Slim Pants for the Curvy Gal

Chanel Couture, pic from here.
I’ve mentioned a few times recently that I’ve found a “long-over-lean” silhouette to work best for my shape and proportions. Moi meme, this means either a pencil skirt of slim pants on the bottom half.
I did say “slim” and not “skinny.” When someone says “skinny” pants, I think of those that look as though they were spray-painted on.  I’m not going to say that women over the age of X shouldn’t wear these, as it really depends on the woman and her style, but I do think they are hard for most of us to wear well. They make une femme look like a demented elf.
J Brand skinny jeans
My preference is for styles that are narrow, but not skin-tight.  Stretch is essential too.
Eileen Fisher Ponte Knit Pant
These Eileen Fisher ponte knit pants fit close to the leg, but not too snugly.  The fabric has some heft and holds its shape (no bagging at knees) and they’re machine washable too. (Hang to dry.)  I picked up a pair of these in the fall, and reach for them frequently.  They’re also slim cut enough to wear inside some boots.
Chico’s 5-pocket ponte pants
Frugal Scholar recommended these Chico’s 5-pocket ponte knit pants, and they’re also a great choice.  Available in Brown, Black and Heather Grey, they’re also on sale for $39.00 right now!
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Straight Leg Ponte Knit Pants
One of the Sales Associates at Nordstrom recommended these above from NYDJ.  I haven’t had a chance to try them yet.  Based on my experience with NYDJ, my recommendation is to order or try three sizes: the size you think *should* fit, plus one size above and below.  I’ve found their sizing to be inconsistent between styles.
NYDJ “Skinny Leg” Jeans
Although these are listed as “skinny leg,” they really are more of a straight leg.  A nice, versatile jean that hits at the ankle.
I also find that a very narrow bootcut jean can work as part of a long-over-lean silhouette, as long as there’s not too much fullness on the “long-over” part of the ensemble.  I’m still in love with my 7’s.

7 for All Mankind Mid-Rise Bootcut Jeans
I’d consider jeggings, but only for wearing inside tall boots.  I tried on a pair from NYDJ a few months ago, but they felt sort of rubbery and weren’t at all comfortable.  I don’t have any to recommend at this point, but if you do, please mention in comments.  
And I know you all know better, dear readers, but as a Public Service Announcement:  Leggings. Are. Not. Pants.   
Do you have a favorite slim pant?
~
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27 Comments

  1. I bought two pairs of slim pants on sale at Anne Taylor Loft. Excellent fit.

    And I agree with LuxeBytes: more side zips on pants!

  2. Happy you found your cut, makes shopping so much easier. EF is eternally too short an inseam for me. Buying straight leg with lots of stretch; like you do not like knee bags.

  3. The Eileen Fishers look great; wish I had them in my closet to wear today!

    Another thing I wish: that more clothing manufacturers would do a side zipper on slacks. The front zipper just adds bulk where no one really wants it ….

    Marsi

  4. I like these

    http://www.zappos.com/not-your-daughters-jeans-marilyn-straight-leg-seaside-wash-seaside-wash

    The waist area is stretchy enough that they don’t give me muffin-top, and the length is long enough for me to wear with flats, when I usually have to order “tall” or “long” for that.

    I have them in black denim which I HATED the last time it was “in” but these are so dark black you can hardly tell it’s denim. The style number is 431B.

    I like to wear them Eileen Fisher style with a long cardigan.

  5. I’m a skinny pant slut! I just got a pair of Helmut Lang’s in NY which are great because they’re not low rise! Like really. They fit at the perfect height, just at my navel or a bit below. But I do think that Gap 1969 interprets the pant very well. As does Banana Republic. And Genetic Denim does some great slim legs, though the rise is stupidly low.

  6. I bought several Chico’s bottoms on sale recently: 2 pairs leggings (yes, I can wear them; oh, and one is velvet!) and two skinny pontes. These are so easy to wear. My favorite jeans are the jeggings I got last year–at JC Penney. The ana brand.

    Bottoms are my biggest problem. Now I’m all set for at least a year or two.

  7. I have two pair of black work pants, both from jjill — one has enormous wide legs, the other is quite slim. Despite the fact that I’d thought the wide legs would look better on *my* wide legs, in fact it’s the slimmer ones that are more flattering. Go figure.

    (Though I still love bootlegs best.)

  8. I have also just discovered the long over lean combination and it seems to suit my “pear” shape extremely well as it covers the hips and upper thighs. I like the NYDJ jeans as they seem to be the only ones that fit my waist without any alterations and have lots of stretch which makes them comfortable.

  9. I’m still waiting for my new Eileen Fisher box — had to return/exchange almost everything in the first one, but there’s a pair of knit pants in the order. A friend is taking me to Chico’s tomorrow, so thank you for the tip — I’ll look for those pants.

    Have a beautiful day!

  10. I want want want a pair of black velvet slim pants … I have a pair of black ponte knit pants from Club Monaco that are good, but not great. My absolute favourite straight leg jeans (True Religion) have finally worn out from too much love, so I’m on the hunt for another pair. I’m still frightened of jeggings …

  11. I absolutely loved Chanel’s show. Those slim trousers with zippers and pointy shoes were fab.
    Would love a post about pairing tops/jackets with slim trousers. I aim for long and a bit fitted to avoid any tent like associations, but I find jackets challenging. Do you like a fitted jacket over a longer fuller top? Long cardigans work, but don’t provide any shape and structure.

  12. Those “sevens” are great, as are Fidelity “Belladonna” jeans– they have a mid rise that is longer in back, to avoid the dreaded scourge of ” plumbers crack”.

  13. crgilvr – well, at least they’re on sale…

    LuxeBytes – EF also has some side zip options, check out the website. I always tend to get my shirt stuck in side zips, but I get the appeal.

    Kathleen – I know a lot of women love their Gap jeans. I have one pair that’s awesome, but lately the rises have been way too low for me.

    Lorena – glad I’m not the only one!

    Duchesse – you’ve been singing the praises of knit pants for a while, which put them on my radar. They’re great for travel too!

    hostess -those EF ponte knits are fabulous.

    Sal – thanks! will check those out.

    Gnomester – it’s nice when retailers (like Ann Taylor and Talbots) offer a variety of fits and rises.

    Tabitha – I think especially for those of us who are short-waisted, the long-top-slim-bottoms combo is a winner.

    Chicatanyage – yes, the NYDJ’s don’t gap at the waist, a plus!

    Susan Tiner – do let us know how the new EF items work out and how the Chico’s pants worked for you.

  14. spacegeek33 – good to know! I’ve been meaning to check out the fabric on the other colors.

    Tiffany – I’m a bit frightened of jeggings too but love the idea of tucking into boots without bagging…

    materfamilias – the knits are such a great option for traveling, and you’ve hinted at some on the horizon.

    rb – those are a nice looking jean! I like black jeans as a more rock-n-roll variation on black trousers.

    K.Line – oh, Helmut Lang! Those must be fabulous. My only problem with BR is that they don’t seem to size up the back pockets, and they look like postage stamps once you get above a size 6 or so.

    frugalscholar – I do want to clarify what I meant about Leggings Are Not Pants. I’m talking about the type of leggings that are about as snug and thin as footless tights, and the sweet young things who wear these with short tops. To the office.

    I still have to check out those JCP jeggings.

    Rubiatonta – I’ve known a few women who said “oh, I can’t wear slim pants” and then were surprised when they tried them just how flattering they were.

    WendyB – you’ve called every trend in the last couple of years, so now I’d bet even money Demented Elf will be showing up on Shopbop any day now.

    Fuji – yes, I absolutely find jackets challenging right now. I’m having the best luck with knit jackets. I’ll be posting some new faves next week.

    Aunt Snow – I think there’s a big Chico’s on Montana…. 😉

    Anonymous – I’d say, absolutely yes! You’ll want to experiment to find the best length for tops based on your proportions, but I think a fitted look on the leg is flattering more often than not.

    Katriona – I’m so happy to see jeans designers giving us a bit more “coverage” in back.

  15. These are the kind of pants you will wear everywhere. Flattering. Easy for travel or running around. Amazing and flattering for any body type. Especially real women. Absolutely love them.