Gibsonlook Red Blouse tts, L
Over the past few months I have been getting more requests than ever for workwear that looks great but also feels amazing. I get it, many of you are finally heading back into offices and after two years in zoom call tops and joggers “real” pants are just not as comfortable.
I’ve scoured the internet to find what I consider the BEST work pants that blends comfort with a tailored, professional look. For reference I am 5’5 and can many times go in-between a regular or petite length pant just depending on the retailer. Also I’m size 12 and will list inseam and rise based on my actual pants not what might be listed online.
I always get the question, “Can I see the back?!” Since it’s so hard to take backside pictures I created this reel where you can see me walk in each pair and TURN AROUND.
CLICK FOR REEL
SPANX On-the-Go Kick Flare Pant with Silver Lining Technology
Size XLP | Rise 11″ | Inseam 24″
Available in tall, regular & petite
I recently got these Spanx On-the-go pants with their Silver Lining Technology and OMG they are amazing! I’ve never found a white pant that is completely opaque and fits great. These have a pull-on style with slimming panels, no side pockets but they do have rear pockets.
I’ve found that SPANX pants typically run small but overall these new on the go styles are more true to size. Now since I went with a petite length they make it smaller overall so I felt most comfortable in the XLP but if I was doing the regular I would have preferred a large.
Use code RYANNEXSPANX for 10% off and free ship
SPANX On-the-Go Ankle Slim Straight Pant with Silver Lining Technology
Size XLP | Rise 11″ | Inseam 24″
Available in tall, regular & petite
I had to also show you the straight leg version that I also have in black (on the list below) because I seriously can’t pick which of these styles are my favorite!
Use code RYANNEXSPANX for 10% off and free ship
LOFT Riviera Slim Pants
Size 12 Regular | Rise 11″ | Inseam 26″
Available in regular & petite | 2 fit styles: curvy & regular
If you have seen my workwear posts in the past few months then you KNOW that I have these LOFT Riveria pants in serval colors. I love the fit of these, lightweight fabric and straight leg. These are available in petite and regular lengths but with a 26″ inseam I figured the regular would work and they are great. These have side and back pockets but I have kept mine seamed shut. The fabric has a slight stretch to it making these comfortable for standing or sitting and really don’t wrinkle much.
JCREW Cameron Pant
Size 14 | Rise 11.5″ | Inseam 25.5″
Available in classic, petite & tall
Ok I’ll be honest not until I did this post and look back and the size of these J.Crew pants and realize that not only are they tight but I ALREADY sized up to a 14! I will forgive the rude sizing because I love the fabric, stretch and back seam on these pants. They are a classically tailored look and come in a ton of colors. The downfall is that they rarely go on sale so if you see them discounted grab them!
LIVERPOOL Kelsey Trouser
Size 12 Petite | Rise 11″ | Inseam 27″
Available in regular, petite & long
When it comes to my most “comfortable” work pant I think it has to be the Liverpool Kelsey Trouser. These are made of a thick ponte material that has a GOOD amount of stretch to them. They have functional side pockets and a flat back pocket. Now online they describe these as “mid-rise” with a 8-7/8″ Front rise and that’s total craziness!! Mine measured right at 11″ rise in a size 12 so don’t be deterred thinking these are going to be too low in reality they are great. Online each length is a separate listing to find them here: Regular, Petite, Long
SPANX On-the-Go Ankle Slim Straight Pant
Size XLP | Rise 11″ | Inseam 23″
Available in tall, regular & petite
These on-the-go pants are slightly lighter weight in the black because they don’t have the extra lining that the white has but similar slimming panels and pull-on style. I’ve found that SPANX pants typically run small but overall these new on the go styles are more true to size. Now since I went with a petite length they make it smaller overall so I felt most comfortable in the XLP but if I was doing the regular I would have preferred a large.
Use code RYANNEXSPANX for 10% off and free ship
ANN TAYLOR Straight Pant In Seasonless Stretch in Classic Fit
Size XLP | Rise 11″ | Inseam 23″
Available in regular & petite | 3 fit styles: classic, regular & curvy
Ann Taylor has been my go-to “work pant” for years but after I left recruiting I gained some weight and my size 10s were too tight. Recently I went ahead and grabbed the size 12s that I thought I needed and honestly they are a little snug too! So these have the least amount of stretch or give so if in-between size up in these. I love this brand and style because the reasonless stretch has been around forever and they keep a consistent black color so if you need to add to your suit pieces or size up or down in bottoms as your body changes they will always match. This though is another style that rarely goes on sale so if you see a suit sale stock up!
NYDJ Stretch Knit Trousers
Size 12P | Rise 11″ | Inseam 30″
Was available in regular & petite, now petite showing sold out
These stretchy ponte pants I picked up last Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and then they SOLD OUT! I have been hunting to see if I could find them on NYDJ or anywhere and finally they are back fully stocked at Nordstrom BUT without the petite sizing that I prefer. Although I still included these because they are a fantastic classic black pant that has stretch, thicker ponte material that isn’t too jersey feeling or too shiny. They do not have side pockets but do have a back welt pocket you can unstitch if you really want a pocket.
TAPATA Straight Dress Pants
Size L R/30″ | Rise 11″ | Inseam 31″ (actual length)
Available in 4 inseam lengths: 28″, 30″, 32″, 34″
After searching Amazon for what feel like forever I’ve found the best pair of pull-on work pants at an affordable price. Now these do run tight in the waist so if you carry your weight there then size up. I love that these come in so many inseam lengths and a good amount of classic colors. I did buy the sandstone at one point but didn’t love that color so I’m sticking to black or darker colors because since these are pretty body forming and stretchy the lighter color shows all the bumps and imperfections on the rear.
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Spanx on the go ankle are my fav! Thanks for doing posts like this, helpful for me!!!
My favorite on you are the Liverpool and the Spanx (both). I don’t wear pants often so I like really nice structured pants. Those seem to to tic all my boxes. Thanks for the front and back modeling!!