AARP Hearing Center
True story: Once upon a time we all had a pair of black tailored pants. They weren’t particularly stylish but did the job when we needed to look polished, work-worthy or dressed up … which was pretty often. Sometimes we even bought a backup pair. As our lifestyles became more casual, jeans pushed those pants to closet “Siberia.” But fashion is cyclical, and pants are back as the key basics to own. From sleek flares to stretchy work pants and retro-thinking culottes, they’ve returned to give denim the boot — or at least shared hanger space. Which ones are worth it for you? Here are 10 you should consider this year.
1. Ponte knit pants
(Left to right) Spanx The Perfect Pant, Ankle 4-Pocket in Classic Black; Worthington-Plus Womens High Rise Slim Pull-On Pants in Black; Athleta Venice Heathered Pintuck Pant in Navy Heather; Lane Bryant Pull-On Textured Ponte Twill Straight Pant in Blac
Spanx; JCPenney; Athleta; Lane Bryant
If you buy only one new pair of pants, this is the ideal basic that pivots from work to weekend, day to night. Ponte, FYI, is a type of knit that’s thick and opaque. It provides the perfect blend of structure and stretch for a sleeker-looking silhouette without the need for shapewear. It’s a hero fabric for any pull-on pant style. Choose a straight leg like the Lane Bryant Pull-On Textured Ponte Twill Straight Pant in Black ($60, lanebryant.com), the Athleta Venice Heathered Pintuck Pant in Navy Heather ($119, athleta.gap.com) or the Worthington-Plus Womens High Rise Slim Pull-On Pants in Black ($35, jcpenney.com); or a legging hybrid like the Spanx The Perfect Pant, Ankle 4-Pocket in Classic Black or Classic Navy ($110, spanx.com).
2. The unstuffy work pant
(Left to right) Old Navy High-Waisted Pixie Full-Length Flare Pants for Women in Raisin Arizona; J.Jill Fit Performance Boot-Cut Pants in Black; Ann Taylor The Side Zip Straight Pant in Silver Lake Grey; Lane Bryant On-The-Go Straight Pant in Dark Water
Old Navy; J.Jill; Ann Taylor; Lane Bryant
Our tailored work pants used to be uncomfortable. They were itchy, scratchy, cinched and pinched; sagged at the bottom area; gave us tummy and muffin bulges; and looked like leftovers from a pantsuit (and many times they were!). Some of the newest variations are pared down, streamlined (no belt loops! no linings!) in sensible, feel-good, stretch-infused fabrics with a high waist that tucks all in. Style preference will vary depending on your work dress code, but try a pair of “travel” pants in a wrinkle-resistant performance fabric like the Lane Bryant On-The-Go Straight Pant in Dark Water ($80, lanebryant.com) if you commute; tailored flares like the Old Navy High-Waisted Pixie Full-Length Flare Pants for Women in Black Jack, Raisin Arizona ($40, old navy.gap.com) or stretch flares like the J.Jill Fit Performance Boot-Cut Pants in Black or Dark Grey Heather ($99, jjill.com) if you live in ankle boots; and flat-fronts like the Ann Taylor The Side Zip Straight Pant in Silver Lake Grey ($98, anntaylor.com) if you prefer untucked tops.
3. The work-from-home/computer pant
(Left to right) Catherines Anywear Classic Pant in Charcoal Heather Grey; Ann Taylor The Easy Ankle Pant in Double Knit in Lazy Grey Melange; Everlane The Dream Pant in Dark Forest
Catherines; Ann Taylor; Everlane
It looks like a work pant, feels like a sweat pant. Some of us never want to wear anything too dressed up again, and zippers are definitely not in the plan. And yet, we still need a pant that pulls together a slouchy sweater or tunic-top for a finished effect on Zoom, over a countertop or in a cubicle. One of the best solutions is a sophisticated knit pant like the Catherines Anywear Classic Pant in Charcoal Heather Grey or Black ($55, catherines.com), Everlane The Dream Pant in Dark Forest ($78, everlane.com) or the Ann Taylor The Easy Ankle Pant in Double Knit in Lazy Grey Melange ($90, anntaylor.com).
4. Light color pants
(Left to right) Old Navy High-Waisted Pixie Straight-Leg Ankle Pants for Women in Mocha Taffy; Gap Off Duty Khakis with Washwell in Beige Wicker; Catherines Everyday Pant in Sycamore Tan; Loft Tie Waist Straight Pants in Natural Teak
Old Navy; Gap; Catherines; LOFT
Most of the time we choose dark pants. They simplify the “What goes with what?” process and get us quickly dressed. However, the usual year-round neutral palette of black, gray and navy now has lightened up with the addition of taupe, tan and beige shades. It’s wise to have one pair in your lineup — like the Old Navy High-Waisted Pixie Straight-Leg Ankle Pants for Women in Mocha Taffy ($40, oldnavy.gap.com), Loft Tie Waist Straight Pants in Natural Teak ($80, loft.com), the Catherines Everyday Pant in Sycamore Tan ($50, catherines.com) or Gap Off Duty Khakis with Washwell in Birch Beige or Beige Wicker ($70, gap.com) — to team with white and light-color tops and shoes for an elegant monochromatic effect.
5. Comfy 'hanging out' pants
(Left to right) Skechers Gowalk Pants in Blue Iris; Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Cropped Wide-Leg Yoga Pants for Women in Play Clay; Hanes ComfortFlex Flare Leggings in Black
Macy's; Old Navy; Macy's
Whether you call them athleisure, workout, lounge or gym pants, every woman needs one pair of super-casual comfy pants that give your tees a fashionable look. It’ll keep you from falling back into your old, stained sweatpants or PJs and make walking the dog and unexpected company feel like a well-dressed event. One style rules: flared-leg yoga pants like the Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Cropped Wide-Leg Yoga Pants for Women in Inkwell and Play Clay ($30, oldnavy.gap.com) or the Hanes ComfortFlex Flare Leggings in Black ($22, macys.com) and Skechers Gowalk Pants in Blue Iris and Charcoal Grey ($49, macys.com). For those who ask, “What about leggings?” The subtle bootcut hem is soothing and easier on ankles, calves and feet that tend to swell. If that’s you, try these game changers.
6. Utility pants
(Left to right) Gap Ribbed Pull-On Joggers with Washwell in Desert Cactus Green; Banana Republic Slim Utility Pant in Green Olive; All In Motion Women’s Stretch Woven Cargo Pants in Olive
Gap; Banana Republic; Target
Elevated and upgraded, these former tough guys may be your alternative to leggings and jeans. With a roomier fit and a relaxed look, they also deal effectively with weight fluctuations and “bloat” days when a snug fit isn’t wanted. What makes the look so flattering is the tapered leg with cinched or knit hem for subtle body definition. Try practical versions like the multipocketed Banana Republic Slim Utility Pant in Dusty Olive, Green Olive or Maverick Tan ($99, bananarepublic.gap.com) or Gap Ribbed Pull-On Joggers with Washwell in Desert Cactus Green ($70, gap.com), both in cotton twill; or the All In Motion Women’s Stretch Woven Cargo Pants in Olive ($30, target.com) in a moisture-wicking fabric. They make a modern alternative to traditional khakis and chinos and are excellent for hiking, gardening and household chores — thanks to all those pockets.
