What is the correct trouser lengths for ladies? Where should pants hit with heels and flats? We haven’t talked about this in a while… so let’s discuss!

(Stay tuned for a future roundup of the correct trouser lengths with FLATS, which can be tricky as well!)

{related: do check out our regularly updated list of wardrobe essentials for work!}

The Correct Trouser Lengths for Women

Trousers are hugely popular right now, as ankle pants have taken a back seat to full-length pants such as wide-leg trousers and flared or bootcut dress pants. Full-length pants can be problematic, though, because it can be difficult to find the correct hem length for you — and one that works with all of your work shoes.

{related: a guide to suiting alterations}

General Tips on How to Choose Your Pant Length

Before You Take Your Pants to the Tailor or Hem Them Yourself…

You may want to launder the pants first (particularly if they’re machine washable), because sometimes fabrics can shrink or expand in the wash, and you really won’t know until you launder the pants.

You should also pick out a pair of shoes to try on your pants — ideally these would be THE shoes you plan to wear with them. If you have multiple shoes with the exact same heel height then you can switch up your shoes, but in general you cannot switch between, say, flats and heels with hemmed pants.

One possible exception here: I have often found that pants that I hemmed for very low kitten heels can be worn with flats as well… but your mileage may vary.

{related: the perfect pants fit — not too tight, not too loose}

How to Commute With Pants Hemmed for Heels

Perhaps you would really like to wear 3″ heels at work with your pants… but you don’t want to commute in 3″ heels. The easiest way to deal with this is to have heeled commuting shoes — generally fairly fugly shoes that have the correct height but are much more walkable. Then, when you get to work, you can swap the fugly shoes for your office shoes. Some brands to consider: FLY London, Dansko, Eileen Fisher, Børn.

There are occasionally products like clips that can help you hem your pants on the go… but in my experience these don’t look great. (I can’t actually find any on the market right now; let me know if you know of any!) But: If you have a weather-related emergency, you can always try binder clips to help your pants avoid getting wet (or, you know, tuck them into your socks if that’s an option). Again, these aren’t ideal situations, but with some expensive or favorite pairs of pants it’s worth looking odd for one commute rather than have that one commute kill your hem.

Where Should Pants Hit With Heels?

(When choosing pants for the illustrations here, we’re going with the description from the retailer on whether the pants are wide-leg, flared, bootcut, or straight-leg, but I’ll admit at the outset that there could be some crossover here between a lot of the categories.)

Most images are linked to either the product page or the Corporette post discussing the product…

Also, as noted above, stay tuned for a discussion of proper hem length with flats…

The Correct Length for Wide-Leg Pants with Heels

This is what I would say is the correct length for wide-leg pants worn with heels… would you agree? (These images are all taken from recent Workwear Reports. I’ll try to add the links later… you can also check out our latest favorite wide-leg pants for work at the bottom, or check out the full post on the best wide leg pants to wear to work!)

My $.02: The correct wide-leg pants should hit about a half inch above the floor at the back of the shoe/heel, and it should at least cover most of your vamp / top of foot (perhaps down to the point where your toes meet the rest of your foot), with a break in the pants.

So, for example, for the pants below, the plaid pair is definitely too short because there is no break in the pants, whereas the black pair has a break but the hem is dragging along the floor. The orange pair is ALMOST the correct length, but in an ideal world I’d hem it maybe half an inch more to cover more of the forefoot (and to get a break in the pants).

Readers, what say you?

Wide leg pants, below: 1) Almost Just Right 2) Too Short 3) Too Long

{related: the best shoes to wear with wide-leg pants}

Our Latest Favorite Wide Leg Pants

Hunting for more wide-leg pants to wear to work? We just rounded some up, and general favorites include pleated pairs like Favorite Daughter, Everlane*, Reformation*, and Abercrombie*, with flat-front pairs from Good American,* M.M.LaFleur, and Ann Taylor. (* = plus sizes; see the post for notes on petites and talls). We’ve also shared our thoughts on what shoes to wear with wide-leg pants! Our latest favorite wide-leg pants include these (as of 2024):

The Correct Length for Flared Pants with Heels

I feel like it’s much more common to see more casual flared pants (such as jeans or pull-on pants) as opposed to flared trousers, so it can be tricky to know where the hem should hit for a work outfit.

With the examples below, I think it’s very easy to see how the “too short” and “too long” examples are just that… but finding the correct hem length can be a bit more difficult. I’ve finally decided to use these Spanx pants, which I think showcase a lot of the things I would say is the correct length for flared pants with heels — the pants are not dragging on the floor, there is no huge break, and you can’t see the entire shoe… still, I might like to see these a smidge shorter, such as a quarter of an inch.

(These Gap pants also look good, but I think you can see too much of the heel and forefoot… but it’s a tricky question!)

What say you, readers?

Flared pants for work outfits, below: 1) Almost Just Right 2) Too Short 3) Too Long

Our Latest Favorite Flared Pants for Work Outfits

Stay tuned for our latest favorite office-appropriate flared pants for women! In general in 2024, check out Spanx, Hugo Boss, Theory, Amazon seller Rekucci, Anthropologie’s Maeve line, and Eloquii.

The Correct Length for Bootcut Pants with Heels

Bootcut pants are some of the most forgiving, I think, because a lot of the lengths look OK. I think ultimately the Good American ones below look just right because there is no break in the pant, but the hem is not dragging on the floor — and I like how it hits the forefoot right at the point where the metatarsals meet the phalanges. (I’ll admit, I just Googled “toe bones” for that description…)

Meanwhile, the middle pair look too short — there’s way too much of the shoe heel showing — and the gray pair (McQueen) is going to be dragging on the ground.

Bootcut pants for work, below: 1) Just Right 2) Too Short 3) Too Long

Our Latest Favorite Bootcut Pants for Work

There are a bunch of great bootcut dress pants — some of our favorites include Good American and the very affordable Tapata brand (with tall, petite, and regular lengths). Alexander McQueen also has a bunch right now. On the more casual side, check out KUT from the Kloth cords, Wit & Wisdom jeans, and Betabrand “dress yoga pants.”

The Correct Length for Straight-Cut Trousers with Heels

Getting the hem correct on straight-cut trousers is the hardest, I think… Looking through some of the options, though, that may be because it can be more a matter of personal style compared with the others. For example, of the three pants below, I think all of them could be a good hem length, even though Option A is just below the ankle bone, Option B hits at the top of your foot (but without a break), and Option C is hemmed to just above the ankle bone (but feels a bit longer to me than “ankle pants” or cropped pants).

What say you, readers?

Straight leg pants below, all “just right”: Options A, B, and C

Our Latest Favorite Straight-Cut Dress Pants for Women

Straight pants can be a bit tricky get the hem correct, and have a slight potential to be frumpy… That said, they are a classic because they tend to be immune from trends. Some great options in 2024 include reader favorites Nic & Zoe pants, NYDJ, J.Crew, these “perfect” pants from Spanx, and the very affordable Amazon seller Tapata (with petite, regular, and tall sizes).

Some Of Our Latest Favorite Trousers for Women

We’ve noted specific styles above… but in general, these are our latest favorite trousers for women…

The Best Dress Pants for Women in General

The best dress pants for women as of 2024: one / two / three / four / five / six (not pictured but also and also!) — also check out our roundup of the best pull-on pants for the office!

The Best Plus-Size Pants for Work

The Best Pull-On Pants for Work

The post Open Thread: Trouser Lengths for Women appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

Boot trends are all over the map right now, so we went on a hunt for a sleek but walkable boot that has a classic style — something that will hopefully last you for more than a year or two!

Readers, which are your favorite styles of boots to wear right now? If you’ve recently bought any sleek but walkable boots, do tell… In general, what are your favorite commuting shoes for work?

{related: check out our Guide to Comfortable Heels!}

Our Latest Favorite Sleek but Walkable Boots for Work

Our favorite sleek but walkable boots for 2024 include the following… also check out comfort brands like Naot, Paul Green, and Dansko.

What Type of Boots Should You Wear to the Office in 2024?

Are Lug-Sole Boots Appropriate for the Office?

This is an open question, as trends are changing so quickly. Lug boots are very popular right now, but not necessarily appropriate for all offices because they tend to have a chunky, casual style.

(I would put other lug-soled shoes, such as loafers, in a different category because they have a more academic look, whereas lug-soled boots can sometimes look a bit moto/combat-boot inspired.)

If you ARE on the hunt for lug-sole boots for the office, we’re fans of these ones from Blondo, Sam Edelman, Marc Fisher LTD, and Vionic; on the pricier side we’d go for the Prada ones Gwyneth Paltrow wore to her trial. Know your office, though!

Are Knee-High Boots Trendy For Office Looks?

I think knee-high boots are coming back in style because there are a ton out there right now — you often see them styled with midi skirts (and not with skinny pants). The most current styles have a slightly Western heel and a wider, looser shaft, but the classic styles (tighter shaft, stacked or skinny heel) are all still around as well.

If your budget is tight, note that you can definitely wear knee-high boots underneath dress pants — with all the wide-leg pants to wear to work that are out there right now it shouldn’t be a problem to get them to fit. It’s just a question of whether it’s as comfortable as a boot with a shorter shaft.

(Psst: We just shared our thoughts on what shoes to wear with wide-leg pants.)

As of 2024, knee-high boots with a heel may be making a comeback — some of the best-looking options include these from J.Crew, Everlane, Veronica Beard and Stuart Weitzman. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to try the style, check out these boots at Loft, or these boots at Amazon, both under $100.

(If you want knee-high boots for your commute, some of our old favorites from Sam Edelman, La Canadienne, and Sofft are still around.)

Are Chelsea Boots Trendy for Work Outfits?

While I was hunting, I mostly wanted boots with a higher shaft, instead of a Chelsea boot, because I feel like they look a little dated — particularly the ones with a V cutout on the sides of the boot. Still, if you love this boot style, it is definitely still out there! Some longstanding favorites out there if you prefer a shorter boot. For example, these Marc Fisher LTD boots have been reader favorites for years, and these Tory Burch Chelsea boots look great. If you’d prefer a weatherproof shoe for work, these Chelsea boots from Blondo look nice, and Naturalizer has a lot of nice options.

Are Kitten-Heeled Boots A Trend Right Now?

Kitten-heeled boots can can look really nice with flared, straight, and wide-leg pant styles. They’re not yet at the mass market trend stage, but you can find a lot of expensive shoe brands and trendy shoe brands with kitten-heeled options.

Our latest favorite affordable kitten-heeled boots in 2024 include those from Madewell, J.Crew, and Dolce Vita; for more expensive brands check The Row and Totême. (These AGL ones are a bit high, but might also fit if you’re on the hunt.)

Are Sock Boots Still Trendy for Work Outfits?

There are still a TON of sock boots out there right now — but due to the lack of support, in my experience they’re often not the best for lots of walking.

Still, if you really want a sock boot, check out Everlane’s Glove boot – Nordstrom also has a bunch, including these highly rated Eileen Fisher sock booties.

Sleek But Walkable Boots for Work in 2024: Our Picks

With all that said, I think these mid-shaft booties are a good mix between classic and trendy. There are lots of higher-heeled styles out there, but if you’re hunting for low, walkable boots that are a bit sleek, we’ve got you!

Our favorites of 2024 include the following…

Madewell

Madewell’s Darcy Boots are among the most affordable in today’s roundup. They’re $198 full price, but there’s a sale on top of a sale today. I like the almond toe and the stacked heel (2.25″ high), along with the MWL Cloudlift Lite padding. Nice! (You can get them at Nordstrom, as well as Madewell.com.)

Another affordable option (although I’m not in love with the stitching) are these boots from Nordstrom’s house brand, marked to $79.

Ecco

If you’re hunting for a boot from a “comfort shoe brand,” these ones from Ecco look nice and boast “cushy, anatomical construction.” They’re $199 full price (but some colors are marked down), and you can find them at Nordstrom or Amazon.

Want more sleek but walkable boots from comfort brands? Check out Naot, Paul Green, and Dansko.

Sam Edelman

Can one DO a roundup of shoes for work and not mention Sam Edelman? The brand is affordable, has serious cushioning, and some of their shoes (such as this classic pump or this loafer) have been reader favorites for years.

These Bronson boots look great, and they’re selling fast — some colors are down to lucky sizes. You can find them at Nordstrom and Zappos.

J.Crew

I really like J.Crew’s kitten-heeled boots, but these Western-inspired Piper Boots look a bit better for walking around. They’re available in suede as well as leather, and are a pull-on style. They’re $278 full price, but with select colors on sale.

Everlane

These City Boots are bestsellers at Everlane, and I like the “architectural style, featuring a modern square toe” — I like their minimal vibe. They’re $275 in sizes 5-11.

Aquatalia

Aquatalia always makes great waterproof boots — if you want the classic boot that’s a good investment, these pictured boots look great. I like the squared toe and block frame, as well as the full-length side zip. The boot is available in black and navy, as well as taupe for sizes 5-11.

Another nice option from Aquatalia: their bestselling boot, the Ulyssa.

Other Great Boots For Your Commute

Weatherproof Boots

Hunting for weatherproof shoes for work? As of 2024, these are some of our favorites — also check out waterproof sneakers like Allbirds.

Knee-High Leather Weatherproof Boots

As of 2024, these are some of our latest favorite weatherproof knee-high boots for work…

Other Great Commuting Shoes for Work: Work Sneakers

2024 Update: Some of our latest favorite sneakers for work outfits include the following — see the full post for all the details!

The Overall Best Work Sneakers

Cole Haan Grand Pro Topspin

$140-$160 at Nordstrom

The Best Fancy Work Sneakers (Mid-Range)

Tory Burch Ladybug

$288 at Zappos

$288 at Tory Burch

The Best Comfort Sneakers for the Office

Vionic Zinah

$118 at Amazon

$118 at Zappos (select colors only)

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

Stock photo via Pexels/MART PRODUCTION.

The post The Hunt: Sleek but Walkable Boots for Work appeared first on Corporette.com.

Something on your mind? Chat about it here.

I know we’ve featured Joules’ fun printed raincoats before — but I just now realized that their fun printed rain boots have a zillion positive reviews. (This knee-high one has almost 800 good reviews, but they also have mid-calf boots and ankle boots.) I like!

The black stripes and leopard print combination seems super fun but neutral enough to go with everything — there are also some really cute prints with, for example, umbrellas and cats and dogs. AHOY.

The pictured rain boot is $84.95 and available in sizes 6–11.

(Many Hunter rain boots and accessories are on sale, as well, including a 50% markdown on the sock linings; they’re normally $50 but are now $25. Lots of Sorel on sale as well.)

A few other cute (and highly rated) boots in the sale… Meanwhile, if you’re already on to sandal season, lots of reader favorite Söfft sandals are on sale.

Above, $89–$238: one / two / three / four / five

This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

Workwear sales of note for 1.21.24

Our favorites are in bold!

• Amour Vert – End of season clearance: up to 70% off (readers love this short-sleeved silk blouse, some colors down to $59)
• Ann Taylor – 25% off full-price purchase, and extra 60% off 2+ sale styles (ends 1/22)
• Banana Republic – Up to 60% off sale styles plus an extra 25% off sale styles (ends 1/23)
• Banana Republic Factory – 40% off everything plus extra 20% off purchase
• Club Monaco – Extra 60% off all sale
• Eloquii – $19+ select styles; 40% off everything else
• Everlane – Up to 70% off sale; reader favorites include the Dream Pant, their ReNew Transit backpack, silk blouses and their oversized blazers!
• J.Crew – Winter layers $24.50+; select cashmere from $49.50; up to extra 60% sale styles — readers love this blazer, this blazer, these pants, and their sweater blazers
• J.Crew Factory – Extra 70% off clearance; up to 60% off everything; readers love the schoolboy sweater blazer
• Lands’ End – Sleepwear from $19; 60% off everything else plus free shipping
• Nordstrom – 5x the points on beauty; sale, new markdowns added
• Reiss – Up to 60% off
• Talbots – Extra 60% off markdown sweaters, coats, scarves, and shoes; 50% off all other markdowns (here are all the reader favorites at Talbots)

Workwear sales of note for 1.21.24

Our favorites are in bold!

• Amour Vert – End of season clearance: up to 70% off (readers love this short-sleeved silk blouse, some colors down to $59)
• Ann Taylor – 25% off full-price purchase, and extra 60% off 2+ sale styles (ends 1/22)
• Banana Republic – Up to 60% off sale styles plus an extra 25% off sale styles (ends 1/23)
• Banana Republic Factory – 40% off everything plus extra 20% off purchase
• Club Monaco – Extra 60% off all sale
• Eloquii – $19+ select styles; 40% off everything else
• Everlane – Up to 70% off sale; reader favorites include the Dream Pant, their ReNew Transit backpack, silk blouses and their oversized blazers!
• J.Crew – Winter layers $24.50+; select cashmere from $49.50; up to extra 60% sale styles — readers love this blazer, this blazer, these pants, and their sweater blazers
• J.Crew Factory – Extra 70% off clearance; up to 60% off everything; readers love the schoolboy sweater blazer
• Lands’ End – Sleepwear from $19; 60% off everything else plus free shipping
• Nordstrom – 5x the points on beauty; sale, new markdowns added
• Reiss – Up to 60% off
• Talbots – Extra 60% off markdown sweaters, coats, scarves, and shoes; 50% off all other markdowns (here are all the reader favorites at Talbots)

Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Stay tuned for a list of our latest threadjacks!

The post Weekend Open Thread appeared first on Corporette.com.

Here’s a fun, low-stakes question right now: what are your thoughts on skinny vs bootcut for blue jeans, corduroy, velvet, and even pants for work? Does bootcut feel “more modern” since skinnier cuts have been the dominant shape for 10+ years now — or can you just not get into bootcut and wider openings? 

For my $.02, I resisted the change from bootcut to skinny for far too long — for my curvy, wide-hipped self, I just never thought skinny jeans would be as flattering as bootcuts. So I’m excited to return to bootcuts and wider leg openings — in theory. My big hangup in the winter is that if it’s raining, snowing, or slushy or pudd-ly outside, bootcuts tend to get wet — to say nothing of the fact that I just prefer the look of my taller rainboots and winter boots with skinnier pants. 

Readers, over to you — what are your thoughts on skinny vs bootcut? 

Psst: some of our favorite weatherproof knee-high boots… 

Pictured above: one / two / three / four / five

Some of our favorite corduroys of late…

Some of our all-time favorite cords (again, mostly for casual offices) include the Kut from the Kloth ones at Nordstrom, available in regular, petite, and plus sizes. If you prefer a tighter fit, check out corduroy from denim brands like AG; if you prefer a looser but still tailored look check out NYDJ cords. Madewell also has a ton of great cords right now, and I’m drooling over all the colors of these cropped, flared cords from Tuckernuck.

Some of the best-selling denim in regular and plus sizes…

These are some of the best jeans for work: 1) Paige 2) Madewell 3) Topshop 4) Wit & Wisdom 5) Levi’s

\Some of the best plus-size jeans for work: 1) Universal Standard 2) Madewell 3) Lane Bryant 4) Wit & Wisdom

Some of our favorite pants for work in regular and plus sizes…

The best dress pants for women as of 2024: one / two / three / four / five / six (not pictured but also and also!) — also check out our roundup of the best pull-on pants for the office!

The post Skinny vs Bootcut — Which Is Your Favorite Right Now? appeared first on Corporette.com.

Something on your mind? Chat about it here.

Workwear sales of note for 1.21.24

Our favorites are in bold!

• Amour Vert – End of season clearance: up to 70% off (readers love this short-sleeved silk blouse, some colors down to $59)
• Ann Taylor – 25% off full-price purchase, and extra 60% off 2+ sale styles (ends 1/22)
• Banana Republic – Up to 60% off sale styles plus an extra 25% off sale styles (ends 1/23)
• Banana Republic Factory – 40% off everything plus extra 20% off purchase
• Club Monaco – Extra 60% off all sale
• Eloquii – $19+ select styles; 40% off everything else
• Everlane – Up to 70% off sale; reader favorites include the Dream Pant, their ReNew Transit backpack, silk blouses and their oversized blazers!
• J.Crew – Winter layers $24.50+; select cashmere from $49.50; up to extra 60% sale styles — readers love this blazer, this blazer, these pants, and their sweater blazers
• J.Crew Factory – Extra 70% off clearance; up to 60% off everything; readers love the schoolboy sweater blazer
• Lands’ End – Sleepwear from $19; 60% off everything else plus free shipping
• Nordstrom – 5x the points on beauty; sale, new markdowns added
• Reiss – Up to 60% off
• Talbots – Extra 60% off markdown sweaters, coats, scarves, and shoes; 50% off all other markdowns (here are all the reader favorites at Talbots)

Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Stay tuned for a list of our latest threadjacks!

The post Commuting Hall of Fame: Penny Boot appeared first on Corporette.com.

Hunting for weatherproof shoes for work? As of 2024, these are some of our favorites — also check out waterproof sneakers like Allbirds.

Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

I don’t think we’ve had a good discussion on weatherproof shoes for work in far too long — so let’s discuss, ladies. Do you own both rain boots and snow boots where you are — or just rain boots, with the assumption that if it’s that snowy out you can probably work from home? What makes a shoe acceptable to wear all day at work, versus just for your commute?

Do you have any rules about changing out of bad weather commuting shoes (e.g., no stopping at the coffee room before you change — or no big meetings until you’re in your “office shoes” — or do you actually do the thing where you change outside the office, like in the lobby of your building)? For those of you who are consultants, in court, or otherwise away from home base often — what do you do?

For my $.02, I have an almost surreal memory from my lawyer days of having to review documents at the office one weekend when it was truly horrible outside — so bad that I took the subway instead of calling for a car.

I may have had to take a different subway line than I normally took because weather was so bad — I remember getting out of an unfamiliar subway exit on one of those interior, tight streets around Wall Street and seeing snow piled everywhere, several feet thick, and I felt like the last few blocks to work were a true trek.

It could have been worse — a few months earlier, I had happened to buy super ugly Lands’ End snow boots on sale on a friend’s recommendation, and I was so grateful I had them!

Psst: we’ve also discussed how to do business casual in cold weather, as well as how to buy a great winter coat.

The Best Weatherproof Shoes for Work

The Best Weatherproof Shoes for Work in General

Hunting for weatherproof shoes for work? As of 2024, these are some of our favorites — also check out waterproof sneakers like Allbirds.

The Best Weatherproof Knee-High Boots for Work (Great for Skirts)

As of 2024, these are some of our latest favorite weatherproof knee-high boots for work…

The Best Options for Rainy Summer Commutes

A Back-up Option for Rainy Days

Foldable flats won’t keep you dry, and they not be wearable after your rainy commute… but they’re a great option to keep in your desk drawer if your shoes are uncomfortable or if you’re wearing amazing shoes that you just don’t want to get wet or just aren’t that great for making a mad dash to get out of the rain.

The Best Specific Waterproof Shoes for the Office

Aquatalia

If you’re ok with spending a bit of money for a really quality weatherproof shoe for work, definitely look to Aquatalia or La Canadienne. Both have a ton of classic styles that readers have raved about over the years.

One of the top Aquatalia styles has been these low, almost wedge-like boots — they’ve come in a bunch of colors over the years, but always basic black.

AllBirds

Sneakers aren’t appropriate for everyone’s commute (know your office!) but the trend is so strong it’s hard to do a roundup without mentioning them.

Sofft

Flat knee-high boots aren’t super trendy at the moment, but if you’re looking for a comfortable, waterproof knee-high boot that comes in wide sizes (both extended sizes and wider shafts), do take a look at Sofft.

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(L-all)

The post The Hunt: Waterproof, Weatherproof Shoes for Work appeared first on Corporette.com.