Slim Prospects

Lucille Ball made comedic history in them; Audrey Hepburn added ballet slippers, a beautifully “funny face” and danced in them; and when Mary Tyler Moore wore hers, Dick Van Dyke wasn’t the only man eager to come home to her. Skinny pants.

Although first worn by suburban American women in the ‘50s, the plain-front slack with a side zipper resurfaced a few seasons ago. The slim-fitting trouser, sometimes called a cigarette pant when narrowed considerably at the ankle, has no pockets, no mannish elements like pleats or cuffs. This summer it will be seen everywhere in shades of khaki cotton, but the most flattering versions tend to be made of fabric blends incorporating stretchy fibers.

Skinny pants offer a pared-down, simplified approach to pants dressing and adapt to a variety of situations, depending on the top chosen. With a work shirt, the look may be pragmatic, yet still classic and feminine. With a tailored jacket, sexy satin shirt or ribbed cardigan, a woman in a skinny pant is ready to take on the evening.