About Ashleigh McKenna
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Closet Staples: Black Pants
girl about t.o. canada
(Jul.28.10)
Black dress pants used to be my shopping sticky point (as in, when I needed them I could never find them or when I did they weren't a cut that made me comfortable).
This year I've embraced the dark side (even going so far as to add Danier's knit-back leather pants to my wardrobe), but am lucky I work somewhere where "office appropriate" can really run the gamut. (When I had a "business casual" job I felt like a teenager some nights when I'd change in the office washroom after the late shift to go see friends. My "work pants" just didn't feel like me.)
I want something that works in more formal settings (besides a suit) and also out and about. (So basically anything beyond denim and leggings, though I love both.)
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Gap Premium Slim Crop pants ($69.50)
My inspiration comes from yesterday's launch of the Gap Premium Pant collection (from $59.50). The new line offers styles like Boy fit, Curvy and this crop that I particularly fell for (cute with flats or heels and dressed up with a structured blazer or down with a flowing tank) in styles that suggest jeans but are decidedly more tailored. |
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Theory Adelson pant (US $255)
My mom swears by this brand's fit and longevity (available here at Holt Renfrew). I love the leg-lengthening effect of this wide-leg pair and the stretch wool fabric is easy to spend the day in. |
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MM6 Pleated Cuff pants ($345)
I loved the ankle-grazing cut of this pair with the added attention at the slenderest spot of the leg. Could see these with a a super-soft tee and great accessories or a silk blouse for something a little more structured. |
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Esprit Prague stretch pants ($89.50)
Stretch means comfort and this leg is easy to work with. I'd love these with ballet flats for the office or flip flops on the weekend and a crisp white shirt for a really clean look. |
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Anthropologie Hartley Trousers ($138)
The wide waistband on these trousers wants to be seen. The buttons add a detail that subtle enough for something more formal while the trouser cut works just as well with a tucked in tank and slouchy cardigan. |
OK, so admittedly my tastes still fall to the casual side of things but I love the added versatility of a dark slack that isn't denim. Work wear that I'd happily wear well into the night.