Happy Tuesday everyone, I hope your week is off to a great start!
This week on the blog I am going to discuss one of my least favourite things to buy – dress pants and a brand and fit that I finally found that work for me.
Being a professional and working in an office environment means that dress pants are just part of the required uniform. I could wear skirts and dresses all year long I guess but when the colder months hit I end up having to deal with the other thing I hate to buy – tights, and to be honest I have yet to still find the “ones” so pants end up winning out.
So you may ask yourself why I hate buying dress pants…well it is because of my shape. Since I carry the majority of my weight in my hips and thighs and I have a great booty (I am just being honest lol) finding a pant that hangs nicely on my thigh but isn’t too big at the waist is almost impossible.
A long time ago Lane Bryant use to have 3 styles of dress pants that were identified by shapes – the circle, the rectangle and the triangle. I absolutely loved the triangle style so I was pretty devastated when they stopped carrying them.
LB’s journey to reinvent their pants took some time but I appreciate the time they took to get it right in my opinion. At first they only came out with the Lena which is designed for woman that are smaller in the waist, but curvy through the hip and thigh. And then there was the Sophie which is designed for woman that are fuller in the waist, but straighter through the hip and thigh.
I tried the Lena and much to my dismay they just didn’t have enough room in the hip and thigh for me and since I am a size 28 I was left with no other options. Then some time last year I noticed on the website that a new fit had been released – the Ashley. This shape is designed for woman that are hourglass shapes and very curvy through the hip and thigh.
And voila! My pant nightmares were over and Lane Bryant had me back as a pants customer. I also distinctly remember that they sold out in a flash so clearly I was not the only one looking for this style. The colour and print options were limited at first in this style but slowly but surely through spring till now more options were being offered in this fit.
Printed bottoms are a huge trend for Fall as is plaid. So when I saw these Tailored Stretch ones with a self tie belt and an amazing plaid print I couldn’t say no. The leg shape is a classic trouser fit which is relaxed from the hip through the knee and has a slight flare.
I love LB’s tailored stretch fabric because it provides a polished look with a nice drape. And there is a subtle stretch to the fabric which makes for a sleek silhouette. These pants also have nice details with slash front pockets, welted button back pockets, a double bar and slide & zip fly closure with an inner button. And thank goodness – belt loops.
And the other best kept secret about the Ashley style – elastic panels in the waist band that are hidden but still give you a proper fitting waist with no gaping at the back. I am wearing the size 28 regular and I feel they are a true fit for my size.
I really wanted the purple in the pants to be the star of the show so I decided to go with this black Kimono Sleeve Drama Top. The sleeves are a kimono style with a double layer that gives the effect of ruffles while being less fussy. Both are also major trends for Fall. It is made of a great weight material that hangs nicely and I like the length falling just below the waist with a little bit of a flare.
To accessorize I also chose to keep things pretty simple but with a little bit of Lisa mixed in. This skinny scarf, also from Lane Bryant is another huge trend and the geometric with the dots and mix of colours paired perfectly with the pants. It’s a great alternative to a necklace.
I then finished it off with a black leather and gold bracelet also from Lane Bryant, my black patent wedges from Simply Be USA and my Coach shoulder bag with purple lining.
This look is perfect for the office, chic and sophisticated but comfortable and easy to wear. Stay tuned later this week when I give you another outfit that I styled and some more details about the great selection of pants Lane Bryant has to offer.
This look is care of Lane Bryant but all opinions are my own.
Thanks to Robert of Robert Skuja Photography for the photos.
Pants by LANE BRYANT | Top by LANE BRYANT | Skinny Scarf by LANE BRYANT | Bracelet by LANE BRYANT | Shoes by SIMPLY BE USA | Bag by COACH (current style here) |
