I would first like to note that we had a weekend that was pretty close to perfect in my book: no sick children, a date night (upland miami – SO good), kids that slept until ~7 am, a workout each day, lovely weather — I feel quite satisfied this morning.
I even got the chance to have Josh snap a whole slew of Pants Pictures! So I will share these today.
I am not sure I can call these “Reviews” – after all, I am just one person and since most of my preference for each pair is based on the fit, they are more indicative of how each pair worked for ME rather than anything objective. Furthermore, there is no way for me to comment on the longevity of these pants, which is very important. Maybe I’ll have to revisit this topic in a year.
But for now, I have a few photos to share and I know at least several of you were interested, so why not!
(On a related note, I feel like perhaps now is a good time to admit that I often wear black skinny jeans to work. They seem to do the trick on 100% clinical days, but honestly I feel like in a leadership role it’s not ideal — particularly if I have a meeting with administrators present. I also like wearing dresses on occasion, but black pants seem more like a comfortable default uniform I can just grab from day to day. Hence the purpose of this quest.)
SO! Here we go. I’ll refresh your memory with these Theory pants:
Pant #2 comes from Banana Republic. These are the Petite Sloan Skinny-Fit Pants, which cost me $53.70 with a coupon code. I wasn’t initially sure about these (they are a little lower rise), but I think they are a pretty solid pant at a decent price. Leaning towards keep.
Pant #3 is the Cameron pant from J. Crew. I liked the higher rise, but they felt a little constricting on. I think a size up would be too big, but these just weren’t super comfortable. RETURN.
Also from J. Crew is the Martie. Spoiler – I already kept this pant. Sadly, this photo is not the best (it is taken at too much of an angle, so you can’t really see the pants well). That said, I like the side zip styling and highish rise of these pants a lot.
Several of you mentioned Everlane in my prior pants post, so I figured I’d given them a shot. I ordered The Work Pant in ankle length (and a boxy crop tee that I really like, too — not shown). They are fairly high waisted and I love the exposed zipper. Likely a KEEP. They are quite fitted though so I am going to have to not put them in the dryer.
Okay, we are almost done! I love Boden for kids’ clothes and work clothes in general, but have never had good luck with their pants. However, someone recommended their 7/8 pants, so I figured I’d give them a try. I ordered navy rather than black for a change 🙂
Boden tends to run very small, so I ordered a 4P. These are definitely a less fitted pant and were a little roomy, so maybe that sizing up was a mistake. I didn’t love them (though I do like the shirt shown there which came in the same order!), so they are going back. I was also slightly annoyed that 7/8 was pretty much full length on me even in the petite size range. Oh well. RETURN.
Finally, we have one major fail – I know some of you swear by Betabrand, but I think the Dress Pant Yoga Pant thing is just . . . not me. Or maybe I just ordered the wrong size (too small). Josh and I deemed these NSFW. And they are definitely going back. I will say that under a long tunic with just the legs showing they would be fine, but then why not just wear leggings!? I am not a fan of how they look on the model, either (here). Sorry, Betabrand — RETURN.
So there you have it! I am likely keeping 3 pairs: the J Crew Martie, the Everlane, and the Banana Republic. I actually don’t mind the Theory ones as much as many of you did, but I don’t feel they are worth the price tag since the fit is not completely perfect.
Happy Monday! Pant-related-thoughts still welcome! Did I skip your favorite pair? What else is great from Everlane? (I am now somewhat intrigued by the brand which seems to be more responsibly made and reasonably priced than many).
16 Comments
Some days I am literally dressed head to toe in Everlane. Their cashmere sweaters (many only $100) are amazing. I have some of their cotton sweaters for warmer weather. I have a couple of dresses (summer) and I have several pairs of their shoes including the editor heel in every color it comes in–super comfy for work (I too am a physician and run around a lot at work). I do NOT like the block heel with the elastic back, they bite my heels terribly. I would not put the pants in the dryer–they can fade. I sound like an ad, but I do really love their things.
Honestly, I think a pant that is not super tight it more professional for work. To that end, I think the Everlane s are the best. Also, to be fair to the theory pants, you should try them with he same shoes. I agree they may be a little big in the butt for you, but all pants look better when you wear heels. The other pants were all too tight.
I like black skinny jeans, too, I think because they can be fitted without being NSFW (as you hilariously put it).
Josh is the one who said it the second I came down in them (and I wholeheartedly agreed!)
Would you share the info on your shoes, too? They look great with the various black pants and also look comfortable – key for work shoes for me.
They are Cole Haan wedges – old ones. My work shoes are 75% Cole Haan, 25% Camper. Those two brands fit my feet really well and have very comfortable soles even in heels.
I love Everlane! Even though the Work Pant didn’t do it for me– I found the fabric stiff, suffocating and noisy. But they look great! Their non super stretchy denim is soooo good (I am not a stretch denim fan), it’s a really good weight and has just a little bit of stretch to keep things comfy. I’m in love with the Cheeky fit. Their cashmere and their shoes are also good. I swear by the stretch pima tees for layering. I have two that have held up extremely well with two years of at least once a week wear. Oh! And they make the most soft comfortable basic cotton underwear! They don’t do petites yet but their jeans are available in regular & ankle length and they offer some cropped sweaters that work well for shorter waisted gals, so they would probably work for petites also. I also love that they list the actual measurements of each garment, it makes ordering the right size soooo much easier. I could talk about Everlane all day.
I selfishly love when you post about clothes because of our similar petite heights! I think the Martie, Sloan, and Everlane look great on you. You are swimming in the Boden pants! (which is funny because I know….they usually run so small!) It’s hard to tell in the photos but although I can see where they wouldn’t be work-appropriate, you look hot in the BetaBrand pants! =p I have two of Everlane’s v-neck t-shirts and I love them. Soft, durable, perfect length for someone short-waisted and petite. For reference I usually order XXS in J. Crew and Madewell t-shirts and definitely needed an XS not an XXS in Everlane. I just got the t-shirts a few months ago and plan to replace some other staples through Everlane eventually.
I think you made the right choices! I love the last picture – so funny! I just got two things from Everlane for Christmas – their cashmere sweater is divine … and the Meghan Markle tote 🙂 Those pants are great.
My favorite black work pants came from The Limited about 3 years ago. Now they no longer have a brick and mortar store but you can order online. They are these pant – and I love them. https://www.thelimited.com/p/signature-pull-on-skinny-pant-in-exact-stretch/0438594159697.html#start=3
I like your choices! It feels good to know that you look polished and put together in what you’re wearing.
About Boden pants — my experience is the look really great at first, but stretch like crazy and end up looking frumpy by the end of the day. I stopped buying them and switched to Lands’ End bi-stretch crops, which are still looking sharp by the end of the day. Dress pants are definitely a frustrating trade-off between comfy, fitted, machine wash, and pockets — I want them all!
Also — love your shirt from Boden! I tried it and it didn’t work on me, but the print is awesome and looks great on you!
I’ve been wearing the BR Sloan for five years and they’ve held up great with machine washing, too! I’ve been wearing the JCrew Cameron for a couple years and love those too – also hold up fine with machine washing. Looks like I should explore the Everlane and Martie next, thanks for posting the reviews!
I disagree with the other commenter that said not-super-tight pants are more professional for work! I don’t think that pants should be like see-the-lumps-in-you-thigh tight, but I think a more modern (and professional) silhouette is to be pretty fitted and tailored through the leg and butt…the baggier cut (like Theory and Boden) definitely looks frumpy/dated and looks a little silly with heels, IMO! Honestly I don’t even think the Betabrands are that bad in the picture, but you have to be comfy in them! My fave is the BR Sloan on you, though I’d hem them just a tad. The Everlane are cute too.
I promise I don’t work for everlane but I love their transparency and that their success has led to other large retailers starting their own ethical lines. I love being able to buy simple, well made and relatively affordable clothing without supporting child labor and harmful environmental practices.
The everlane pants are my favorite. I also love everlanes tees and authentic stretch jeans and wear black skinny jeans to clinic. I’ve bought some of their jeans and sweaters for my husband as well.
I have had the sloan pants for >8 years and they have held up well. Mine say dry clean only but I machine wash and hang dry them.
Sorry to be just now commenting but I saw a Betabrand ad and thought that you had reviewed them. I’m glad I found it. Anyway, I work in an office and wear Eddie Bauer dress pants, comfortable, classic cut, machine washable, and affordable at around $80 or so. They come in several colors so I take advantage of that.
ooh good to know! although i am now SATURATED with pants having kept the J Crew, Banana Republic, and Everlane versions!
I recently tried stretch work pants, and they’ve become a game-changer for my daily office routine! The flexibility allows for easy movement without compromising on style, making them perfect for long workdays. I can sit, stand, and walk around comfortably all day. Plus, they look professional and feel more comfortable than traditional work pants. Highly recommend stretch work pants for anyone needing both comfort and style at work!