Right now, about 90% of my wardrobe is denim. The rest is…everything else. That’s what happens when you spend a year hunting for jeans that actually fit a 4’11” frame, in the name of journalism. As much as I love my denim collection, I was getting a little bored with the constant rotation. Lately, I’ve been wanting some dressier, non-denim pants to switch things up, so I found myself knee-deep in the internet, hunting for something affordable, versatile, and—most importantly—available in a petite cut. Let’s just say it was love at first sight when I stumbled across the Abercrombie & Fitch Forme Bootcut Pants, particularly in the Pinstripe style.
Credit: Abercrombie & Fitch
These pants are basically what trousers and leggings would have if they had a baby. Literally my dream come true. On the outside, they look tailored and sleek—just like classic trousers—but the fabric (A&F’s new Forme material with that dreamy body-hugging stretch) is buttery soft and hugs your skin like it was made for you. The waistband is high-rise, which isn’t usually my go-to these days, but it works surprisingly well for me. It doesn’t dig in or make it hard to breathe, which is a huge win. They’re extremely comfortable, provide a smooth fit, and give the legs an elongated look. I went with my usual size (25) in the Short Cut, and they fit like a glove. I could honestly live in them… and after a week, I basically have.
The pinstripe and bootcut pairing is what really drew me from the jump. Something about those classic stripes can make even a plain tee feel stylish, which is exactly what I was looking for: something that instantly levels up an outfit without trying. And the bootcut? That perfect subtle flare works with legit any shoe: pumps (my favorite), heeled booties, rain boots (trust me, I’ve tested this), ballet flats, sneakers… You name it.
Megan Uy
Megan Uy
Seriously, you can style them a million ways. The first time I took them out for a spin, I paired them with a lacy tie-up top for a Friday night party and black pointed-toe pumps. Six days later, same pants, same pumps, but swapped in a cable-knit jacket for the office. Just changing the top completely switched the vibe—edgy and flirty one night, put-together and work-ready the next. It’s honestly magic how versatile these pants are.
Megan Uy
Megan Uy
And just saying, there are very few things I, as a shopping editor, wholeheartedly recommend to everyone (considering I test new clothes all day, every day), but this is one of them. At $90, it’s a steal in 2026, when inflation is out here making everything impossible. These are high-quality pants you can literally wear anywhere and will instantly make you look like the chicest person in the room. The amount of compliments I’ve gotten? Endless. Sure, they don’t have pockets—but honestly, I barely even notice when the fit and design are this good. Plus, they come in seven other colorways, comes in three inseam options, and have a size range of 23 to 38. For real guys, I’m seriously considering buying two more pairs so I can wear them nonstop.
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she’s also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
