Pants That Work for Work

Now that you're feeling braver about making suits from separate pieces, let's all admit that finding pants that fit is one of the hardest parts of filling out a wardrobe. Why? Because most of us suffer from crazy proportions whether our thighs are thicker than our waists, our hips are low (or super wide, or too slim), or we're constantly battling a muffin top pants are ... a problem.

Since I spend a lot of time trying pants on with women of all different shapes and sizes, here are my recommendations for finding a reliable fit -- no matter what struggles you're having with your bottom half.

For basic go-to-work pants, Express has a nice-fitting style called The Editor. They're lower rise which can work well with a tummy that's not too large (the pants won't cut you at the widest part of your stomach, and worn with the right top or jacket, that little extra you're carrying will be effectively masked). The wide-leg a-line shape of the pants also works for heavier legs and lower hips. Trust me on this, I've seen these look good on a size 2 and a size 14.

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Express

For those of you who insist that a lower rise just accents your muffin top, this mid-rise velvet pant by Old Navy fits great. It's a straight leg, so not great for anyone who's overly hippy, but they will accommodate a fuller leg (because they're not contoured through the thigh) and they come in both small and large sizes. Plus, the velvet makes a great bottom for a winter suit.

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Old Navy

Old Navy also carries a fine wail flared leg trouser cord for those with more hip in their silhouette. The rise is classic, a bit higher than you may be used to these days -- but paired with a tucked shirt and jacket, these pants can work great as a suit-like option, or even on the weekend with a longer top and boots. Both dark night and bitter chocolate are rich versatile colors to have for the bottom half of your wardrobe.

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Old Navy

Ann Taylor's Loft does a nice job making pants that fit more bottoms than your average designer. These stretch flare faux denim pants are perfect for those who are very curvy on the bottom and need a little smoothing over as hips and bum are incorporated into your silhouette. The lower rise and wide waistband accentuate hips in the right way, while the flared bottom balances out your overall proportion.

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Loft

For those with fairly proportioned hips and bum, or for those in need of a little more shape, these flat front stretch flare leg pants from AT Loft are contoured through the hip and thigh and fit great. A very flattering and versatile look overall.

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Loft

I can't say enough good things about Michael Kors' line. He understands that real people need to wear clothes too! My mother (nearly 70), my sister (40), and my assistant (24), all wear this line. It's cut really well, no frills to mess with your figure imperfections, and the size range for most items is 2-16. Here's a great petite option by him, the perfect trouser pant.

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Michael Krors

And for the more standard sized among you, the Gramercy pant by Michael Kors. They fit great in the whole range of sizes-- really!

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Michael Kors

Lastly, for anyone with a post-baby body or who's filling out a little after 30, Kenneth Cole is a spot on designer for simple pants (flat front, non-pleated, low and mid-rise, flared leg, fuller cut thigh, and a little stretch) that come sizes up to 16 -- and look great even at the larger end of the size range. These dark denim trouser options are a perfect example, but you'll find the whole bottoms line is very accommodating.

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So, just remember, if you're spending a lot time trying to find pants that fit, you are not alone! It's worth holding out for the right pair. I hope this narrows your search!

Kenneth Cole