Black Pants: The Answer

It’s two hours before an event – any event (a fundraiser, business luncheon, high school reunion, dinner party) – and another woman who’ll be attending texts you to ask “What are you wearing?” The answer is always the same: Black Pants. Black pants and a white blouse…black pants and a blazer… black pants and a sexy top…black pants…black pants…black pants.

This is not meant to be a critique of high fashion. It’s meant to be a simple, direct guide to help every woman buy black pants.

First (and most important) rule: Buy the most expensive pair of black pants you can possibly afford; a pair that also makes you appear a size smaller and an inch taller. Then take these incredible pants directly to a tailor or dressmaker who’ll taper them to fit and hem them to fit you perfectly. If you spend any time with adult men you’ll find this is something they do – even with jeans. It’s time for all women to do what men have been doing for years: Make the pants fit you!

The best black pants are out of fabulous fabric. High-quality gabardine is my favorite; however, a rich double cotton or smooth wool will also work. This is the pair of pants you can spill red wine on and then spot clean; the pair that doesn’t have to go to the dry cleaner every week; the pair that are your “go-to” garment when you’ve lost a little weight or gained a couple pounds.

Second rule: Once you’ve identified a fabulous pair of pants that are the absolute best for you – buy two pair. I know. You can’t believe you’re buying another pair of over-the-top, out-of-your-budget items. But you’ll thank me six months from now. And you’ll continue to thank me two years, five year, even ten years from now. Truly high quality apparel lasts a long time, and every time you pull them out of your closet, you’ll take a deep breath and then break into a smile. Because all you have to do is find anything in your wardrobe that works with the black pants.

You’re welcome.