Pant-astic!

Most of you–especially working moms–will agree that pants are more comfortable for women on the go. Whether for office attire or after-five gimmicks, pants are more versatile than skirts. Plus, choosing the right cut can make your legs appear slimmer and longer.

This season, designers opted for a more daring cut on pants–loose and wide-leg. Marc Jacobs best combined the wide-leg pants with skinny blazers (the proportion is more flattering and does not appear too baggy). Tom Ford for Gucci has gone the opposite direction by matching pants with loose jackets. Victor & Rolf paired white tops with white loose pants while Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton paired fantasy pastels on purple toned wide-leg pants. Helmut Lang pants go "sailor chic" while Giorgio Armani opted for a "beachy" drawstrings style.

The tuxedo pants also emerged in autumn of last year. Time was when they were only worn by men! Well, that all changed, thanks to Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking and more recently, Penelope Cruz who wore a Ralph Lauren tux. Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted wearing one by Vivienne Westwood. Yes, pants have definitely become a staple wardrobe on and off the office.

So, how will you wear this season’s must-have pants?

Here are some tips from MEGA fashion and beauty director and Meg editor-in-chief Liza Ilarde on how to update your new work pants:

• Choose a jacket cut a little closer to the body. Try it on and if it looks like "Honey, I shrunk the clothes," you’re on the right track.

• Pair it with a blouse that has a soft, lightweight fabric that can be worn under a jacket. For an after work affair, just take off the jacket and switch accessories. Try chunky jewelry in turquoise, coral and amber. Stick with solid colors or subdued prints, small feminine details like ruffles, ruching or embroidery, and opaque or lined fabrics.

• Go for twin set savvy! Wear the inner top inside a slim-cut, button-front shirt and strap a belt around your waist. Button up the cardigan. Add a belt and wear over your full pants.

• Go for belts! Opt for a wide leather belt with a big buckle that can be worn on the waist or low on the hips.

Well, what are you waiting for? Go dig into your mom’s stash for floor-sweeping palazzo pants or your older sister’s square pants from the ’80s. They’re worth the trouble. If you find the latter too wide, go to your favorite tailor and have it cut straight but still loose. If you’re debating on what shoes to wear (round-toed, pointy, heels or flats), choose flats or kitten heels. For gimmick nights, try a cork or espadrille wedge or a metallic thong (check out MIX boutiques) for a more relaxed yet party look.

(For your comments and suggestions, e-mail me at jenniepperson@hotmail.com)