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Dress pants, a classic power-suit staple, should fit and flatter while sending out the message, "you have arrived." Ditch the dull, dress-like-a-man look, and make a visual impact in dress pants that are classy and comfortable. Go for fit first, then indulge your passion for fashion. When your dress pants feel good, you'll feel good, and power dressing is all about projecting an air of confidence.
Dare that Derriere
Hindsight is everything. The good news is that well-fitting dress pants flatter any fanny. The bad news is that you may spend the better part of an afternoon shopping and trying on dozens of styles. Oh wait, that's also good news. Wear the right undies for a smooth look. Nothing detracts more from a ravishing rear than ill-fitting panty-line bumps and bulges. Turn your tush to the dressing room mirror; the fabric in back should fall smoothly away from the waistband, tapering effortlessly over your hips.
Waist Whittling
Waistbands take center stage. Classic bands ride at belly-button height, but that's not always the most comfortable cut. Find a chair and sit down. If the waistband cuts into your midsection, look for a slightly lower style. But don't make the mistake of buying ultra-low-rise options, which tend to create unsightly muffin-top belly bulges. Nix side pockets that add width to your hips and pass on pleats.
The Long Leggy Look
Wear your work heels to a fitting. For a stylish silhouette, dress pant hemlines should fall from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch above the floor, adding visual length to your legs. Substantial, drapey fabric should hang smoothly from hip to hemline. Permanent pant creases should run right down the center of your legs. Bend over, squat and march with your knees high. Pop your best dance floor moves. Dress pants that ride up on your thighs are a size too small. Try on a larger size or look for a wider leg style.
Keepin' it Comfy
You won't be stylin' if you're scratching or picking your dress pants out of your bottom line. Itchy fabrics can rub you raw by the end of the workday, leaving you feeling less-than-empowered. Nylon blends slide smoothly over skin and resist wrinkling and bunching.
