The Ultimate: Black Trousers

There really is almost nothing (correction, nothing!) in my closet that lived as long, saw as much action, and still gets trotted out despite its age - as my dress black trousers. No, they are no longer in good shape, the material has acquired a bit of an over-used sheen. No, the cut is not longer as fashionable as it was when I purchased them for my first big time conference talk back in grad school a decade and eons ago. Yes, they need to be replaced.  But they still fit and in a pinch they do.

My loving tribute to my black slacks (Theory, 2003 vintage) aside, it is clear that despite changing fashions some things remain classic. And those things are worth splurging for. If you calculate cost (say $250) and prorate it per-wear (at least 30 per year, every year), those Theory pants came out to be the cheapest thing I have ever bought, the best bargain.

What should we look for in black pants:

- fit: straight and slim.
  The look of the moment is skinny, but I think that every person needs a pair of dress pants that leave    something for the imagination. A good compromise between what is trendy and what is classic is a slim,  straight cut.

- design: simple
  Again, this is a classic and classy item. Don't muck it up with too many embellishments.

- Material: with a hint of stretch.
  A flowy crepe loks fantastic and says 'class' but if you want these pants do professional heavy lifting, if you   want them to go with you in cabs, trains, and airplanes you want some elstane in the mix. Elastane is your  
  friend.

- length: just around the top of your pump.
  The length of your pants is the most crucial aspect of their fit, after the ass. First you need to make sure
  your ass looks perky and not too flat. Then you deal with length. Since these are dress pants they will be
  worn with some heel. While an ankle length looks cute on some, a classic and classy fit lands so that you
  see the heel but cover the top of the shoe.

Here are some options, in our usual price point scale, although I am beginning it a bit higher this time:
DREAM:
1) Givenchi:

2) The Row (these are like higher end Theory pants by cut and composition):

4) The fantastically named Brunello Cucinelli:

3) D&G - who knew they could do classy?

WISH: 
1)Theory, the indisputable go-to brand for good office wear:

2) Tahari, likewise a favorite with the working ladies:

3) Alice & Olivia - I have a fondness for the wide waist band:

WANT:
1) Banana Republic:

2) Gap: