A Formerly Anti-Trouser Woman on Learning to Love Pants

March 30, 2018 | Filed in: Your Closet

This may sound a bit dramatic, but I’ve always hated shopping for pants. As a pear-shaped, athletically-built ex-hockey player, I have always viewed them with skepticism. You know the drill: If they fit my waist, they’re too small through my hips, thighs, and booty. If they fit any of the latter? Huge in the waist.

As an MM stylist, I spend 99% of my workday interacting with our customers, and I’ve realized I’m not alone in my wariness around pants. I’ve heard it all: Too short. Too long. Too stiff. There’s a gap in the waist. Too loose in the waist. They don’t fit my butt. I have no butt. Muffin top. They slide down my hips. They’re too loose in the thigh. I can’t get my calf through the leg opening. (This last one was me, and it has definitely happened more than once.)

But although I hate shopping for pants, I recognize their many benefits: They can be dressed up or down, they keep your legs protected so you can take full advantage of that open subway seat, and they ensure coverage when you’re climbing stairs (stair-flash is a real thing). So imagine my delight when, after a years-long search, I finally found a pair that ticked all the boxes: comfortable, machine-washable, travel-friendly, polished, versatile, easy to DIY-tailor, multi-seasonal, and well-fitting to boot. I am, of course, talking about the Foster pant.

Constructed of bi-stretch cotton, they’ve become essential to my work wardrobe. And now, I’d like to share the magic. This is how I wear my Fosters year-round. 

Outfit #1: Spring

Ashley wears the Foster pant in black, the Oliver jacket in navy, the Didion top in black, the Vanessa pump in red, and the Juno earrings.

The weather is still unpredictable in NYC, but the sun is shining, and it feels like warmer days are just around the corner. Here, I paired the Didion top with the Foster pant, layering on the Oliver jacket for warmth. This outfit took me from a morning presentation, to coffee with my mentor, to drinks at a new place uptown. I intentionally kept the color palette dark, allowing me to transition easily through different levels of formality.

Outfit #2: Summer

Ashley wears the Foster pant in black, the Beverly top in ice blue, the Dietrich jacket in stretch twill, the Vanessa pump in black, and the Juno earrings.

For this look, I paired the Foster pant with the floaty Beverly top in a breezy shade of blue, and topped it with the lightweight Dietrich jacket. The color of the top adds a summery vibe, while the Dietrich provides some structure and coverage. I’m wearing the Foster (which has adjustable hems!) at the shorter length here, which creates a slightly more casual feel and lets me show off my shoes.

Outfit #3: Fall

Ashley wears the Foster pant in black, the Bourgeois blouse in pomegranate, the Parks coat in smoke stripe, the Vanessa pump in gray, the Infinity scarf in charcoal, and the Juno earrings.

Nothing says fall like a well-tailored coat in a classic print. The navy and white stripe of the Parks coat complements the more flamboyant blue-red tones of the Bourgeois blouse underneath, and both are nicely offset by the fitted silhouette of the Foster pant. Add the Infinity scarf to keep warm during your commute. 

Outfit #4: Winter

Ashley wears the Prospect puffer and the Foster pant.

Snowflakes are falling, and your first meeting of the day is at 9am. You sweep into the office in a chic layered look, and smile quietly to yourself as you settle into the conference room: No one needs to know that you’re wearing the professional equivalent of pajamas. That is the magic of the Foster pant.

Ashley wears the Foster pant in black, the Deneuve top in blackberry, and the Gibson blazer in black.

Ready to end your love-hate relationship with pants for good? You can find the Foster pant here.