Fashion SOS: Pants
My awesome site designer Amy comes to us with a fashion question. Since we all did such a good job on maternity wear, let’s see what we can do about pants!
I’m writing on behalf of my sister. She’s been looking for some khaki-type pants (not necessarily khaki—navy or olive or whatever—but that kind of casual cotton pant) and not having a lot of luck. She wears maybe a 20 or 22, and I think she’s looked at Lane Bryant but probably not a lot of other places. Ohio’s not really a fashion mecca. I know you stay pretty current on the fashion stuff and wondered if you might have some suggestions—I’ve seen a bunch of fashion threads at BFD but I don’t think on pants, tho I could have missed it. Her birthday’s coming up and I was thinking maybe a gift certificate to a place with good pants might be a nice present.
I would say Old Navy if I wasn’t still mad at them. (They probably do have some pants in their “online only exclusive we don’t want you in our stores” section.) So, any other suggestions?
(Oh and also, while I’m on the subject, I meant to recommend this Tomato Nation thread about colorful, fun tights in plus sizes. Some really cute stuff recommended in the comments!)
Posted by mo pie
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OOOOOHH, I just happen to have the most perfect khaki pants in the world! I am obsessed with these pants. They are more comfortable than jeans. I buy mine at the VF Outlet, but finding the size you want at outlets can be tricky, so I was searching online the other day. JCPenney had them, but not in khaki, which they call “string.” I also found them at Amazon. If you go to Amazon, search apparel for “Lee Jeans Women’s Plus Plain Front Pant with Stretch.” I didn’t know if linking was okay or not. But seriously? I have never been this fanatical about an item of clothing. They are just classic, perfectly proportioned, well made pants. The stretch makes them so comfortable, but they don’t look like “stretch pants,” if you know what I mean. Love them!
I swear, Eddie Bauer should be paying me at this point — that would be my first thought. Second thought would be Land’s End, where you can even get custom chinos.
I have had luck at The Avenue. I bought a pair of black cotton slacks AND khaki cotton slacks. My only advice is to make sure you look at the tag. I HAVE to buy talls in my size otherwise I look like I’m waiting for a flood. I accidentally bought cords in the average of my size and can’t wear them anymore lest someone point me in the direction of higher ground.
http://www.jadeboutique.com/product/0A599D:A204
I’ve heard good things about the Dockers fit.
My khakis are Lane Bryant. If memory serves, they’re a slightly more formal pant, in cut and fabric, but when I pair them with a casual top, they look more dressed-down. They’re a boot cut w/ a lot of stretch and I believe they’re a 20 (not sure — could be an 18, could be a 22). I have a pair of summer khakis too and I believe they’re from Old Navy and are much more casual.
Anyway, I would say to check out the pants in the work or evening section at LB. It’s easy to skip that section when looking for a casual pant but I’ve found some there that are very nice. I think I’ll wear them today in fact ;)
I want them to make khakis in that new line they have for jeans (w/ the triangles, circles and rectangles cuts).
In the same classic mode as Eddie Bauer & Land’s End, check out LLBean and the Vermont Country Store’s catalogues. Nice, plain twill slacks, jeans & cords in all the good winter colors; reasonable prices & especially with the VCS products, a good, comfortable fit & quality construction. Their XL is a roomy 18/20.
I have seen some very cute pants at Dillards. also, I have had good luck with Liz Claiborne pants but I am not sure what sort of khaki is available.
I have found good khakis at Avenue as well. I am really writing to say that I completely agree with being mad at Old Navy, I haven’t bought a thing from them since they went online only, and I really liked their clothes. If I can’t try it on in the store, I’m not buying cheap clothes online. The only time I did was for jeans, but the fabrics vary so widely in spandex that they STILL need to be tried before buying.
I see Eddie Bauer and Land’s End have already been mentioned, but I would go with the original.
I love LL Bean, because not only do they size up, and their pants last forever, but a lot of the waists have elastic, and the fabric has stretch.
Not only is that therefore forgiving after Thanksgiving, but should you go down a few sizes, you don’t have to spend money immediately at every size reduction, and can also wear your pants in public without fear of them falling down.
I recently found Liz Claiborne slacks in 22-petite at TJ Maxx, and these pants are freakin’ GENIUS. The right length, a tad of stretch, the waist sits just below my natural waist, and just tailored enough to wear to work.