First, I would like to say Happy New Year to you all! 2015 was a year of many trials and tribulations. It has been a year of new ventures  such as my blog and being able to have platform to discuss not only fashion but other topics that I would like to share with you, my readers.

As we embark on another year, I still want to focus on the classics a strong foundation of any wardrobe. Part III of the classic series focuses on pants, the fit, cut fabrics, style and yes comfort. Many of my clients who love fashion who also happen to be teachers often look for a pant that is comfortable, fashionable, professional and of course affordable

Prior to my discovery of the Pixie Pant, I struggled with a professional pant. I would find a pant that was too long in the rise, too tight in the leg, or too small in the waist. I would wear pencil skirts or dresses and avoid the dress pant and wait for Fridays so I could wear Jeans to work and not deal with the morning wardrobe struggle.

The pixie pant is an ankle pant with a generous  amount of stretch, Do size down, that has a front zip closure along with a bar and hook. This pant is a great professional pant that can transitions  the seasons. It is perfect for spring paired with a kitten heel or sandals; It is also the perfect length and width to wear inside of boots without having the bunching that can occur with excess fabric. I love feel of the pant, it is a blend of cotton and spandex, which makes it a perfect year round pant.

 I recently discovered the Pixie pant from J. Crew ( I know right after all of this time) and it is the most comfortable pant I’ve worn. I would describe this pant as a very thick legging( a nice alternative to leggings, I’m still on the fence about leggings) or even similar to a riding pant and, in my opinion, a little casual but paired with right  pieces, the pant can be elevated. The J.Crew Pixie pant is a very fitted pant with a back zip. I also recommend that you size down in this pant as well because there is also a generous amount of stretch in the J.Crew Pixie pant as well. The leg of the this pant is very tapered so it is perfect for boots, heels or flats. The pixie pant pictured and what I own are the leather tux trim, which gives the pant an elegance and edge at the same time.

 

  The Sloan pant from Banana Republic,  is also an ankle pant with a front zip. This pant does have stretch but not as much as the Pixie Pant from Old Navy. The Sloan pant has a little more structure in the leg of the pant and has a slit at the ankle which adds to the very slight flare of the pant. I’ve found that the pant works best with heels or flats; I had slight bunching when, I’ve worn them tucked inside of boots.

I’ve discussed three styles of ankle style pants and yes I own all three styles (a little excessive? perhaps) but I also like to wear a full length pant, but I’ve found that they have been a little more difficult to buy for the fact that I’ve noticed that full length tend to be tighter in the thigh, shorter in the rise then they have a flare and depending on the designer the flare can fall at various lengths. I’ve found two styles of full length pants that have been the most flattering for my figure. The first style is the Campbell trouser by J.Crew. I love the line and the flare of this particular pant because it is the perfect lenth of the flare it can be worn with both a kitten heel or higher heel and of course the colors are fabulous!

 

7th Avenue Studio Fit Boot-cut

 

The 7th Avenue Studio Fit boot-cut trouser by New York and Company  is another full-length pant that I found to be flattering for my figure. It is a perfect fit through out the leg, perfect width of flare, however it is a bit longer in the inseam, which is perfect if you have a long inseam and if you don’t, well  it’s an excuse to wear those 4 inch heels!

The fit of the pants is essential and understanding how pant fit your body type will give you a professional and stylish look.

Look for these key features when shopping for the classic essential for your wardrobe:

Ankle Length Pants: Should hit slightly above the ankle; anything that hits higher than the ankle is considered high-waters, (not cute) which can make you appear shorter in stature, especially if you’re already petite.

Long Length Pants: Ladies, please avoid the excess fabric at the bottom of your pants. Walking around with a pool of fabric about your feet is not stylish, makes you appear shorter and  not to mention it is dangerous. Please invest the $8-$10 to hem those pants! If you’re going to wear heels, the pant should hit the bottom of the heel and should not hit the floor. The frayed look isn’t cute either.

Cut and Fabric: Try on various designers and styles, remember fashion is not one size fits all. If a pant has a generous amount of spandex, do size down. Once you find a pant that you love….invest in multiple pair and alterations   (if they are too long). Happy Shopping!