on most days. I prefer the look and feel of jeans, but I have a really hard time with casual type khakis.I have NEVER found a pair that fits well, and doesn't shrink or change shape in the wash. Express and The Loft are my favorite for dressy pants, but I usually get as neutral as possible.
ReplyDeleteYou look great. I tend to wear my dress pants that have a wider leg when the weather is dry outside because I really dislike the snowy slush dirtying them, and they look horrible tucked into boots. I tend to wear my pants with silky blouses or with turtleneck sweaters and a skinny belt on the narrowest part of my waist.
ReplyDeletecoverupchic.blogspot.ca
I have to wear dress pants to work a lot and it sucks. I always feel frumpy. I like how you styled this, I should try it!
ReplyDelete-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com
Hi J, I am a new follower of your blog and I am really enjoying the outfits you put together! I noticed that you frequently post Stella & Dot jewelry with your outfits. They have great stuff! Just wanted to introduce you to another new company similar to Stella & Dot that allows you to create your own online boutique to sell great jewelry - it's worth checking out!
ReplyDeletehttps://adornnable.kitsylane.com/join/MP0fzSv
I love a good pair of dress pants! I love a wide leg pair; that's my fave!
ReplyDelete~Whitney
www.whitneynicjames.com
I really like this look J. I could definitely see myself wearing it - partially because I have to wear pants to work! :(
ReplyDeleteThankfully I live in Texas so I can wear skirts and dresses most days. With pants, the fit is key. Love the exact stretch from The Limited. Heels, belt, jewelry, cute top and a jacket (when necessary) and I'm set.
ReplyDeleteI wear dress pants to work quite frequently for 2 reasons, I live in a cold climate (Chicago) and work at manufacturing site where I might have to go into the plant. I agree with the comments below that fit is key and that I tend to buy multiples when I find something perfect. Some of the cuts at New York & Company work for me. Since alot of your looks are more casual, I usually copy the tops and improvise with dress pants. Even if dress pants aren't your favoritw, I'm one follower that would appreciate a few more, especially during the winter.
ReplyDeleteHi....the photos as well as the outfit looks nice and have seen all your models of dresses very well designed...I like your blazer...It is very charming suite.....
ReplyDeletePants are available in variety of styles - from shorter capris and
ReplyDeletepocket cargos to sleek womens dress pants, trendy high waist to funky
wide leg cut
I actually love dress pants and have them in several different colors and styles...Express's Editor and Columnist pants fit great and they come in awesome colors (I have red and oxblood)...makes getting dressed for the office so much more fun, and I even wear them to go out (not to clubs, but if my friends are meeting up for drinks at a more upscale place I wear them with more special blouses). I also bought a couple pairs from Target in hot pink and deep teal. Being a 5'2" and 105lbs, I look like I'm about 15 on any given day (and I'm 24!), so anything that makes me look and feel more sophisticated gets a gold star in my book!
ReplyDeleteCute! I love skinny dress pants :)
ReplyDeleteXO Nat
[nat in love]
I'm so glad to see this dress pants post, since those are the only pants I can wear to work!
ReplyDeleteI really like dress pants, myself. I hardly ever have an occasion to wear them any more. I think that you can totally make them look cute with the right top and shoes. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent questions and points you raise Shebolt! I can totally see your point about a wider trouser being more professional, but I also can relate to the girls in your office because I feel tortured wearing those pants myself.
ReplyDeleteMy personal opinion is that as long as it is dress pant material, any type of leg is fine - skinny, boot, wide. Not all 3 look great on every figure. Skinny dress pants remind me of Audrey Hepburn and can look very professional paired with a tucked in collared shirt and work-appropriate pumps. But if the girls are going for jeans instead, or not styling their dress pants professionally, then I totally understand what you are saying!
Love that bag, great find!
ReplyDeletewww.living-thesuite-life.blogspot.com
I'm with you on hating dress pants but I hate them for a very specific reason - they never fit me right! If I get dress pants in a stretchy material they're baggy in the butt, and if I get dress pants in a looser fabric, they don't really do anything to help shape me because I have a rather boyish lower body. Any recommendations to try?
ReplyDelete