Dress Pants: Help meeeeeeee

[BarTopDancer]

Help!

My new job is not a jeans and t-shirt type of place /sigh /sob. So I need dress pants. I've spent the better part of the last 3 days shopping and while I have more shirts and shoes than I will ever need I only found 1 pair of pants. These (http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=15681&pid=351090) pants to be exact. They say ultra low rise but they aren't. They hit at a comfortable and respectible level.

My requirements are: not super high waist, not super low waist (no "mom jeans" or "tramp pants"), not linen (don't like the material), dark in color and not made of that clingy wrinkley material. Oh, and they need to be a size long.

I prefer to not spend a small fortune on them either.

Can anyone help?

ETA: I've tried on everything that caught my eye at BR and ON as well as Kohls and Express.

[innerSpaceman]

How 'bout I help you by moving this thread out of beatnik, where it's not about movies or books or music ... and into, perhaps, the Lounge ... where you might get some business-attire fashion assistance?

[BarTopDancer]

Could you be so kind as to move it (again) into Hep Cat and Kitten (which is where I meant to post it)?

Thank you Steve! You so rock!

[innerSpaceman]

Done and done. Heheh, with redirects everywhere!


If you are really desperate, I could move it all around the board before having it settle down in Hep.

[BarTopDancer]

Done and done. Heheh, with redirects everywhere!


If you are really desperate, I could move it all around the board before having it settle down in Hep.

Thank you!

If you're desperate enough for some moderating duties feel free ;)

[wendybeth]

Hie theeself to Jacques Penney (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/categoryall.aspx?CatTyp=FEA&DeptID=597&Dep=Women%27s&CatID=30390&cmCatLevel=3&cmCatID=597%7C30391) - they usually have a pretty good selection at good prices.

[BarTopDancer]

Thanks WB. They are on the agenda for my next outing. So is NY & CO

[Not Afraid]

I usually go to BR, but they have lost a large amount of favor with me lately. Of course, I rarely wear dress pants and, lately, all I wear is linen or jeans - mostly linen which I adore. I'm not sure where I'd go for dress pants, should I need them. Probably Nordstroms. I think their anniversary sale is coming up and you can get KILLER deals on good stuff - if you're willing to brave the crowds.

[BarTopDancer]

Thanks Lisa. I'll check them out and keep stuff in mind for their sale. I found 2 pants that I loved at BR (basic but nice enough) but they just fit funny.

The dress code is business casual, with a leaning towards casual (I saw women in capris) if that helps.

[Not Afraid]

You can always go for the standard "dockers" type khakies. If people are wearing capris, that's pretty casual.

Also, Nordstroms Rack might have something, although that is not the quality and style of the stuff they carry in the regular store. I haven't had much luck there.

The Nordstroms Anniversary Sale beigins Friday, July 17.

[BarTopDancer]

You can always go for the standard "dockers" type khakies. If people are wearing capris, that's pretty casual.

Also, Nordstroms Rack might have something, although that is not the quality and style of the stuff they carry in the regular store. I haven't had much luck there.

The Nordstroms Anniversary Sale beigins Friday, July 17.

Umm July 17th is a Monday ;)

I'll look for those types of khakies too. I need to focus, I do not need any more shoes. My shoe collection is about to start rivaling yours... :eek:

[Not Afraid]

When your shoe collection starts to rival mine, it's time to seek professional help or go over the abyss like I have. :)

How about Friday, July 14th?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/6002290/0~6002289~6002290

[€uroMeinke]

Bastille Day!

[Prudence]

The Nordstroms Anniversary Sale beigins Friday, July 17.

*marks calendar*

[BarTopDancer]

Thanks Lisa! I'll have to check it out during its second weekend. I still need to find a few pairs of pants (why are they called a pair of pants when there is just one?) to get through the first week.

/bleh

[Moonliner]

I've been gone for a bit, so I suspect I missed the "new job" post but apparently you have one. Yea you. :)

and while I'm sure you look fine without pants, I hope you find some nice ones.

[Prudence]

The only thing worse than shopping for pants is shopping for skirts. *shudder* Why must it be so difficult?

[BarTopDancer]

The only thing worse than shopping for pants is shopping for skirts. *shudder* Why must it be so difficult?

Hehe. I don't like skirts and dresses. In fact, the only dress I own is my Jessica Rabbit dress I wore 2 years ago for Halloween. Not work appropriate.

Moonliner, here ya go (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?t=3834). If you want more details PM me.

[katiesue]

I have always had good luck with Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft. Their stuff is basic so you can wear it a few years and it holds up. They have really great sales and most of their collections are like garanamials - you can mix and match everything so you can get away with buying fewer pieces.

[BarTopDancer]

Thanks KatieSue!

For all the malls now being the same I have to go to three different ones to hit the stores I want to.

[Stan4dSteph]

I have actually had good luck with some skirts lately. I got a really cute one at Gap that I love.

I don't have any other suggestions besides what's been given already. Best of luck with the new job, though.

[Not Afraid]

Steph isn't recommending LL Bean? Are you OK? ;)

WHich brings to mind another possability - Eddie Bauer. They have different fits of pants and one may work for you.

[Andrew]

In fact, the only dress I own is my Jessica Rabbit dress I wore 2 years ago for Halloween. Not work appropriate.
And the photos are where?

[Stan4dSteph]

Steph isn't recommending LL Bean? Are you OK? ;)

WHich brings to mind another possability - Eddie Bauer. They have different fits of pants and one may work for you.Well, since she's having a hard time finding pants she likes when trying them on, I figured she might not be too interested in the mail order variety. But I do love the forward-seamed pants (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=forward-seamed-pants&categoryId=42160&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=6200&cat4=6189&shop_method=pp&feat=sdp332) I got from them. I have 2 pair in different colors.

[Moonliner]

Hehe. I don't like skirts and dresses. In fact, the only dress I own is my Jessica Rabbit dress I wore 2 years ago for Halloween. Not work appropriate.

Moonliner, here ya go (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?t=3834). If you want more details PM me.


Damn, I thought it was a link to the Jessica Rabbit outfit. :D Oh well. Congrats on the new job!

[BarTopDancer]

I believe these are the only photos and I think they were taken by Morrigoon.

http://img289.imageshack.us/img289/3702/mvc560s1jj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/1828/mvc572s4bz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[AllyOops!]

Ooh! Fun Thread! :)

Now, if your'e anything like me, just go pantsless. Go ahead & ask my Boss- I show up to the office in nothing but stillettos & a thong. Isn't that business casual? It is to me. And remember-the stillettos have to be clear. Of course, my "office" is the dank showfloor & silver pole that is Bob's Classy Lady. The pride of Van Nuys.

;) :p I'm kidding!!!!

Honestly, I'm not a fan of pants! Unless they are jeans, capris or yoga pants. Or those new short palazzos that are all trendy right now? Those are seriously Heaven. We all wear them at the office! But anything "slack"? No thanks!

So..Nordstrom is definitely a wonderful choice! Having worked for Nordstrom, nothing makes me shudder more then that anniversary sale. Throngs and throngs of feral shoppers..yikes! However, you will get some killer bargains!

The Nordstom Rack, like Lisa mentioned, doesn't have quite the array Nordstrom does. However, I shopped there once and found a wicked deal on an Isaac Mizrahi dress and scored me some killer Versace pumps for $100.00 (they were originally $400.00) However, I've never even worn them. :( Everybody thinks they are heinous, but I love them. Think Pirates Of The Carribean shoes, but in pump form, and in lavender. Not practical, but then neither am I! ;)

One of my dearest girlfriends swears by New York & Co.! I haven't shopped there yet, but I'd like to go!

If I were in search of dream pants, where would I go? Most likely online, but pants are one of those "try on in person" dealies...

I'm not sure! If this were a shoe thread, I'd be all over it like ham on rye. Or me on my boyfriend. Or me on a garden hose with a basketball. ;)

I'll keep thinkin' of ideas! :)

[BarTopDancer]

Thank you Ally. I'll have to take pics of the shoes I bought. They are super uber cute. I found a pair of $130 Danskos for $35. I so rule.

Here is the list of places that I will be visiting in the next three days:

NY & CO
Nordstroms
Penneys
Ann Taylor Loft

[Matterhorn Fan]

$35 Danskos? Where?

[BarTopDancer]

$35 Danskos? Where?

Nordstroms Rack. They say they were worn and refinished but they look brand spanking new to me. I had no idea what brand they were or how much Danskos cost new when I bought them either. They are just cute.

Shoe photos (the pair on the top right are the Danskos)

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/3605/img02912pd.jpg http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/3644/img02929dh.jpg
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/1630/img02930hg.jpg http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/2407/img02944js.jpg

[Ponine]

Nordstroms Rack. They say they were worn and refinished but they look brand spanking new to me.
The pink ones on the upper left, what are those? Those are totally cute. And wedges?

[BarTopDancer]

The pink ones on the upper left, what are those? Those are totally cute. And wedges?

BC Shoes Spin the Bottle (http://www.solestruck.com/bc-footwear-womens-shoes/bc-footwear-spin-the-bottle-burgundy/index.html)

[BarTopDancer]

Small sucess. I found 2 pairs of pants at Talbots that will do if I can't find anything else. I just have to find flats to wear with them.

I also found a pair of *maybe* pants at Rampage but they are closing most of their stores and all sales are final. So the pants stayed.

It seem that dress pants have been replaced with dress jeans. /sigh.

I did not buy any shoes. I did however visit my good friend Sephora where I bought this (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P133908&categoryId=C10470), this (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P61032&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5737) and some green mascera.

[Prudence]

I almost suggested Talbots, but people tend to pooh pooh them as being to matronly, so I didn't. But I've had some success there. Pants tend to be too short on me, though.

[BarTopDancer]

They are definately "classic". And short. Did I mention they don't even hit the ground? I think they are going to go back. They are so short.

I still have to go to one more mall to New York & Co as well as Penneys. After I eat lunch.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

I've never felt more lost in a thread. :)

[scaeagles]

C'mon, MBC. A gay man feeling lost in a thread related to fashion? I don't buy it for a minute.:)

[Prudence]

They are definately "classic". And short. Did I mention they don't even hit the ground? I think they are going to go back. They are so short.


I'm so hard to fit that if we find ones the otherwise fit we usually just let out the hems. Dunno if that's an option for you.

[Crystal]

Check out Forever21 if there is a store in the mall you're going to. They have decent "dress pants" that are hip and stylish, but nice enough to wear to work or a nice dinner. Not expensive either.

Another good place is Express, although they are rather pricey.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

C'mon, MBC. A gay man feeling lost in a thread related to fashion? I don't buy it for a minute.:)

Even after seeing how I dress in public??? Nope, I wasn't given the fashion gene, nor the gaydar gene. I think somehow there was a mixup and Not Afraid got them instead. ;)

[BarTopDancer]

Check out Forever21 if there is a store in the mall you're going to. They have decent "dress pants" that are hip and stylish, but nice enough to wear to work or a nice dinner. Not expensive either.

Another good place is Express, although they are rather pricey.

Thanks Crystal. Forever 21 doesn't go big enough for me (they stop at 6 or 8 I think) and Express doesn't make my size in a long. :rolleyes:

Pru - Thats what my mom suggested but the hems aren't long enough. I need to be able to walk on the bottoms for them to work with heels.

[Crystal]

That sucks :mad:

I'm the opposite, short, but my legs are long in comparison to my torso. I can't wear petites, short, average is a bit to short and long lengths...well I gotta wear boots or heels with long. Clothing manufactuers suck azz........

[LSPoorEeyorick]

No joke! Every body is diferent. Plus-size manufacturers often don't have a handle on how, as you gain weight, your torso does not magically grow any longer. I have to buy all low-rise pants in order to get normal fit!

[Ponine]

Oh, is that what they think?
Seemed to me they thought that you actually got shorter. I always have a huge gap on the back because they dont rise high enough.

They also think you have short arms to go with your boobage. And for me thats just no good.

(gap, I meant gap!)

[Matterhorn Fan]

Any why can't tops come in different bust sizes? I'm tired of all this "larger than a B-cup need not apply" stuff. Swimsuits come in D-cup, why not blouses?

[Crystal]

No joke! Every body is diferent. Plus-size manufacturers often don't have a handle on how, as you gain weight, your torso does not magically grow any longer. I have to buy all low-rise pants in order to get normal fit!

This kind of stuff just irritates the hell out of me. I have huge problems with clothing....not only pant lengths, but I honestly hate having to buy shirts/blouses as everything seems to be made for those who have no chest whatsoever. God forbid a woman should have boobs:rolleyes:

I told SacTown years ago that I need to learn to design clothing for women who are not fortunate enough to have perfectly proportioned bodies(everybody). I could make a fortune.

[Crystal]

Any why can't tops come in different bust sizes? I'm tired of all this "larger than a B-cup need not apply" stuff. Swimsuits come in D-cup, why not blouses?


Didn't see this before I posted. I totally agree!

[Crystal]

I always have a huge jap on the back because they dont rise high enough.


Haha...yeah, they do tend to be on the short side :D

[Matterhorn Fan]

So, who wants to go shoe shopping?

[katiesue]

Any why can't tops come in different bust sizes? I'm tired of all this "larger than a B-cup need not apply" stuff. Swimsuits come in D-cup, why not blouses?

I have the same issues.

[Prudence]

And what is it with button placement? It doesn't take a genius to know that one button above and one below and none in between is guaranteed gaposis in the chestal region. Do buttons really need to be 6 inches apart? Is there a shortage?

I hate pants. I have long legs, short short short torso, especially the lower portion, and a big ol' butt. It's a recipe for impossibility. "Regular" pants come up to my armpits. I'm not exaggerating. I some lounge about pants where when I put the crotch in the proper location the waist band comes up over my boobs. Apparently if you're a size 18 you're also 7 feet tall. So-called "low-rise" pants have been my only salvation.

[BarTopDancer]

This kind of stuff just irritates the hell out of me. I have huge problems with clothing....not only pant lengths, but I honestly hate having to buy shirts/blouses as everything seems to be made for those who have no chest whatsoever. God forbid a woman should have boobs:rolleyes:

I told SacTown years ago that I need to learn to design clothing for women who are not fortunate enough to have perfectly proportioned bodies(everybody). I could make a fortune.

New York and Co. I think it is my new favorite blouse store. Their City Style blouses button and don't gap in the front! But their pants... They are either up too high or down too low.

MF - yes, I'd love to go shoe shopping!

[Not Afraid]

Just a snapshot of the women of LoT gives a great example of the diversity of body types that clothing manufacturers aren't taking into consideration. I'm super tall, but it's all in my body. I usully don't need to by tall size pants - but if I could find a blouse that actually hits my waist or a shirt that didn't end up looking like a belly shirt, I'd be happy. It's not been so much of a boob issue for me (it's been the same difficuly as a B or a D) it is a length issue (although I have had the "jap" problem lately).

For every person who has said that low-rise pants have saved their life, I shudder when I mistakenly get a pair of low-rise in the fitting room. They have been my most-hated fashion trend of recent memory.

We should do something with this. 20 normal females with diverse body types. What magazine can we hit up?

[BarTopDancer]

Ok, ALL the pants I bought, except for the ones from the Gap are going back. The waistlines are just too high and make me feel like I am suffocating.

[Stan4dSteph]

I have a problem with pants fitting my waist while also fitting me through the thighs. I often get that gappage at the back that requires that I wear a belt or a shirt that covers.

[BarTopDancer]

I had that problem yesterday.

I just ordered the pants from Gap in a different color as well as another pair that may fit. It is so flippin hot here that I have no desire to try on any more clothing.

But I found another pair of shoes.

[Matterhorn Fan]

BTD, get a nice blouse that doesn't have to be tucked in and some fabulous shoes, and maybe no one will care what kind of pants you're wearing.

[BarTopDancer]

I'm ok on tops, I have some long blouses and work appropriate tops. I just picked up another pair of shoes (that I have been lusting after for years). I'll have at least 2 pairs of pants and if I can drop a little weight I'll have 2 more (that are in my closet).

[BarTopDancer]

Final verdict - 4 pairs of the pants I love from the Gap. A few new blouses and non t-shirt tops and I'm good-to-go. I can dress more casual since I'm getting under desks and carrying heavy stuff, cleaning up the server room and generally being pretty active.

[Not Afraid]

Nordstrom's sale started today.

[scaeagles]

I (and I shudder to think this) have to go shopping for pants, of all things.

With the new job, in an office, there is no more sitting in shorts and a t-shirt. I really only have two pair of work appropriate pants. Sigh.

Hopefully I can find something that doesn't make my butt look fat!

[Prudence]

Nordstrom's sale started today.

And someone's mommy shops there enough that she got to spend all week shopping "backstage" and setting things aside to buy today - including several items for her favorite daughter.

I have the best mommy ever!

[wendybeth]

I (and I shudder to think this) have to go shopping for pants, of all things.

With the new job, in an office, there is no more sitting in shorts and a t-shirt. I really only have two pair of work appropriate pants. Sigh.

Hopefully I can find something that doesn't make my butt look fat!


Low-rise is very in right now.;)

[BarTopDancer]

Low-rise is very in right now.;)

But make sure you're not muffin topping or giving the world a free show.

[Not Afraid]

Oooh! I like Muffin-Topping.

Well, I don't LIKE muffing topping, but I like the phrase.

[Andrew]

I'm getting under desks
BTD is under the desk?

[scaeagles]

Oooh! I like Muffin-Topping.

Well, with me and low rise pants, that could refer to the front or the back.

[wendybeth]

Well, with me and low rise pants, that could refer to the front or the back.

TMI!

[BarTopDancer]

BTD is under the desk?

I was under about 20 desks yesterday. :p

Hey Leo,

At least mens pants have a standard sizing method. A 32/26 is going to be a 32/26 everywhere. Where as a size 10 is not a size 10 everywhere.

[scaeagles]

Hey Leo,

At least mens pants have a standard sizing method. A 32/26 is going to be a 32/26 everywhere. Where as a size 10 is not a size 10 everywhere.

Shows what you know. Jeans, shorts, and dress pants I'll wear anywhere from a 32-38, depending on the manufacturer and style. I ended up purchasing a 36 and a 34 today.

So now I have added charcoal gray and tan to my black and blue. When I went in to sign a letter of intent, confidentiality agreement, and approval for a background check on Friday, everyone was wearing jeans. So, Monday = balck, Tuesday = blue, Wednesday = tan, Thursday = gray, and Friday = jeans.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Shows what you know. Jeans, shorts, and dress pants I'll wear anywhere from a 32-38, depending on the manufacturer and style. I ended up purchasing a 36 and a 34 today.

So now I have added charcoal gray and tan to my black and blue. When I went in to sign a letter of intent, confidentiality agreement, and approval for a background check on Friday, everyone was wearing jeans. So, Monday = balck, Tuesday = blue, Wednesday = tan, Thursday = gray, and Friday = jeans.


Couldn't you just get one set of black pants, and pretend you have 5 pair?

[scaeagles]

That's what I do with my underwear.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

That's what I do with my underwear.

you wear underwear?

[scaeagles]

So you're telling me, dread, that you only wear one pair of pants and that you never wear underwear?

[CoasterMatt]

Just make sure to wear nice pants if you go drinking (http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsarticle.aspx?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyid=2006-07-13T102359Z_01_L13359262_RTRIDST_0_OUKOE-UK-BRITAIN-PANTS.XML&src=rss).

[DreadPirateRoberts]

So you're telling me, dread, that you only wear one pair of pants and that you never wear underwear?

Pirates don't have many changes of clothes. Have you ever seen the auctioneer wearing something new? I have a pair of shorts too...

When did this become the DPR TMI thread? I thought we were talking about you. :)

[scaeagles]

Well, the way I see it, we went from pants to muffin tops to not changing underwear. I think the derail is complete, so please continue to give us TMI, Dread.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

:D

[Ghoulish Delight]

Geez, now I'm thinking "Hmm, was he wearing underwear when I met him yesterday?"

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Geez, now I'm thinking "Hmm, was he wearing underwear when I met him yesterday?"

Dead men tell no tales...

[Moonliner]

...and approval for a background check

Why don't you just have NA send them the file she has on you. I'm sure it's more complete than any standard background check....

[scaeagles]

Why don't you just have NA send them the file she has on you. I'm sure it's more complete than and standard background check....

I'm sure it is. That complete is not necessarily a good thing.:)

[Not Afraid]

DPR wasn't wearing underwear uesterday, I checked. :)

I jest.

[scaeagles]

I jest.

I am glad you told us that....I, for one, thought you were serious.:)

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I am glad you told us that....I, for one, thought you were serious.:)


Shouldn't we refocus this thread on dress pants?