Une femme recommends…
A perfect pair of slim black ankle pants has been one of my Holy Grail wardrobe items for as long as I can remember. Occasionally over the years I’ve stumbled across a pair that is right in every way, which I then proceed to wear until threadbare, all the while offering fragrant sacrifices at the Shrine of St. Audrey in hopes that I’ll someday find my next perfect pair.
The Pant Deities have smiled upon me again, in the form of these ponte knit slim ankle pants from Eileen Fisher.
Trust me when I tell you these pants look much better in person than in this picture. The style (front zip, front pockets, belt loops) and the fabric (substantial) add up to a pant that’s polished enough for the office, but feels comfortable enough for yoga. They are flatteringly slim, but not skin tight.
These pants can be washed in the machine, gentle cycle, cold water. I put mine in a low heat dryer for about 15 minutes, then hang to finish drying overnight, but you can also skip the dryer and just roll in a towel to remove moisture then hang to dry overnight. (Oui, travel is always on my mind!) Yes, they do bag at the knees just a little bit after sitting all day, but regain their shape hung up overnight.
Available in black and mussel (a dark taupe). If slim ankle pants are your thing, Run Don’t Walk.
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I have some Eileen Fisher pants very similar to these. I found them in the dryer when I got home; my husband was “helping” do the laundry as he does from time to time. I said, ” repeat after me; I will not put my wife’s clothes in the dryer without asking.” This is not the first time this has happened.
I Love these pants.
I’ve had to worry about my pants looking like floods all these years, and now this! Those Eileen Fisher ankle pants would look like cropped pants on me. I don’t like the look anyway. Unless you have really nice ankles. And they do nothing to lengthen your legs, quite the opposite.
These would suit me perfectly for Florida winter. Congrats on a great find.
The side-zip cords on the website look nice, too. But I wish they came in Tall sizes–Eileen Fisher pants are always cut too short for me (and I’m only 5’8″).
I have a pair of EF that look a lot like these…I think I;ll be able to squeeze another year out of mine.
Love the style.
Eileen Fisher is one line that I would be happy owning multiples of her designs.
I sprung for another style of these pants a few years ago (for me that is saying a lot). The fabric is wonderful.
Slick black pants – yes. My go-to look.
What I also love, in your Audrey photos the boat-neck sweater.
Hmmm. But with what shoes? What COMFORTABLE shoes, at least?
I would have to try them on as often Eileen Fisher pants are too short for me too (also only 5’8″ tall).
I am so looking forward to the new Eileen Fisher store at Northpark Mall in Dallas. I’m hoping it will be fully stocked in styles and sizes.
And Deja, please come back and tell us which shoes you plan to wear with these pants. I’m not a shoe person and always have difficulty figuring out what would look best.
Wow they look great just what I am looking for. I was quite down hearted until I clicked on the link and discovered that Eileen Fisher is coming over to Fenwicks in London. My favourite store. I am in town on Thursday and if I have time I will pop in and have a look. Thanks for the tip off.
When I find a perfect pair of pants, I always buy 3 or 4 pair. I’ll rotate 2 in my current wardrobe and put 2 away for when those wear out. I know how difficult it is to find a wardrobe item that makes you happy in every way. I not only do this with pants, but I have a stash of perfect tees and perfect nightgowns. Now if I could find the perfect socks I’d be happy indeed.
I need to attempt to save some money and get a couple of Eileen Fisher items this year…I really love her website!
They’re gorgeous! But alas, not in my budget at the moment.
I like the look of ankle pants on other people. With my height, I think they look like floods (a common issue I have). I bet they look very chic on you. This particular pair looks very comfortable.
Julianne – oh yes, those well meaning people who throw everything into a HOT dryer. We love them, but…
Rita – it’s true, on a purely objective basis, there probably are more flattering choices. But I still love these.
Patti – I really think I’ll wear these for all seasons here in LA, thanks!
Chicatanyage – you’ll have to let us know what you think of Eileen Fisher pieces. This has become a go-to line for me for timeless, quality wardrobe basics.
Couture Allure – that’s a smart strategy! I’m contemplating a second pair, to be stashed for future wear.
Pam – the great thing about EF is that the pieces span seasons and even years. I’m still wearing some silk jersey tops I purchased 3 years ago. They’re worth the investment.
Susan Tiner – I understand, certainly. With any luck, they may go on sale in a few months.
hostess – I do own multiples of the silk jersey tops, which are my go-to’s for travel. The ponte knit pants are fabulous too.
Adrienne – I think they’d look great on someone as tall and slender as you, but I understand that conditioning about “floods.”
frugalscholar – these really are worth the splurge. I think the cost-per-wear factor is going to turn out very well.
Aunt Snow – go try these pants, really! I used to love the Talbot’s boat neck tees, but then they changed the fabric to remove the lycra, which was disappointing, and now no longer seem to carry them at all. 🙁
LPC – oh, now you’ve inspired me to work up a polyvore! Short answer: ballet flats, ankle boots.
Susan – I’m so glad you’re getting an Eileen Fisher store! Go try everything. Sometimes pieces that don’t look like much on the hanger are the ones that knock your socks off.
I’m always on the lookout for the perfect pair of black pants, so will check these out. The search never ends!
I really enjoy reading your blog. Perfect pants are quite a find. Having had surgery that changed my body shape, when I find clothing that fits, I tend to buy multiples of the item – usually in different colors (if possible).
Helen has a new film coming out on August 31, The Debt. Looks amazing — but every film choice she makes is great. She plays an Israeli spy (Nazi catcher) in this movie.
I rely on your links on the right hand side — today, they were gone! Oh no, you had such great blogs to link to… will they be coming back?
Cheers,
Lunachance
Style Crone – it’s true, the search never does end! I hope you’ll like these.
Lunachance – thanks so much! I’m hoping to see that film when it comes out. The blogroll appears to be working now. I hadn’t changed anything, maybe a blogger hiccup?
Oh dear. I have been sucked into the Eileen Fisher website and I cannot afford to buy my way out! Thank you for the new obsession/aspiration line. One day…. Until then, I will be scouring for “look alike” pieces.
Love these too! Another great pair I have is the Lands’End UltraFit Side-zip No-Waist Slim Leg pant, can be purchased for just over $10 when on “deep” sale. There is something so elegant, feminine and minimalist about a slim ankle pant…
Hmm, I might need to check them out. If they are slim enough they might work, even though Eileen Fisher is often short for me. I’m learning different ways to work the look.