Work/dress pants are the bane of my existence. Being a petite person who is on the smaller side, it can be extremely difficult to find dress pants that are both short enough and also small enough in the waist/hip/butt. That’s a lot of components to worry about!
In the past, I would default to skirts, because there are slightly less components to worry about with skirts, and for some reason it just seems easier to find small skirts than it is to find small pants. Lately, I’ve been determined. I was either going to find pants that fit, or I was going to find the next best thing and have it tailored – either way, I was determined to add pants that I enjoyed wearing into my wardrobe.
One of the first pants I bought after this newfound determination of mine was a beautiful pair of blush pink cigarette dress pants from All Saints, called the “Aleida Tapered Mid-Rise Pants.”
Spoiler alert! I did end up taking these pants to my tailor, and these are pre-alterations pictures from inside their fitting room, so excuse the quality and mess in the background!
I ordered these All Saints pants in size 00. I have a 24″ waist, and these pants in 00 sit right on top of my hip bone, but are meant to sit on the natural waist. The fit of the hips/butt/legs weren’t terrible, but would definitely be more flattering if the extra fabric was pinched in on the sides, under the bum, and along the legs. On the model, the hem hits 3/4 the way down her calf, whereas on my 4’11” frame, it’s almost floor length.
Considering the blush pink color would be versatile in my wardrobe and the overall silhouette of the pants was flattering, I decided to invest in tailoring them to my specifications.
What I had done:
- Waist taken in
- Hips taken in
- Legs slimmed
- Length shortened
Although the length on the model was much shorter than this, I decided not to shorten it to that extent because I wanted these pants to be versatile year round. The 3/4 calf length on the model would expose too much ankle in the winter, so an ankle grazing length seemed like the wiser choice.
Overall thoughts: the pants were pricey ($150), and the alterations were pricey, but at this point in time, I have no regrets. For the first time as a full-time working adult, I’m starting to feel comfortable and excited about my work clothes, and I think that peace of mind is worth the price. That being said, I’m not yet convinced that I need to go that expensive next time. I think I should be able to achieve a similar effect with a cheaper pair of trousers that are tailored to fit. One last thing to keep in mind is the color – a color this light means you’ll need to be hyper-vigilant about the various kinds of stains that can get on your clothing throughout the day.
Allsaints is having a sale on all sale and outlet items (50% off w/ additional 20% off)! The Aleida pants plus similar cuts in Alva and Anneka on sale ranging from $40 to $80! I did see a few colors in size 00. Check both sections as sometimes the search function doesn’t work. The Anneka ran so huge on me so I’m not sure if I should get a 4 or 2 (size 27)! They look so good on you after the tailoring.
Thank you! Hmmm…you might be able to fit a size 2. Their size chart lists size 00 as a 23″ waist, and a size 0 as a 24″ waist. I have a 24″ waist and purchased size 00, but it was still large. So the waist runs at least one inch large, if not more. That sale price is definitely more reasonable, and the darker colors that are currently on sale would be easier to maintain too. I hope that helps!
The pants look so comfortable and cute!
Thank you!! They are a comfortable, relaxed fit, although I have to admit that watching for stains on light fabric all the time can be a pain!
I know you are so right about the stains part, I know this struggle way to well.