Flattering Pant Styles to Try This Spring

stylish work outfit ideas asos petite pants

ASOS pants 0P (also in rust & camel), BR pumps 5, JCF sweater (similar; also worn here)

**Shopbop’s huge buy more, save more sale is going on with tons of designer brands included! If you only browse one section, make it the shoe department where you can filter by your size and budget. Here’s some favorites from my closet:

  • Sam Edelman classic shoe styles starting in sz 4. These particular styles are always excluded from SE’s own promos! I’m a huge fan of this mid-priced brand and have gotten these over the years: 1) mules (looks nice in white, black), 2) loafers (looks nice in tan, white, or black), 3) scallop sandals (see on me), 4) neutral block heels (see on me), 5) rubber chelsea boots (see on me). The mules and loafers are close dupes for Gucci ones and comfy. I wear size 5 in their flats / mules and 5.5 in heels. 
  • Soludos platform espadrilles (also in blush suede) – see on me in sz 5 (breaking in needed)
  • Ferragamo signature bow flats or low pumps (20% off these) in a beautiful blush – see navy on me
  • Madewell mini transport tote – see on me
  • Bristols 6 nippies – my absolute favorite reusable stick on bra covers. I also have the non-adhesive version which I use inside non-padded shelf bras and nursing camisoles.

On to today’s regular programming … Pants can be a troublesome fit category, but I’ve tried on several styles recently worthy of sharing! These cuts are all different, but are fairly petite-friendly and flattering in their own way. First up is an option from ASOS, one of my go-to brands for unique dresses. They also have lots of pants in a range of cuts – culottes, pull-on, skinny leg, peg leg, wide leg, you name it. Items are average quality (fair for the price points) and usually unlined, however sizing is very petite friendly and runs much smaller than U.S. brands.

1. Tapered & Cuffed: ASOS peg pants in regular & petite
Fit: Waist runs 1 to 2 sizes small without stretch. I tried one size up and it was still very snug. 00P measures 11.5″ across waist, 12” rise, 23” inseam. 0P measures 12.25” across waist, 23” inseam.
Style: Very fitted at the waist with a removable sash tie. Looser through the hips and thighs, tapered and cuffed at the leg. Lightweight & unlined with side pockets, and comes in several colors!


WHBM pants 00 petite, BP sweater (similar), Banana Republic heels (similar)

For higher quality work pants, I love J.Crew or WHBM but each of their cuts run a little differently. Good thing there’s free shipping and free return shipping on WHBM’s regular priced petites collection, making it easy to try something on for size!

2. Slim Ankle: WHBM comfort stretch pants in regular & petite
Fit:
True to size. 00P fits a little loose on me at the waist, but smaller than pants from AT / LOFT or BR.
Style: Mid rise ankle pants with straight, slim but not skinny cut legs. Nice quality + pockets are lined in a tan lining so they don’t show through the white fabric (wish ALL white pants have this feature!).

J.Crew makes a similar but higher waisted Cameron ankle pant that runs smaller and fits me perfectly (see my review). I saw they added a white color in this cut, so I’ll have to give that a try and hope for no sheerness issues!

wide leg camel pants workwear

3. Boot cut: H&M beige pants
Fit: Waist runs small but length is long (regular sizing). Petite ladies will need a hem job. Size 0 regular measures 12.5” across the waist, 10″ rise, 30” inseam.
Style: Lightweight, unlined pants in a gently flaring, wider cut. Similar style as my popular AT trousers from this post, but lower quality (and priced accordingly).

wide leg trouser pants for petite women

ASOS pants 00 petite (runs small), Banana Republic stripe top xxs, Ann taylor heels sz 5 (similar)

4. Wide Leg: ASOS wide leg pants with pleats
Fit:
Runs ~1 size small. 00P measures 12.25” across the waist, 12” rise, 28.5 inseam.
Style: Fitted, wide banded non-stretch waist. Straight wide cut legs with pockets. Lightweight & unlined.

uniqlo ponte wide leg pants for petites

5. Soft knit: Uniqlo ponte high-waist straight pant
Fit: Elasticized waist is TTS, but size down for a true high waisted fit. I’m trying on XS here, and an XXS (online only) would be perfect. The length on the regular sizing is actually petite-friendly.
Style: Lightweight knit ponte in a draping, straight leg style. Comfy like pajamas but the center seam detail + pockets dress these up a bit. I definitely had some visible panty lines under the thinner knit, so either wear a thong / seamless panties or dry a darker color.

cap toe pumps petite tie waist pants

ASOS peg pants in “rust” 00 petite (runs 1-2 sizes small)

The peg pants in a different color. Love the earthy hue, but this size was much too small on me.

Which cut out of these five is your favorite?

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30 Comments

  1. Frederique Delapree wrote:

    Just received delivery on the asos peg pants after seeing them here! Love both pairs but you are right on the waist. It’s really just so. Can’t wait to wear these to work constantly all summer!

    Posted 3.26.19 Reply
  2. Kay wrote:

    Hi Jean,

    Would you do a review of Hermes belts, sizes, and where you got them from? Thanks

    Posted 3.17.19 Reply
  3. Young wrote:

    Love those white pants so much!

    The Style Intermission

    Posted 3.6.19 Reply
  4. Alexa M Johnson wrote:

    The rust colored ones are my favorite!

    http://alexamjohnson.com

    Posted 3.5.19 Reply
  5. Maureen wrote:

    These are all so beautiful! I am a jeans gal and pants aren’t my forte but I love the look of the rust paper bag pant. I love the color and the bow tie detail.

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    Posted 3.4.19 Reply
  6. Ainomiaka wrote:

    I really want to hear more about the brands that didn’t work-are they too big all over or just in the waist?

    Posted 3.3.19 Reply
  7. Briana wrote:

    You always feature such sweet and flattering pieces!

    Briana
    https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/

    Posted 3.2.19 Reply
  8. Allison Fellowes wrote:

    It’s really difficult to find good golf and tennis wear for petite active women
    I am 5’2 and 125 lbs
    While in Palm Springs I checked out spitfire petite and it’s awesome
    You should do a post on active sportswear

    Posted 3.2.19 Reply
  9. Elizabeth T. wrote:

    In love with all of these trousers <3 🙂 They're super chic!

    XO, Elizabeth T.
    http://clothestoyouuu.com

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
  10. Mireia wrote:

    Wow love all these pants! My favorite look is the white one!

    Mireia from TGL
    https://thegoldlipstick.com/

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
  11. Emily wrote:

    Hi Jean!

    Could you do a post on how you get back into shape after having a baby?

    Thanks,

    Emily

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Emily, you are kind to imply I’m back in shape but I’m actually just about to start working out next week (trying to motivate myself!).

      I lost a lot of weight while breastfeeding but I don’t feel fit and strong which I think are big benefits of actually being in shape. I was taking it easy these few months post-baby and encourage you to as well as your body heals and you find your “new normal” ! I do live in the city and try to get out once per day for a long walk if possible, so that walk + carrying the baby car seat and stroller up and down 4 flights of stairs daily is my “workout.”

      Posted 3.5.19 Reply
  12. Michael @ Mile in My Glasses wrote:

    Love all of these, they look fantastic Jean!

    Happy Friday!
    Michael
    https://www.mileinmyglasses.com

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
  13. GL Gardener wrote:

    How in the world do you wear 3 inch heels??? My shoe size is 6 AA and I cannot stand to walk in 3 inch heels. Any tips??? All photos look nice. I really like #1 & 4.

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      I’ve worn heels for about 15 years now so I’m just used to them! What I don’t know is how ladies wear 4+ inches because 3 to 3.5 is my sweet spot. If you can’t stand 3 inch heels, there’s definitely no need to push them. There are chic block heel styles that are 2.5 inches or lower and the thicker heel offers a lot more stability. I also read this tip to tape your 4th toe (sounds so odd but Google it!) for comfort in heels.

      Posted 3.5.19 Reply
  14. Janine wrote:

    Oh I really like those Asos peg pants, the bow is just too cute! Also, I love wearing this style of pants in the spring, as they pair perfectly with flats or heels and the work for a casual office outfit as well as a day-to-day outfit!
    xx Janine
    https://walkinmysneaks.blogspot.com/

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
  15. Roses for Fridays | by mia wrote:

    Love all the outfit looks that you tried on, everything just looks so beautiful on you. Lovely style as always!

    🌸🍃ROSES FOR FRIDAYS 🌸🍃| by mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
  16. Ellie wrote:

    OMG these are gawgeous!!

    http://www.petiteelliee.com

    Ellie xx

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
    • Joy wrote:

      Pls. Share petite plus tips too

      Posted 3.1.19 Reply
      • Sarah wrote:

        She isn’t a petite plus though, just petite. She finds styles that work for her and similar sized ladies. There are tons of plus size blogs out there if you Try Google.

        Posted 3.1.19 Reply
  17. Gina wrote:

    Thanks for this post. Pants are difficult for me too! I appreciate the details of your reviews & the tips.

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Thank you for your feedback, Gina! xx

      Posted 3.5.19 Reply
  18. Rena wrote:

    I don’t have a favourite as you look great in all of them!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
  19. Carol Pardee wrote:

    Love that all white look!

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
    • Ainomiaka wrote:

      Do you generally find Ann Taylor or BR pants to be too big overall or just in the waist? I have generally petite leg length and hips, but my waist is always a couple of sizes bigger, particularly after a baby. I’m curious what didn’t work for you because it sounds like that may be perfect.

      Posted 3.2.19 Reply
      • Jamie wrote:

        Ainomiaka—sounds like we are in the same situation! I am really short but diverge with Jean’s sizing in that my waist is big in proportion to my hips. I find Ann Taylor’s sizing to be great for my larger waist and I hover between a 00 – 0 in their petite pants and skirts (depends on style). This goes for Loft as well. For comparison, I’m a 4 at H&M and a 0 in BR. Hope this helps!

        Posted 3.5.19 Reply
      • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

        Hi Ainomiaka – it really depends on the cut, material and style. But yes in general I find them to be big in the waist. If you check out some of my posts with Ann Taylor or LOFT pants I usually include the waist, hip and inseam measurements of the pants I try on!

        Posted 3.5.19 Reply
  20. debbie harrison wrote:

    I live in the UK and have to size up in Asos own brand as the waist is always super tiny. I am a UK 6 in general and sometimes a 4 in other UK brands. I think fit is pretty much all over, so I tend to buy what fits me and looks good. Possibly UK brands are generally smaller.

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
  21. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog wrote:

    My favourite style is the tapered and cuffed! It’s cute and looks so professional. 🙂

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply
  22. Marta wrote:

    One of my goals this year is to wear anything but jeans as much as I can so I’m definitely gonna have to check your suggestions, thanks for sharing!

    Posted 3.1.19 Reply

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