“I just got my dream librarian job,” wrote Valerie, a Cup of Jo reader. “I need some pants (not jeans!) that I can move around in — squatting, bending, sitting on the floor. Any ideas?” Yes! First, Valerie, congratulations! Librarians make the word go round, now more than ever, and they’re lucky to have you. Here are a few options to wear among the stacks (and I’m sure the comments will have good recs, too)…
Above is Madewell’s patch-pocket pair. Brown is a big color this fall and would be ideal for work, since, as Magnetic Fields frontman Stephin Merritt once told me in an interview, “Brown shows absolutely nothing. You’d have to spill some fuchsia paint.”
There’s also Alex Mill’s herringbone pair, which I personally wear non-stop (including at Erika’s book event last week). The utility pockets are so good.
Old Navy’s uniform pants look chic with a button-down.
And these cuffed hems are sooooo cute. Audrey Hepburn vibes.
Everlane’s cotton pants have an easy, not-quite-barrel shape, and I like when pants come in colors that make an outfit pop.
These tailored ones are also wrinkle resistant and come in six colors.
Digging this wide-leg pair with camp pockets! Love the olive green.
Finally, you could also try black jeans, which feel dressier than blue.
Thoughts? What pants would you recommend? I also love this belted pair, and did you notice that almost all the outfits above are styled with ballet flats? It’s such a thing!
P.S. Readers share their gorgeous gardens and what they love about their looks.
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