The curvy girl's guide to finding perfectly fitting pants

Pants and I have not always been in agreement. When I was 5, my commitment to skirts and dresses was such that once, when my mom tried to force me into pants (which were, in hindsight, totally adorable) for school, I opted for a defiant opening act and decided to go to class in my underwear instead of giving in to the tyranny of pants.

But one day a pair of pants caught my eye and I decided to wear them to school, ignoring the "only skirts" rule. Unfortunately, this stint was short-lived and I was suspended for a week. After heckling about the "no pants for girls" rule, the school changed its dress code and everyone was allowed to wear them.

Growing up, I became fascinated with the fit of pants. I've always known the value of my assets, and so often my "Beyoncé booty" has felt ignored in a sundress or A-line skirt. Working at a company where women expend so much energy trying to exercise their curves was insane to me. All I wanted was to show off my slender waist and full-bodied behind.

As ​​a result, I avoided wearing pants for years because I could never find a pair that matched my proportions. (Spreading the waist and squeezing the hips just isn't my style.)

But then Nicolas Ghesquière arrived. The designer's F/W 05 collection for Balenciaga featured skin-tight military pants that wrapped languidly around the ankles, exuding that kind of alluring yet chic Parisian cool. I had to dive in and in doing so I learned a few lessons. Keep scrolling to check them out.