Work Chic: Investment Pants

I got all Stacy + Clinton on a pair of pants recently.

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I’ve always been an off-the-rack shopper.

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It wasn’t until I started watching What Not to Wear that I even considered getting clothes tailored.

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So, while I’m sure I’m a little more late to the game than most, I’ve finally taken the plunge.

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My weight has fluctuated significantly over the last several years and thusly my pants are in various sizes and shapes. Basically, none of them fit just right. I’m going to go through them and get them tailored one by one, but most recently, I purchased a pair of investment pants at J Crew. They weren’t the cheapest, but I’m hoping they’ll last awhile. I got a simple, black, classic-styled pair of pants in a mid weight wool that I can wear year round. I’ve purchased pants at various stores over the years, but the J Crew ones by far fit my body best.

I was torn between two different sizes. The smaller one was a little too tight and the larger one a little too big. I ended up going with the bigger size and having J Crew take them in. They also hemmed the pants to take them up a wee bit.

I wore them to work for the first time today and they fit like a charm. Yay for custom-fit pants!

If you work in a professional environment requiring dressy or business casual attire, I definitely recommend purchasing some investment pants. You’re looking for a classic color (black or gray) that will go with a lot of your other clothes and accessories in a professional (not clubbing-tight or low-cut) style. Get at least one nice pair, and get a tailor to help them fit you juuuuust right. 😉

I purchased my pants at J Crew, but I also really like getting work clothes at:

  • Banana Republic
  • Ann Taylor LOFT
  • Ann Taylor
  • Gap
  • Limited
  • Department Stores (Belk, Nordstrom, etc.)

Where’s your favorite place to get work clothes?

14 thoughts on “Work Chic: Investment Pants”

  1. Those pants look wonderful! I’m 4’11”, so I have to tailor all my pants! And while it’s a major pain, putting on pants that fit is well worth it. I get most of my work clothes from the outlets: J.Crew, Banana Republic, GAP, and LOFT…and Lululemon. I can wear yoga pants to work and I do…far too often 🙂

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    • Have you ever tried Neiman Marcus last call sale? I still can’t afford the designer stuff, but I’ve found some great stuff for work in the contemporary section. One of my fave work skirts is an Elie Tahari I got for $40! Steal!

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  2. All of the places you mentioned are the places I shop for work clothes too. But Banana is my absolute favorite! Target is also a good place for cardigans and some other basics.

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  3. Looks great! I finally broke down and took two recently-purchased pairs of Express dress pants (Editor fit, yo!) and Express jeans to be taken in and hemmed… I pick them up today, and I couldn’t be more excited to have pants that fit again! I was hesitant at first to spend money on tailoring ($70 for three pairs of pants), but that’s less than the cost of one of those pairs, so it’s worth it, right?

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  4. Girl, those are not custom fit. They are far too big in the rear, I think you should return them and just get a totally different cut, because those ones are weird…

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      • Lol! You guys are too funny. I know I’m weird but I actually like a little room in the rear. It makes me uncomfortable when the pants are too tight in the booty. 😉 They probably look a little weird in the photo because of the way I’m holding the pants and turned in the photos.

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  5. I used to like old limited pants, but haven’t tried the new ones. I highly recommend express pants, especially when they’re on sale for $30 or less like right now (semi-annual sale). I love loft skirts, and causal pants. I’ve never tried gap and BR work pants, although I get quite a bit of casual everyday clothing there. I’m actually going to be shopping for a suit and my frist place is going to be the limited, so hopefully it’ll be a win! Work pants I don’t recommend: NY&C0-they last less than a year. Def try the editor pants at Express!

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    • I have some Editor pants! My booty is a little too big for them, though. I don’t think they look work-appropriate because of the way they hug my arse. lol

      I’ve gotten some good suits at outlets at like Banana Republic. I bet J Crew has good ones, too! (if you need other suggestions). Hopefully, the Limited has some good options for you, too. 🙂

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  6. I agree- spending the money on a few pair of great work pants is worth it. I buy most of mine at Loft- sign up for their emails and you frequently get 30%-40% off, making things really reasonable.

    Reply

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