Anne Hathaway Style Just Got a Major Makeover

Petite Travel Pants for Summer

As a five-foot-tall shopping writer, you’d likely assume I’d have plenty of recommendations for petite pants, right? Here’s the shocking truth: I’ve never purchased a petite pair of pants cue gasp. I know it sounds strange, but I don’t mind the hassle of hemming my pants or occasionally cuffing them (a Nicole Kidman-approved denim trend). I have my reasons, though. For starters, brands rarely have petite sizes in store, and most of the time, they don’t have the style I want in a petite size.

Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone

Why Petite Sizing Matters

I decided it was time to break out of my comfort zone and try out pants suited for my height, and since I’m headed to Miami at the end of the month, I did some digging to find travel-ready petite bottoms. To my surprise, I found a few stylish bottoms that have convinced me to give petite sizing a try.

Petite Travel Bottoms to Try

Below, I’ve curated a list of five petite travel bottoms I’m eyeing, with options from Spanx, Athleta, J.Crew, and more.

• Athleta Seasoft Mid Rise Straight Pants: I have a difficult time shopping for sweatpants. I’ll buy a cropped style or a banded bottom, otherwise it’s a sure bet the bottoms will drag on the floor. While I don’t mind that when I’m in the comfort of my home, I can’t stand the idea of pulling my pants across the airport floor. This Athleta find is the exact style I’m looking for, and they come in petite sizing, plus in all eight colorways.
• J.Crew Stratus Pants: J.Crew is a dream for petite shoppers. Almost all of its bottoms come in a petite option, including my favorite style: the Stratus Pants. I bought the classic length when I was shopping in-store, but I just added the petite size to my shopping cart. Not only are these pants incredibly comfortable, but they have a trouser-like appearance that will elevate any outfit. Also, the lightweight, pre-crinkled textured satin is great for traveling, whether you wear them on the plane or pull them out of a suitcase.
• Gap Relaxed Sweater Pants: Winter is almost over, but I’ll wear a pair of sweater pants during any season. Made from 100 percent cotton, these breathable, petite bottoms have a luxurious look that will take my airport style to the next level. Plus, these knit pants have an elastic waistband for added comfort and a ribbed hemline that adds another chic touch.
• Spanx Airessentials Wide Leg Pants: It wasn’t until recently that I discovered Spanx makes more than just shapewear, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite loungewear brands. I own the Half Zip from the brand’s AirEssentials collection and can say that the fabric truly has an airy feel to it. It only makes sense to buy the wide-leg bottoms (that Oprah herself loves) to complete my travel attire. The roomy style comes in three size options: regular, petite, and tall, and in nine colorways, including a bold red and classic black shade.
• Reformation Hallie Mid-Rise Pants: A pair of sophisticated travel pants are never a bad idea to have on hand for those times you’re hopping off the plane and headed straight to dinner or a meeting. I found these petite pants from Reformation to be extremely versatile—you can easily dress them up or down. They’re made with a drapey, crepe fabric that makes any travel outfit look like an effortlessly cool, “straight-off-the-plane” celebrity paparazzi moment.

Keep scrolling for more of my petite travel pant picks, including options from Amazon and Lululemon.

Real-Life Outfit Ideas

Recreating Anne Hathaway’s Afterparty Look

The Importance of Black Capris

Anne Hathaway stepped onto the carpet wearing a custom Carolina Herrera look: a jewel-covered column skirt and, a nod to Herrera herself, a classic white button-down (a.k.a. the summer staple everyone needs). And for the afterparty, rather than doing a full 180, she simply made the look more wearable, tying her white button-down at the waist and swapping that glamorous skirt for controversial-but-trendy black capris.

Hathaway transitioning that polished top from red carpet to party-ready was a reminder of how versatile the wardrobe staple is. It can go from work to dinner and everywhere in between (an undone button-down will always be my preferred pool-side cover up).

Below, shop eight styles you can snag ahead of summer, starting at $22.

• Nordstrom Tie Front Shirt
• Old Navy Oversized Button-Down Boyfriend Shirt: If you’re looking to save on the wardrobe staple, make sure to snag Old Navy’s button-down while it’s on sale for $22. The classic, slightly oversized style is available in sizes XS through 4X as well as three lengths: regular, petite, and tall. While I’m always a little hesitant about the quality of cheap staples, my worries were put to rest by the number of rave reviews; more than 11,300 shoppers swear by this, saying it “looks and feels more expensive than it is.”
• J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt: J.Crew’s Étienne shirt is crisp and polished. But despite the top’s stiffer construction, this manages to be remarkably cool thanks to that oversized fit. That casual-chic look makes this a dead ringer for Hathaway’s Met Gala top.
• By Anthropologie Cutwork Button-Down Shirt: If you prefer something with a little more pizazz, you’ll want this button-down from Anthropologie. The top has the same classic silhouette and color as Hathaway’s, but features cutwork details and small floral embroideries throughout. Those vintage-inspired elements make this top feel really special—they also make it a lot more breathable, which is ideal for summer.

Below, shop even more white button-downs—including a waist-cinching top, linen style, and a dress—as well as a few more capris in case you want to recreate Hathaway’s afterparty look.

• Everlane the Must-Have Linen Shirt
• Aritzia Wilfred Carmen Pants
• GAP Studio Poplin Tunic Shirt
• Commando Neoprene Capri Leggings