4 Ways to Look Great in Pants

No longer is the question, “Who wears the pants in your family?” relevant in order to uncover the real decision maker in a household.   Women have taken to pants as men took to parking in reverse…it is a part of our current makeup.  In 1981, Barbara Walters interviewed the classic, chic, late Katharine Hepburn.  In that interview, these words were spoken:

Hepburn: “I have not lived as a woman. I have lived as a man…I’ve just done what I damn well wanted to and I made enough money to support myself. And I ain’t afraid of being alone.”

Walters: “Is that why also you wear pants?”

Hepburn: “No, I just wore pants because they’re comfortable.”

Walters: “Do you ever wear a skirt, by the way?”

Hepburn: “I have one.”

Walters: “You have one.”

Hepburn: “I’ll wear it to your funeral.”

Perhaps I prefer wearing pants because of the comfort, but I also love the look and the variety of styling a “pants-based wardrobe” offers…though, I confess, I do not look like Katharine Hepburn in her pants…some of those outfits were simple perfection.

Currently, anything goes in fashion with pants selections…the lengths, widths, styles, fabric choices, prints and colors are all over the place and available for women of any age.

If ready to do a little pants upgrade, here are a few suggestions:

1. Step out of your comfort zone. Not tried on the chic jogger pant for every day wear, or the slim ankle length pant?  Then, please, get into a store and spend some time with the mirror.  You will be surprised how styles possibly passed over will look so good on many different body types.  Consider a flowy, resort wide length pant or culottes in place of a dress for a warm weather party. Sorry, everyone, you are not allowed to scoff without first trying styles on.
2. I highly recommend taking your measurements around the hip, leg length and inseam. Then go online, use the sizing button, and find your best size.   This knowledge equips you for the in-store experience, and saves time and heartache.  We tend to get discouraged with the need to try on multiple sizes. It is embarrassing at times to ask a salesperson for another size.  Doing a little pregame preparation can make such a difference in attitude.  Unfortunately, sizes differ for all retailers and designers.  Sizing is not universal.  Who cares what the number says….a flattering fit is all that matters.
3. Forget rules. Right now, they do not really exist. White pants are good all year long and look amazing with so many different outfits.  There are great, slimming elastic waist styles on the market.  I can remember when WHAT NOT TO WEAR counseled to only select pants with a button and zipper.  But, I have been very impressed with recent elastic band waistline pants which are designed to slim the figure.  Some really work.  The only caution I would throw out there is to be careful with capris pants.  It is more flattering to go with an ankle length than to cut off your body at mid-calf.  A walking short is even more flattering to the figure than a capris length. Culottes come with the same cautions.  Try on all four in one shopping trip and I believe you will see what I mean.
4. Don’t get discouraged. There are pants for you.  Remember, you just have to take time to find the style which flatters your own unique figure best.  Katharine Hepburn did it with classic, flowy, long pants.  Audrey Hepburn did it with the famous cigarette pant.  You will find both on the racks today.

Are you a lover of pants?  If not, please share why and if you have specific questions, let us know.  As for the question at the beginning, I wear the pants in our family!  SHHHH, don’t tell my husband!

Thanks for stopping by the Joy Boutique for our Tuesday discussion.  Have a wonderful week, everyone.