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I recently lost a substantial amount of weight (35 lbs) and went from a size 12 to a 6. So you can imagine, my old clothes are tad too big. … I need to buy new pants for the office. I literally have one pair of black pants that actually look normal on me, and I just want to be able to get the same (or very similar) style, cut and price for all colors (like grays, blacks, pin-stripes etc.) so I can be sure of how they will fit all at once. Places like TJ’s and Marshall’s are hit and miss with these kinds of things and I REFUSE to pay $60 for a pair of black or gray slacks at places like Express, Limited or NY&Co. I worked very hard for this weight loss, so I want to be able to wear a size that is true to my body, instead of forcing my old clothes to fit by awkward alterations and belts, but I never realized how expensive it could actually be! Help!! —Swimming in Old Office Slacks.
First off, congratulations on your weight loss: You set a goal, and you reached it! This accomplishment is certainly worth celebrating, but I understand how expensive it can be to build a new wardrobe basically from scratch. Fortunately, I think there are many places where you can shop for affordable, office-appropriate pants. My top four picks? New York & Company, Express, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor Loft. Now I know you mentioned that you're not willing to shell out $60 a pop for pants at two of the aforementioned stores (neither would I), however, both New York & Company and Express have amazing online shops and sales galore (blame or thank the recession for that!). You can find classic, chic pants for under $50 a pair, usually less, especially when combined with special promos and coupons. As for Banana and Ann Talor Loft, I recommend stalking the sales and checking out their outlet stores.
The key will be finding the right fit, so try on as many pairs as necessary, then buy in bulk once you find the perfect pair. That's the other great thing about the stores I mentioned: They offer many colors/fabrications in each of their signature cuts. Below, I've gathered together 12 pairs of pants under $50 from the stores I mentioned. (Click any image for more info.)
I'd also recommend checking out the work pants at H&M, which carries great business casual attire, suits and pants that I'd say average about $39.50/pair.
Readers: Where do you shop for inexpensive work-appropriate pants?
The key will be finding the right fit, so try on as many pairs as necessary, then buy in bulk once you find the perfect pair. That's the other great thing about the stores I mentioned: They offer many colors/fabrications in each of their signature cuts. Below, I've gathered together 12 pairs of pants under $50 from the stores I mentioned. (Click any image for more info.)
I'd also recommend checking out the work pants at H&M, which carries great business casual attire, suits and pants that I'd say average about $39.50/pair.
Readers: Where do you shop for inexpensive work-appropriate pants?
besides Express, definitely H&M for cheap, clean cuts in work attire/suits/dress pants. I really like their slim cut cotton/sateen finish pants with boots. my coworker and i are definitely on tight budgets & we love their skirts/pants. cheap too! She got 2 pencil skirts and another pair of those pants for $50!
great deals and they also carry petite and tall pants!
Clearance pants at Banana were as low as $19.99 lots of black and grey. Nordstrom rack has also has had tons of basics in.
I think if you can go in person you can find much better deals than you can online. At a 6 also if there were any shops there that sold sample sizes you could get greatdeals. Miner miracle in SF sells Ann Taylor and loft stuff at a big discount.