I've gotten through the better half of the last 25 years without having to wear dress pants. I had to wear them here and there for interviews or important occasions (...?), but in both college and working in a lab, I could wear jeans all day every day. I feel that dress pants don't look that good on me, and I've just never felt that comfortable in them. Trying on those from the Gap was really frustrating because I just wanted it to be easy - here's some black pants, look - they fit! wear them all the time. But it wasn't, and they all looked terrible. I did mention a few weeks ago that I was interested in the Gap True Straight pants, and then Laura suggested that I try these from The Limited. I think because I got to wear casual clothing in the past that I've always somewhat shied away from that store, but I figured it was worth trying out while I was already at the mall returning all of those other pants.
The first pair I tried on were the pencil pants recommended by Laura. I LOVE THEM. While they also have angled pockets like the Gap pair do, these didn't jut out. The knee area doesn't have too much extra fabric, and they are really comfortable. My school states that technically "cropped" pants aren't allowed, and these may be just on the edge of that, so I think I'm going to have the hem taken down maybe 3/4 of an inch (but at the same time, they also say you have to wear pantyhose and no one seems to follow that rule!). I really like ankle pants as I have this weird thing about not liking things to cover my ankles, so I'm thrilled that I now have these. I did buy them full priced, but I'm going to keep my eye on the sales, and then maybe do a switch with receipts so I can "get them" at a lower price. If there's ever a really good sale going on, I think I'll get the blue pair as well. I think they would look really nice with my nude wedges!
As much as I really like the pencil pants, I knew that I needed a full length pair as well. Luckily, they were having a sale on all regular pants and I ended up really liking this pair. They aren't nearly as baggy as the ones from the Gap were, and they created that streamlined look I wanted. I'm too tall for the regular length, so I purchased them in the tall length (for reference, I'm between 5'9'' and 5'10''). They are currently at the tailors to be hemmed to the appropriate length to wear them with flats.
I'm happy that I feel content with the current staples in my closet, and that I have pants to reach for now on days where I need to be thinking about what innervates the muscles of the forearm instead of how I'm going to accessorize a dress.
Shirt: J.Crew
Pants: The Limited [exact]
Belt: thrifted
Watch: Fossil
Please think good thoughts for me this week! We have an exam every day, including our first anatomy practical and oral exam on Friday! eck!
P.S. it's the last day for 40% off at Banana Republic - a great time to buy my new favorite skirt if you've had your eye on it! Same goes for at the Gap - this shirt may be on its way to me.
And this.
Shopping makes me feel better.
