Work trousers for spring, need suggestions

[NorkilyChallenged]

I need some work trousers. I don't want to wear black polyester trousers any more. But then what? Any suggestions or links as I really do need something soon and can get to the shops this week.

My problem is my shape, I'm a size 10 waist and a size 12 hips/thighs/bum. Hard to get trousers to fit so I'm guessing that I need wide leg trousers. Have visions of being swishy and 50s retro glam rather than gallumphing elephant.

I also really dont' like low slung trousers, I seem to have a really high waist (long torso) so low waisted trousers dont' work for me at all and I find them very uncomfy. Hard to find truly high waisted though, I know.

I got these these from M&S (S&B health warning, this link leads to a Per Una product) but I'm going to return them. I like them a lot but I got a size 10, which is really too tight round my hips/thighs and shows the saddlebag effect on my bum a bit too much. I tried the 12 but that was about 2-3 inches too wide at the waist and looked ridiculous as they have a wide waistband.

I know there's probably nothing that fits all my strange body criteria but any ideas at all (colour, fabric and shape) would be most welcome. I'm lost now that I'm trying to move away from black.

Thanks

Hello Norkily

There are some wide-leg ones here and these look nice...

Would you do something cropped like this? With heels of course...

Hi Tethersend! So glad you replied (and I didn't have to resort to threatening to post pictures of DP's arse )

The cropped ones I really don't think I could do, mainly because I can't wear proper heels so wear something with a v low heel at work.

I love those retro trousers. I linked to some recently on a thread about high waisted trousers (Simon Cowell Anonymous) and someone said that the retro ones had a really authentically very low crotch which can look odd with modern clothes. Also what to wear on top with those retro ones?

Ah just remembered another restriction...

NOT linen.

I love wide leg linen trousers but I am not someone who can pull of the rumpled linen but still sexy and sophisticated look. I just look rumpled. And baggy at the knees. And like I picked my trousers off the floor in the morning to put them on which may sometimes be true. Not a good look for work where I'm trying to look a bit more... neat than I do the rest of the time.

Bargainous trousers here

Yes, I like those. In the picture. But they only have black left

I say get the retro ones and just tuck everything in

Actually, a lot of the structured shoulder tops like this or this around at the moment would look fabulous with those trousers. I know a couple of people with them, and they don't seem to have a low crotch.

Agree, linen trousers are friend to no (wo)man. Vile.

Don't know quite what you are looking for but I got some trews at Jigsaw last week- tropical wool- they are wool and linen- yes, they crease a bit but they are also smart. They cost a lot but I buy so few decent clothes that I will get my wear out of them.

www.jigsaw-online.com

Otherwise- I'd suggest Next but they are usually polyester.

Oooh, purplepeony I do like those Jigsaw ones. They are expensive but might be worth trying on.

Tethersend - you know people who have the retro ones?? Really? Where from? I've never seen them in real life so would love to know if they look good?

I do like those tops, especially the sleeveless one but don't have the upper arms any more for sleeveless sadly.

Oooh, v tempted to get some retro trousers now!

They have a reasonably high rise- I'd say they fasten JUST under my belly button.

No particular style in mind, but GAP do some jeans and now trousers in Curvy.

Really really good for those with bottom to hip ratio problems. I really recommend them, I live in the Curvy jeans but also have some black work trousers too.

Pippi - yes I've heard that about Gap Curvy before. Might pop in there this week and try something on to see how they fit (would be happy to have comfy casual trousers too). Thank you!

Ooh do you know if the curvy trousers come in different leg lengths? Am a short-arse and normal length in Gap are far too long for me. I got the curvy jeans in a 30" leg and they are perfect.

Can I second Pippi - I have a few pairs of Gap chino type from last year. We're a similar shape NC as discussed when you pointed me in the way of the M&S chevron dress (which I still love - thanks).

Back to gap trews - they wash well, are cotton so not quite as crumple central as linen. Can't remember the names of them - maybe they are curvy - have a light brown and pale grey. Good length, and wide legs but not baggy. I had one of those vouchers last summer that was burning a hole and was determined to get 'value' from it - so tried on all their varieties of chinos (even the beige )

I am sure we'll be due another voucher soon !

Janeite - they don't do different legs - unless they have changed... My prob with Gap is the opposite their trousers are usually too short...

Great, will definitely make a trip to Gap now.

Suggy - glad you are still liking the dress. So what else are you wearing for work now it's getting a bit warmer?

Thanks to Tethersend's blouse suggestions, I've just been browsing through ASOS "workwear" section. Some of it is interesting but some is hilarious.

This is my favourite, am currently picturing myself (or anyone!) turning up to work in this

Suggy - thanks but gah. Wanna give me a few inches of your legs, so we can both get trousers to fit?

Norkily - Ha that playsuit is just my thing

I like Monsoon trousers this season,lots of higher waisted wide leg styles.

Is that workwear for hookers ? The title playsuit suggests not suitable for work ?? Or is it just me...

NC - I hate summer at work. Much more comfortable in boots/tights and winter wear. My skin is pale blue and I work with a load of 27 year olds with no kids, loads of time who are always perfectly manicured, and san tropezed up. I just old and lacking in 'me time'. Last summer I did the gap trousers with tops, or linen trousers with blouses. Steer away from skirts as feel dowdy in long ones and feel conspicuous in short ones. The other down side of long legs - you can have a fwe inches Janeite as it is just more pale blue skin exposed...

Read an article by her of location location Kirsty whatsit and she says she does pale fishnets in the summer. Which may be a way round the lovely flippy skirt combos that some people do.

NC - would you do a smart maxi ? Or is that a bit like a playsuit...

Am still boggling at that playsuit

Suggy - yes I'm really struggling. This is my first summer back at work trying to dress more smartly and also have blue legs (ridiculously pale but with very dark hair, great combo ) so really struggling with what to wear.

Cannot picture a smart maxi, they are by their nature not really work wear but could be proved wrong!

Well had a totally useless afternoon of trying trousers on.

Depressing. Everything made me look and feel fat. Even the ones that gaped at hte waist Hopeless. Even Gap Curvy in a size 12 was too tight.

I give up. I will go back to wearing lovely comfy maternity trousers. Oh yes.

I also looked at lots of trenchcoats but nothing that made me feel like parting with money. Rubbish.

Where in the country are you, norkily?