how does everyone feel about 'skinny' (fitted) pants in the workplace?

groovygrl

I realize every workplace will have different dress norms, and I don't mean places that are reallllly casual or alternatively the type where suits are the norm, but in a workplace that is a business casual type setting... would skinny pants that are fitted, with appropriate boots/shoes and a top that is appropriate (like not skin tight or revealing or making the whole outfit look too casual or like nightlife-wear so to speak...) work where you work?

litzo27

With a proper blazer or tunic (more formal not peasant type) would be fine I think.

shakinros

bearsbearsbears said:

PrivacyWanted said:

For me it would depend on the fabric. Assuming a nicer fabric, fitted but not tight and we're not talking leggings then I think they are fine

This.

I work in a more casual environment, so as long as they aren't too tight, it's fine.  I wouldn't wear it if I had important meetings that day, though.


Yep, same here. I usually have a talk with interns about how leggings are not pants, but skinny jeans would be fine in my workplace.

financialdiva

PrivacyWanted said:

For me it would depend on the fabric. Assuming a nicer fabric, fitted but not tight and we're not talking leggings then I think they are fine

Agreed. I work in an office with no dress code (although a majority of us follow business casual M-th, jeans/casual on Friday), and I think on Fridays Jeans and boots with a nice top would be fine.

laurakaz13

We don't allow them in the hospital where I work.  It's more business casual for the administrative employees.  Executives will wear suits. 

I do agree that it should be well known that leggings are not pants. 

vlong4

financialdiva said:

For me it would depend on the fabric. Assuming a nicer fabric, fitted but not tight and we're not talking leggings then I think they are fine

My feelings exactly and same for my situation. If worn with appropriate accessories and top, it's acceptable. Agreed. I work in an office with no dress code (although a majority of us follow business casual M-th, jeans/casual on Friday), and I think on Fridays Jeans and boots with a nice top would be fine.

shannm

I am sensitive to this topic because I just switched jobs and I am trying to figure out what is best in my workplace.   I noticed a lot of trousers in the skinny pant style when I was shopping and I just can't pull them off.  They are not flattering and they make me look sloppy but I bet if you have the right body for it and pick the right shoes and top that they could look professional enough.  We do have a few women who wear skinny pants but they look much more casual than other people and in a place where appearances could influence the way that you are promoted, I am playing it safe.

At first, I thought it could be an age thing but my DH's older aunt wears skinny pants all of the time and looks great in them.  She dresses them up with nice tops and looks pretty professional.  I don't think it would be great for my work environment but I could see it working elsewhere.

 

groovygrl

I agree that a lot has to do with how someone looks in skinny pants and what they wear with them...I think in a place with casual Fridays, it would be appropriate, but I'm not sure about the rest of the week...though our pediatrician wears them with flats and nice tops or cardigans pretty much every time we see her & I think she looks great (I'm quite jealous of her fashion/clothes in general LOL!), she is tall & thin & can pull it off IMO.

KJKNAJ

Yes! I love mine. Have you seen the white house black market commercial? They can definitely be professional enough.

LoCarb

Agree with the comment about fabric making a difference. Also, I have a few peeves about skinny pants. I feel a certain body type can wear skinny pants otherwise they look like 'too tight' pants and can lead to even more unflattering appearances like a camel toe which is inappropriate for work. Also, thongs are a must as an undergarment. My personal pet peeve is seeing panty lines on women.

kristennd

We're business casual and skinny pants would be fine with the right top. Jeans of any sort are only allowed on Friday.

eec129

I think they are fine if they're dressy and matched with office-appropriate tops and shoes...but it depends what type of environment you're in, too. I see this look as being more acceptable in a creative environment.

peekaboo716

Our office is fairly conservative, but skinny pants that are of a nicer fabric, when paired with an appropriate top or blazer would be fine on a Friday.

emmy236

I think it really depends on quality and fabric of the pants and the tayloring. I work in finance and I wear a lot of "cigarette" pants. But all of mine are the appropriate size, nothing too tight, are ankle length, have proper creases, pleats, etc and I pair with appropriate tops. I also make sure I wear a pointy toe shoe. Anything open, round or flats tend to make it look casual. I'm the youngest in my office but I'm not the only one who wears them. The people who wear too big clothes (pants on the ground), out dated, too tight, etc look less professional. I own a few good quality pieces like pants and blazers then I pair with cute blouses, scarfs, etc. looking stylish is professional.

groovygrl

Just for the record, are we all talking about the same skinny pants? I'm not referring to cigarette pants that are just really narrow fitted tapered pants, but the pants that are pretty tight to the skin throughout the whole leg...

groovygrl

Well...no, a legging is different in my opinion. Skinny pants frequently have back pockets, front pockets and while stretchy type fabric, are definitely not the same fabric as leggings (thicker?) but they are still tight...  Also the pants you posted on a skinny person would not be tight, but I would think that on anyone who has a little weight on them, they would be tight through the thigh at least...? (therein lies the problem w/ the skinny pants at work thing for me- only really skinny ppl can wear most of these pants w/out some part being tight).

This is a google of "Skinny pants" under images, though most are skinny jeans so perhaps there is really a distinction b/w skinny jeans and skinny pants?

https://www.google.com/search?q=skinny+pants&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=7t84UuSAF7DC4APppoC4CA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1228&bih=674&dpr=1

groovygrl

I agree for the most part, though on a Friday I feel like skinny pants could work if worn w/ the right shoes & top (and assuming the person doesn't have meetings, etc to attend)... I can't really imagine saying a slim fitting trouser that was not tight in a nice fabric w/ nice shoes & shirt would NOT be ok at work unless someone worked in a really conservative place?

Also I love the pp's H's comment on the pencil skirt---- I have started sitting down in the dressing room when I try on knee length skirts to see if I'd be ok with sitting down in a meeting if there was no table or desk blocking me...pencil skirts are definitely tough, can't ride up much & you have to be so cognizant of squashing your legs together all the time, though I think tights in winter make it a little better...

PunkyBooster

IMO skinny pants and jeans are fine. Of course there is always the exception of how one looks in them.

Leggings are not ok IMO. I love them but they are weekend wear for me. One of the (large) pregnant girls at work wears them like jeans and you can see way too much, like her cellulite. Not knocking cellulite, I have it too.
But I think she looks so inappropriate. There are other, more appropriate things we can wear while pregnant.

ReeB83

Depends on the environment, the fabric and the shoes. A nice black pant with dress flats would be really cute.

I work in a Catholic school with nuns and the 2nd grade teacher rocked pastel skinny jeans and black Uggs twice a week. I'm convinced that she's the reason why we're now wearing these awful uniform suits. If she hadn't quit on the last day of school, I'd give her a piece of my mind! 

groovygrl

LOL OK pastel skinny jeans & black uggs sounds horrible even outside work but in a Catholic elementary school that is quite something . Sorry about the uniforms, yuck

sapphirebride06

I am picturing something like the Minnie Pant from JCrew being appropriate - they are not trouser cut and could be difficult on larger sizes but think they can look nice with heels or cute flats and a blazer or a tunic style shirt.  But legging styles no - unless under a skirt or dress.  But even on casual days I don't wear leggings.