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Elasticated waist formal work trousers

31 replies

LieselVonTwat · 16/10/2015 09:52

Needing some of these that are relatively smart and professional looking, if at all possible. I had an EMCS earlier this year and my stomach is still just a little sensitive for fitted trousers. It's getting better, but I'm back to work next month, in a different job with different dress code, and need something suitable. I'm almost back to old size but not quite- basically most of me has shrunk but I still have a bit of a section overhang which I think is what's making the difference. I can zip up my pre-pregnancy jeans but they give me a muffin top and the button and zip are sore, to give an idea where I'm up to.

In my old job, I had a couple of work dresses that are too formal for this new role, and some work trousers that I can't quite get back into yet and I suspect will still be a bit sore even when I can. It was fairly typical office wear basically, but won't be any use here. The new job is more casual- think office trousers with a top, smart jeans, tea dress and tights, possibly tunic and leggings in summer if you're not seeing clients that day type gig. Got a couple of dresses that might do. But I'd like, ideally, a pair of office trousers and some smart jeans. With an elasticated waist so they're comfortable, but tailored. Both dark colours. I've never actually worn elasticated waist stuff before aside from maternity trousers and joggers for sport, so not really sure where to start. I can't go for a bigger size and hold it up with a belt, because the belt will be sore. If it helps, I was a size 14 before but think will be a 16 now, and am five three and a half, so slightly too tall for petite ranges. Pre kids I used to be very much an hourglass, but now got the section hang belly too. Thinking to spend about £30-£50 for each.

Any recommendations? And if anyone's reading and wants a business idea, tailored clothes for the post-section year. Please!

OP posts:
Drquin · 16/10/2015 09:59

I saw some in Asda yesterday which looked OK.

Crosbybeach · 16/10/2015 10:03

There's some work trousers in M&S which are flat fronted - I ordered them by mistake and had to send them back as I didn't want elastic on the waist. But they were a nice material.

Autumn2014 · 16/10/2015 10:04

I'd start in a large m and s. They have loads of different styles and I'm sure you will find something that suits. I'd advise going in store rather than online so you can try for comfort. Good luck.

LieselVonTwat · 16/10/2015 10:06

Thanks, keep em coming!

Has anyone had any experience buying Asda formal trousers recently? I've had some tunic dresses from there that were brilliant for the price and a couple of jumpers, but not trousers. Do they hold their shape etc? Crosby do you know what colour they were?

OP posts:
ChilliAndMint · 16/10/2015 10:06

Have you tried Bonmarche? They have a lot of trousers with elasticated waistbands .

LieselVonTwat · 16/10/2015 10:09

I haven't chilli. I thought of them as more of a shop for older women? Nowt wrong with that of course, they need clothes just as much as anyone else does, it's just I'm 31.

Definitely going to try and get a look at M and S.

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LieselVonTwat · 16/10/2015 10:17

Crosby are these the ones?

www.marksandspencer.com/flat-front-slim-leg-trousers-with-staynew/p/p22400813

They seem ok. I meant to mention as well, I'd probably like the jeans to be skinny or at least slim fit. And the trousers to be reasonably fitted around the backside, just to give me a bit of shape. Mine is capacious but, so I'm told, quite a nice one if you like them prominent. I feel I've precious few good features to play up any more so don't want to waste this one!

OP posts:
ChilliAndMint · 16/10/2015 11:10

Bonemarche is definitely an old ladies shop, however the clothes are very well mad and good value.

A plain pair of trousers won't look old lady-ish if teamed with a nice top.

HopefulAnxiety · 16/10/2015 12:03

Agree with Bon Marche. They also have two pairs of trousers (selected styles) for £22 (£15 each).

LieselVonTwat · 16/10/2015 12:44

Will have a look then. I'm glad it wasn't just me being prejudiced thinking they were for older women, I've been in there with my gran before! But it's true, you can dress stuff up.

OP posts:
Truckingalong · 16/10/2015 12:51

Try Zara

LieselVonTwat · 16/10/2015 13:06

Would they be big enough? I have a jacket from there which is XL and about a 14 I think.

OP posts:
Crosbybeach · 16/10/2015 13:39

liesel that looks like the M&S ones. Definitely worth a try.

TeaPleaseLouise · 16/10/2015 13:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MuttonDressedAsGoose · 16/10/2015 14:18

Bon Marche may be for older women, but you're just getting trousers. Presumably, the rest of your outfit will be more youthful.

ChilliAndMint · 16/10/2015 14:32

sp.yimg.com/xj/th?id=OIP.M93e1fa5a6fe3c18fb6c35e9dba223b29o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=160&h=160

Don't forget the all important accessories OP ;)

LieselVonTwat · 16/10/2015 14:56

My gran has a whole stash of those bad boys. I might pilfer a couple... we are up north after all.

Going to check out Next too. Seemed to be quite a few good things on their website. And might just go for jeggings over jeans. I did wonder about getting a maternity pair in the next size down too!

OP posts:
FakaP · 16/10/2015 14:58

Another vote for Bon Marche, I got some a few years ago as they were one of the few shops that sold plain black work trousers in petite length. They are a great shape and fit, wash well and last ages.

ceeveebee · 16/10/2015 15:02

Boden skinny Minnie trousers are on sale at the moment, great quality
m.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Trousers-Jeans/Trousers/WC148/Womens-Skinny-Minnie-Pant.html

LieselVonTwat · 16/10/2015 15:19

They're not bad. I've never bought from Boden before, indeed the very prospect is making me feel like a real grown up.

But what's the sizing like, do people find it to be on the small size? Only because by measurements, I seem to be more like an 18 but I have a pair of second hand New Look size 18 jeans on now that are literally hanging off me (which is fun without a belt). If I'm a 16 in New Look trousers, which I think I am, would 18 in Boden be about right? My pre-pregnancy size 14s were Warehouse, if that helps anyone.

OP posts:
ceeveebee · 16/10/2015 15:37

Usually pretty true to size, similar to next I'd say. Think you can get free delivery and returns with this code 4F2G until 18/10 so you could order both sizes!

LieselVonTwat · 16/10/2015 16:18

Ooh thanks!

OP posts:
pdxs · 17/10/2015 07:17

M&S. I also have a pair of episode trousers (flares) with a waistband, but as jersey its vv soft... might be comfy for you too

M&S and gap both do pull on jeggings

Can you also casualise your work dresses... wear with cardigans or similar??

wannabestressfree · 17/10/2015 07:20

I have to wear elasticated due to a colostomy bag and m&s is your friend! I have loads from there....

LieselVonTwat · 17/10/2015 08:41

Going shopping later, will be checking out M and S and House of Fraser. The straight leg compression ones from Episode look elasticated, so that works.

The work dresses I have aren't really casualisable tbh. They're quite formal M and S wraparound. Even with a cardi they'd be a bit too much for this job. A shame as they're a size 12!

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