Search for black work trousers that aren't cheap and shiny-looking, and don't make me look huge...

[MsElisaDay]

I've just gone back to work after maternity leave and need some new smart black trousers for everyday wear.

However, every pair I've found so far are wrong, wrong, wrong. I want a slim/skinny leg, not a billowing wide one.
They should be narrow around the ankle, with no garish adornments (what's with the tacky gold zips?!) and a decent fabric, hopefully with a bit of stretch.
Most of the ones I've seen so far are that vile cheap-looking shiny fabric which I really can't stand.

Any ideas? I want to spend no more than £40 ideally. I'm a size 10/12 and 5ft 5ins.
Or should I axe the black trousers idea altogether and go for a different workwear look?! I'm living in pencil skirts at the moment - can't wear my dresses anymore as an still bfing.
Thanks!

Boden bistro crops are totally amazing quality and if you buy the longer length they will be ankle length rather than cropped . If you use code SIZE you'll get them for 47 but trust me they are worth every penny

www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Trousers-Jeans/Trousers/WM329/Womens-Bistro-Crop-Trouser.html?NavGroupID=19

I've just bought these, and they are lovely on and v flattering

OOH you need gap
Size right down. I am a 12 and am a UK 8 in these
www.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?pid=000772522&preferredLocale=en_GB&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.co.uk%2F

Oooooh, I love those, Nehru.
An 8 though, really?! I'm a 10 in trousers in Next and a 12 in Topshop, if that helps.
They've sold out of the 10s online, but not sure an 8 would fasten up...

No way will you be a 10.
However in their (also lovely) slim crops I am a 12.
The long ones give so much. Also shrunk lengthwise so don't tumble.
They seem long initially but shrink and inch which for me is fine with heels.
Look good with a mannish shirt and belt.

Oh you're 5'5
You might want to tack them up a bit then tumble with abandon and let down later

OLD NAVY £13
www.lyst.com/clothing/old-navy-the-diva-skinny-ankle-pants-black-dots/?ctx=233392&lyst_source=233392&lyst_medium=product&lyst_campaign=link

ASOS -£20
www.lyst.com/clothing/asos-collection-asos-crop-trousers-in-linen-black/?ctx=233392&lyst_source=233392&lyst_medium=product&lyst_campaign=link

OASIS - £40
www.lyst.com/clothing/oasis-celeste-slim-leg-trouser-black/?ctx=233392&lyst_source=233392&lyst_medium=product&lyst_campaign=link

I would never normally suggest this, but I bought a really nice pair in M&S.

we ALL love the slim crops
I have them on today for work with patent heels and the boden grey shell top.

I have given them their own thread now.

Yup, Gap are the ones (or Banana Republic, but probs outside your budget unless in sale).

So glad it's not just me 1- having this problem with work trousers and 2 - who finds Boden skinny leg too narrow on the calf. Was gutted, especially as I have lost two dress sizes recently!

Excellent, its decided. Gap it is. But the full-length ones, the skinny crops, or both?
If I have just one decent pair of black trousers, would it be daft for them to be a crop?!

Oh, and if the slim crop, should I order a 12? I'm usually a 12 but occasionally a 10.

the banana republic fine wool trousers are also nice for winter

They are out of stock atm but these but in full length
bananarepublic.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=000434751SPR12-148

very good for short waisted people. LINED and warm

get both - prob gets you free postage anyway

plus free returns