Saggy mummy leggings vs polished comfortable trousers

[XStitcher87]

I’m returning to work from mat leave but work from home. I’m looking for a pair of trousers that are comfortable but look polished. I’m desperate to get out of my saggy mummy leggings and claim a bit of my identity back! Linen trousers would work for the warmer months but looking for the winter equivalent!

I recently got these https://www.next.co.uk/style/sv057692/au1969 and they look fairly smart but they're stretchy and have an elasticated waistband. I got my usual size but tbh I should have probably sized up even though I tend to have to size down in Next.

Uniqlo has every kind of comfy but polished trouser.

MN put me onto M&S navy jersey wideleg trousers. They are so comfortable, need no ironing, look really smart - waistband and darts so they look nicely tailored but the waistband is actually stretchy. Very forgiving if your weight fluctuates. Very dark navy, almost black, so they go with everything. I live in them in winter.

Edited to add link: M&S wide-leg jersey trousers

They also do a straight legged version.

I really rate H&M, I bought several pairs of smart and comfy trousers in their sale, will link an example for you OP 😊: https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1234696001.html

These are really smart, I love the buttons on either side. They have stretch in them so you don't feel restricted. I had a similar problem when I started going bsck into the office after Covid, I was so used to loungewear, I couldn't tolerate 'normal' clothes any longer 😂

I’ve bought both the straight and wide legged versions of these. They’re very comfortable and also smart looking - my new work “uniform”.

What did you think about the leg length, first few reviews mention they are v long?

I love the Muji hakama pants.

I'm 5"8 but long body/short leg and the regular is perfect for wearing with flats for me so I didn't find they were particularly long as I usually take a reg length in Next and these weren't any different.

I’m wearing these trousers right now. So comfortable. No pockets though. https://www.next.co.uk/style/su263730/n78725

I got these because I changed size and didn't want to spend loads:

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su637887/f38495

The Set has a good selection of basics at reasonable prices. They do have a set of two formal trousers as well, which I might get.

I have quite a few of the tops, and they're not brilliant but they're fine, good value.

M&S are having a moment their barrel cargos look great casually or smarter with a white short and flats/kitten heels. Really versatile.

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E475344-000/00?colorDisplayCode=56&sizeDisplayCode=003&pldDisplayCode=030

I have two pairs of these. Comfiest trousers I’ve ever worn. They feel lightweight but definitely would do winter.

Thanks for sharing. Love these especially in the leopard print. Love the fact they come in petite too!

My capsule set (in different colours!) is

Winter work trousers with adjustable waist

Elasticated but smart looking palazzo - culotte or normal length

More casual barrels but add a boot for style

I’ve had comfy yet smart trousers from both M&S and H&M and I would also recommend having a look at Halara. I’ve only had their jeans but I was massively impressed with how comfy they are and I’m sure they do smarter trousers too. They are more expensive though.

I was going to say Halara their linen look trousers are incredibly comfortable and look really smart!

I like these too. Comfy, inexpensive and good quality.

@DorotheaDiamond @ButtonNoseBunny I tried Halara and got some trousers I was initially really happy with, but sadly they bobbled after a couple of washes. Personally thought the quality was not great.

I thought Halara were a bit like Uniqlo at first, but I've learned they operate in a more similar way to Shein with low quality synthetic materials.

These look great and I love all the colours. Is the jersey quite thick?

Thanks for heads up on Halara. I’d always heard good things about them but think I’ll be sticking to M&S!

It’s a good enough weight to feel a bit structured but not stiff, they aren’t as flimsy as previous M&S offerings.

My Halara leggings and jeans have been brilliant the jeans survived years!

Edited to add link: M&S wide-leg jersey trousers

I have these in black and navy, very smart looking with the comfort of a jogger. Game changer!

these are really excellent

Am I the only person who hates Halara? To me their stuff is naffer than shein. I think it's mostly because of all the fake pockets/zips/waistbands they stick on so many of the work trousers.

Another vote for Halara. Big deep hip pockets, and properly petite cut, not just shorter length.