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  5. Pants Made Easier

Pants Made Easier

Real Simple Author
By Real Simple Editors Updated August 29, 2014
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MaxMara cotton-and-spandex pants
Credit: Real Simple
Don't spend money on unnecessary pants: You really need only five pairs.
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Slim Ankle-Length Pants

MaxMara cotton-and-spandex pants
Credit: Real Simple

The short hem means you can wear them with flats or heels (which also means they can be dressed down or up). If you’re pear-shaped, opt for a slightly less tapered leg to balance out your hips.

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Black Flared Trousers

Express polyester-blend pants
Credit: express.com

Dramatic yet forgiving, this silhouette is perfect for work or dressy occasions. Choose a smooth, mid-weight fabric (an acetate or rayon blend), which is less likely to reveal bumps and attract lint. Or try this fuzz-free tip: Spray the pants with Static Guard.


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Casual Chinos

Gap casual chinos
Credit: Real Simple

Go for a straight-leg style. That way, you can wear the pair long in the winter and rolled up in the summer. For optimum comfort (it’s the weekend, after all), select a relaxed fit in all cotton or a slim cut with 2 percent stretch so you can really move. Khaki, olive, or gray looks right no matter what the season.


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Menswear Trousers

Banana Republic stretch-wool pants
Credit: Banana Republic

A clean, tailored cut that hits just below the navel always looks modern and professional for the office. Invest in gray, navy, or black (solid or with a suiting pattern) in a high-quality, lightweight blend—tropical wool, polyester, nylon, rayon, acetate—for year-round wearability.


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Dark Boot-Cut Jeans

Ballad AG slim boot cut jean
Credit: agjeans.com

Flattering on every body, a not-too-flared bootcut in a slimming indigo wash, free of distressing, won’t ever look dated. Suffer from gaping at the waist? A contoured waistband is your antidote; check that the jeans dip at the waist instead of going straight across. A seven- to nine-inch rise keeps your tummy covered.

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    1 of 5 Slim Ankle-Length Pants
    2 of 5 Black Flared Trousers
    3 of 5 Casual Chinos
    4 of 5 Menswear Trousers
    5 of 5 Dark Boot-Cut Jeans

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    MeredithAll products and services featured are selected by our editors. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
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