Thursday’s Workwear Report: Skyrise Pleated Ankle Straight-Leg Pants

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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

I’ve recently become a huge fan of the Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution denim line. They’re not quite as constricting as some of my Spanx pants but still have a bit of hold that my 40-year-old self appreciates.

I haven’t tried any of the non-denim items, but these straight-leg ankle pants look like a great option. Pleated waists can be controversial, but I think the pleating on these is subtle enough that it would work for me. As an added bonus, they come in petite lengths, so I won’t need to add to my “bring to the tailor” pile. 

The pants are $78 at Nordstrom and come in sizes 0-16 and 0P-16P. These similar pants from the brand are available in 14W-24W.

As of 2025, workwear brands with built-in shapewear that we know of include Spanx, Yummie, White House Black Market, Honeylove, NYDJ, and Gravitas. (You can also try brands like ShapeLLX, Popilush, TA3, and SheWaisted, but know your office — bodycon dresses or slip dresses (with spaghetti straps) are not appropriate for most offices.)

For pants with “tummy control” panels, check out NYDJ, Lyssè, Wit & Wisdom, Briggs, as well as Amazon sellers Rekucci and Slim-Sation. For denim, check out Lee’s Sculpting line of pants and Levi’s Totally Shaping line. Tuckernuck’s compression knit pants are also among their bestsellers!

Sales of note for 4/16/25:

• Nordstrom – 5,521 new markdowns for women!
• Ann Taylor – 40% off your entire purchase + 50% off one full-price item
• Banana Republic Factory – 50%-70% off everything + extra 20% off
• Boden – 10% off new womenswear
• Eloquii – $29+ select styles + extra 40% off all sale
• J.Crew – Spring Event: 40% off sitewide + extra 40% off all sale
• J.Crew Factory – 40%-70% off everything + 60%-70% off spring faves
• M.M.LaFleur – New collection just dropped! Use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
• Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
• Talbots – 40% off select tops + 30% off dresses, skirts, shoes & accessories + 40% off all markdowns