Lee Flexible Waist Office Slacks For Women

When it comes to clothes shopping, work slacks might not be the most fun item to check off the list. Too many women resign themselves to something drab, simply because it won’t be inappropriate and won’t clash with a sensible top.

But think of it this way: These are clothes that you are going to wear for eight hours or more most every weekday. They’ve got to be fashionable yet restrained, flexible but not flouncy, durable yet dressy. It can be a hard sweet spot to hit, but the perfect women’s slacks can be the linchpin of an outfit that makes you feel like the boss.

As with any garment, the fit is key. For a work situation, it’s better to err on the side of pants that are too loose. A quick look at the waist should tell you when you’ve crossed the line. Obviously, visible panty lines are a huge red flag. You also don’t want to see too many creases along the crotch.

If you want to play it safe in this respect, polyester pants are a classic no-iron choice. The material lends itself more to straight-leg styles that will complement looser tops. It’s also stain-resistant and can be washed far more easily than other fabrics — a big plus if you’re wearing it daily.

If you’re looking for something a little more slimming, a little spandex goes a long way. We’re not talking yoga pants here, but many slacks for women these days are made of a blend of synthetic fibers that usually contain 4% or 5% spandex or lycra. This allows them to stretch out a bit around the waist, giving you a tighter fit that can continue all the way down or flare out a bit. As you might imagine, this material tends to be a lot more comfortable, though you may have to wash with care.

Still torn? Your shoes might end up making the decision for you. Looser ankle pants usually pair best with a conservative pair of pumps. Boot-cut slacks can be paired with pointier pumps, loafers or (big surprise) actual boots. Wide-leg slacks look great with chunky heels or wedge shoes, and cropped, flared pants will work with sandals or dainty heels.

Designers, take note: Ladies can pretty much always use more pockets. This becomes particularly useful around the office setting where you might actually use them. The deeper the pockets the better, especially on flared or straight leg styles where those business cards or notes you store won’t leave an outline.