The 3 Work Pants PureWow’s Fashion Editor Wears on Repeat (Even on the Weekend)

Name: 3. Everlane Way-High Drape Pants
Brand: Everlane
Price: 128 USD

Wide leg trousers, for the win

By Abby Hepworth

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Published Sep 25, 2024

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Abby Hepworth for PureWow

There was a time when I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing traditional office attire—pleated trousers and a blazer? My worst nightmare. But oh how the times have changed. It’s not just that I’ve come around to the idea of embracing more timeless wardrobe staples. In the past decade or so, workwear has become more ubiquitous for women of all ages and has evolved way beyond the starched, rigid suits I loathed to feel infinitely more comfortable and look far cooler, too. So much so that you can find me rocking a wide-leg work pant at least twice a week, if not more.

As someone with very limited closet space and a job in fashion (my organizational skills are top notch, mostly out of necessity), I really only like to invest in clothing I can wear for all sorts of occasions, meaning my work pants need to be able look professional and polished for the office, dressed down for errand running on Sundays and dressed up with a cute top and heels for date night. Not every pair of pants can pull off the trifecta, but all three of the styles below have proven themselves to be both versatile and chic time and time again. Read on for reviews of my three most-beloved work pants that absolutely deserve a coveted spot in your wardrobe.

Abercrombie & Fitch

1. Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Wide-Leg Pants

What I Like

four inseam lengths
under $100
machine washable

What I Don’t Like

reportedly run small

Abercrombie & Fitch

I find most A&F jeans run a bit big, but these pants are the opposite, and I actually preferred to go up one from my usual size for a more comfortable fit. But once I had the correct size, the material has just enough stretch to feel super comfy around my waist and had enough weight to drape and flow beautifully while I walk. The fabric is also lightweight (but not sheer in the lighter colors), so I can comfortably wear them all year round, and steams really nicely so it’s easy to get out wrinkles and creases, no ironing necessary. I also highly appreciate the inclusive size range A&F offers—every color comes in sizes US 23 through 37 and three inseam lengths (some even come in extra short, as well). While I often stick with the regular inseam length for Abercrombie denim, I definitely needed the long length for the Sloane pants. You can also choose between Classic and Curve fits, with the Curve specifically designed for folks with wider hips and a smaller waist. Add to that the fact that these pants are under $100 and you’ve got yourself a must-have item, in my opinion. I will note, however, that while the label says these pants can be put in the dryer after washing, I always lay them flat to dry to avoid any risk possible shrinkage in the heat.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 23 to 37
Materials: 80 percent polyester, 16 percent viscose, 4 percent elastane
Inseam Length: 26, 28, 30 and 32 inches
Care Instructions: machine wash cold, tumble dry low, do not dry clean

$90 at Abercrombie & Fitch

Aritzia

2. Aritzia Effortless Pants

What I Like

tons of color, fabric and style options
four inseam lengths

What I Don’t Like

some inconsistencies with sizing
make shrink some in the wash

Aritzia

Artizia’s Effortless Pants have been taking the world by storm—or at least it feels that way, given that nearly every woman I know in NYC between the ages of 25 and 40 have at least tried on a pair, with many owning multiple colors or styles. I myself own two pairs, one linen and one in the OG crepe material, and wear both all the time, whether I’m headed to the office or out for drinks on the weekend. As a tall woman, I appreciate that the regular inseam length is quite long, though petite gals will be glad to hear there’s also short and shorter options for those under 5’4”. That said, the waist definitely runs small, so I recommend going up one size from your usual, or two if you like a looser fit or lower rise. As a best-selling Aritzia item, these pants come in virtually every neutral hue you can think of, but there are also linen, satin, twill and wool options, as well as shorts and a cropped length ideal for showing off those trendy new burgundy red boots. Each fabrication comes with its own care instructions, but the classic crepe fabric is purportedly both machine washable and dryer safe. Much like the A&F Sloane pants, however, I still prefer to lay mine out to dry just to be extra careful—I wouldn’t want to risk such a beloved wardrobe staple shrinking beyond repair.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 00 to 16
Materials: 100 percent polyester
Inseam Length: 26.5, 28, 30 and 31 inches
Care Instructions: machine wash, lay flat to dry

$148 at Aritzia

Everlane

3. Everlane Way-High Drape Pants

What I Like

fit true to size
very flattering cut

What I Don’t Like

only one inseam length

Everlane

Last but certainly not least in my work pant rotation is the Way-High Drape pant from Everlane. These were actually a gift from the brand but swiftly became something I reach for time and time and time again. They fit true to size and are surprisingly comfortable given that the fabric doesn’t have very much stretch. The waistband is just the right width to look and feel fabulous and doesn’t dig in when I sit down. And the pleats are positioned exactly right to lay beautifully without awkwardly ballooning out whether I’m standing, walking or sitting. The linen version is, of course, ideal for warmer months, but the fabric definitely has enough weight to not look or feel totally out of place in fall and winter. And they wash really well—a major bonus for those who don’t want to be bothered with regularly going to the dry cleaners. The only negative? They’re currently available in only one inseam length (30 inches), which fits great on my long legs when I’m wearing flats or sneakers, but that would likely require heels or hemming for petite folks.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 00 to 16
Materials: 100 percent linen
Inseam Length: 30 inches
Care Instructions: machine wash cold, tumble dry low

$128 at Everlane

Abby Hepworth

Editor

Covers fashion, trends and all things running
Received certification as an RRCA run coach
Has worked in fashion for over a decade

read full bio

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