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I’m not into pants. My entire life has been one failed attempt after another of trying to find pants that are, yes, fashionable, but also actually fit. They’re either too tight, too loose, too tall, too short, too pinchy, too bunchy, or just downright uncomfortable, and most certainly unflattering.
My disdain for pants runs so deep that my barometer for deciding whether or not to do something is quite literally “Does it require pants?” If so, odds are you can count me out.
But all that changed when I stumbled upon what I’m now referring to as the Eighth Wonder of the World: a pair of pants that I don’t want to immediately rip off after putting them on.
I was initially skeptical of these breezy Zara culottes. Surely they’d be too something. But they turned out to be pretty much perfect, especially for these merciless months of near-constant sweating during my commute. With summer temperatures in full swing, my work-appropriate wardrobe is limited — after all, there’s no way I’m wearing *actual pants* when it's 90 degrees out and it’s so humid that the subway doubles as a makeshift sauna. But on the flip side, one can wear only so many sheath dresses and pencil skirts before growing tired of that life, too.
These culottes came along and injected some much-needed life into my office apparel. They’re breathable and lightweight and conservative enough for work, but can also be dressed down for happy hour or brunch.
Added bonuses are the incredibly forgiving stretch waist (no need to unbutton after lunch) and the waist belt-tie that’s quite flattering. And at $29.90, you can stock up on multiple pairs. Maybe pants aren’t so bad after all.