One of the most popular topics at our Elements of Ageless Style Workshop last week was great fitting pants. What we came away with was a list of what works and what doesn't.
"Ready-to-wear" is a misnomer. It's really "ready-to-alter". Every woman should have a tailor she can trust.
Pockets. On most pants (other than jeans) have your tailor remove the pockets completely, or at least stitch them shut. Putting hands and other items in pockets ruins the line of the garment, and they add bulk right where we need it least.
Avoid "Mom" Jeans. These have long rises and a waistband that sits right on the waist. The longer the rise, the more it accentuates the tummy. The newer-and far more flattering rises- finish with the waistband one inch below the navel for missy sizes, and at, or just below, the navel for plus sizes.
Low rises. Rises that are too short create any number of painful and unsightly issues like tummy bulges, muffin tops, and camel toes. Who needs that?
Bigger is better. When you're in between sizes buy the bigger one. It's easier to get a pant tailored smaller than it is to get it made larger. Even the slightest pulling is fattening.
Fit. A truly flattering fit grazes the hips and falls straight to the floor, with a medium-to-wide leg. Creases are slenderizing, if the style allows for it.
Proportion. Generally, the slimmer the pants, the fuller and longer the top can be. Wear wider pants with more tailored tops.
No elastic waists on woven pants. These are as dated as beehives and glasses on chains.
Avoid pleats. If you're model slim with a nice flat tummy, then, maybe...
Avoid full legs with tapered ankles. This style is universally unflattering on any body type. Jodhpurs only work if you're riding a horse.
Shorts. They're having a weird fashion moment. Even some well-known missy stores are showing them with tights for Fall 2010. Anyone who wears this look should be rounded up by the fashion police and taken off the streets until they come to their senses.
Lengths. Hems should hit at, or slightly below, where the heel is attached to the shoe. For pants and jeans that you'll want to wear with different heel heights, consider buying 2 pairs and hemming one shorter.
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