Pants and I have not always seen eye to eye. When I was 5 years old, my commitment to skirts and dresses was such that once, when my mother tried to force me into a pair of pants (that were, in hindsight, totally adorable) for school, I opted for an act of open defiance and decided to march to class in my underwear instead of giving in to the tyranny of trousers. But one day, a pair of pants caught my attention, and I decided to wear them to school, ignoring the “skirts only” rule. Sadly, this stint was short-lived, and I was suspended for a week.
After making a ruckus over the “no pants for girls” rule, the school changed its dress code, and everyone was allowed to wear them. As I grew up, I became fascinated with the fit of pants. I’ve always known the value of my assets, and so often, my “Beyoncé booty” felt ignored in a summer dress or an A-line skirt. Working in a business where women expend so much energy trying to exercise away their curves was insane to me. All I wanted was to highlight my thin waist and bodacious behind.
As a result, I avoided wearing trousers for years because I could never find a pair that worked with my proportions. (Gapping at the waist and tightness in the hips is just not my style.) But then Nicolas Ghesquière came along. The designer’s F/W 05 collection for Balenciaga showed hip-hugging military trousers that pooled languidly around the ankles, exuding that type of Parisian coolness that’s both flirty and chic. I had to dive in, and in the process, I learned a few lessons. Keep scrolling to check them out.
Tip #1. Not All Pants Are Created Equal
Accept the fact that not all pants are created equal. Not all pairs are going to fit you like they do on the model. For instance, I can lust after low-rise boyfriend jeans or ankle-length cigarette pants all I want, but the reality is that these cuts just cling to me in all the wrong places. I’ve grown to accept that a high-waisted style with a relaxed or wide leg is much more flattering for my shape. When it comes to trends, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to what works for you.
MANGO
Straight-Fit Pleated Trousers
