Black pants – regarded as boring and sometimes tacky – have been always been bottom-shelf go-to amongst office ladies. But that mindset should be changed: In the working world, the black pant is the best blank canvas you can have. You can wear them several times a week for different occasions (from work to drinks to brunch the next morning).
The key to a stylish and modern black pant is in the silhouette. With the right cut, fabric and fit, this garment will become your most dependable wardrobe staple. Here, the four main silhouettes that you should have in your workwear wardrobe.
Cotton, $49.90 from Uniqlo
This is probably the most flattering silhouette for most women. It is an everyday pant that will take you from work to the weekend. The tapered leg makes it really easy to wear — you can pair it with literally any type of shoe, from pointed-toe pumps for a sleek look to sneakers for athletic chic and sandals for a more feminine style. But don’t confuse this with your skinny jeans: It should sit closely (but not too tightly) on your waist along your hip, and the hem should hit slightly above or below your ankle.
Viscose, $55.12 from ASOS
This style was made to show off your killer legs. A pair that has bit of spandex is also good because it makes it more comfortable for work and is less likely to crease. Last but not least, ensure that it doesn’t fit too tightly — you don’t want to create unwanted muffin tops.
Viscose, $95.90 from Mango
Culottes have been back for many seasons now, and it’s easy to see why: It’s a great option for people are conscious about their thighs. Go for a pair that can give you a detailed waistline and a figure-flattering seam that can help give the illusion of a flatter tummy. Then, balance out the voluminous shape created by the pants with a fitted top.
Polyester wide leg pants, $109 from Zara
With the revival of the ’70s in fashion, wide-leg pants are back and bigger than ever. Opt for a pair that boasts a high-waisted fit because it shows off your shape by accentuating your waist and elongating your legs.
For petite ladies, here are some tips. Firstly, you can choose a pair of straight leg pants over an extreme wide leg. Secondly, put more emphasis on your shoulders through wider neck tops, stronger shoulder lines or a statement piece of jewellery so you appear taller. Thirdly, go for a lighter colour on top to “force” the eyes to look upwards. The ultimate lengthening trick: choose monochromatic colours from head to toe.
An adapted version first appeared in herworldplus.com.
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