#55 | my favorite work pants
The foundation of my business casual wardrobe since 2018
Greetings from the second week of my new job! I’m settling in, remembering people’s names, and starting to figure out where all the files are stored (has anyone ever figured out a universal way to store things?!)
I’ve also been commuting on public transit every day – it’s been a very long time since I’ve done that, and Chicago decided to throw me right in with single-digit temperatures and multiple snow days. I forgot about germs so I already caught a cold, & generally feel like I’m going through it during this transition.
The biggest change of all, however, isn’t the commute or the new coworkers or the early alarm. It’s the clothes.
I used to be a corporate girlie who had a closet full of business casual clothes and who wore heels to the office most days! I leaned into classic silhouettes and neutrals that were easy to mix & match, and getting dressed was easy. I even had a favorite style of pants – Banana Republic’s Sloan pant – and I owned several pairs of them.
But time passed, I was working for myself from home, & none of my previous office attire fit anymore so I needed to start from scratch with this job.
Off I went to Banana Republic in search of my beloved Sloan pant only to discover they don’t make them anymore. In fact, Banana Republic kinda sucks at the moment. In a moment of inspiration I checked Banana Republic Factory, and there they were!
I snatched them up and put them on, like protective armor or a corporate Superman suit. A flattering fit, a comfortable fabric, a waistband that doesn’t dig – what more could you want?
I went on a bit of a shopping spree while at BR Factory, raiding the post-holiday sales like a woman on a mission. This time around, I’m embracing color a bit more. I added some reds and blues and greens into my closet and bought a pair of snakeskin loafers (!!!) that I’ve already worn twice.
I even opened my mind to some wide leg and trouser style pants (I left the cargo ones behind, I’m not there yet) but as long as someone keeps making the Sloan pant, you can bet at least one pair will be hanging in my closet.
Getting back into an in-office routine is hard enough, I'm sure getting back into one after working for yourself is a doozy in it's own right! I have majorly backslid into jeans at work every day, and I just don't love it. Just clicked over to check out the Sloans and I think I'm going to grab a pair to try. I need a petite length but have a curvy bod, and their sizing options are honestly way better than I expected!
OOH, the Sloan Pant! I never knew. I'm going to give these a try (not that I'm ever out of leggings, since I wfh everyday). :)