When I think Express, I think going-out tops. While there are still a lot of fun options for a night out, there are some gems for 9 to 5.
These relaxed trousers will be comfortable from first cappuccino to last latte. They have a versatile mid-rise waist, and front and back pockets. Wear it with the matching blazer for a full suit (go with one of the pinks or the orange if you’re feeling bold), or a cozy sweater.
The Editor Mid-Rise Relaxed Trouser Pant is $88 and comes in sizes 0–18 as well as short and tall. There are seven colors ranging from basic black to “gum pop” (a bubblegum pink).
Looking for other washable workwear? See all of our recent recommendations for washable clothes for work, or check out our roundup of the best brands for washable workwear.
This post contains affiliate links and CorporetteMoms may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Sales of Note…
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Nordstrom – The Half-Yearly Sale has started! See our thoughts here.
- Ann Taylor – $50 off $150; $100 off $250+; extra 30% off all sale styles
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 25% off purchase
- Eloquii – 60% off all tops
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off “dressed up” styles (lots of cute dresses!); extra 50% off select sale
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything; 60% off 100s of summer faves; extra 60% off clearance
- Loft – 40% off tops; 30% off full-price styles
- Lands’ End – 30% off full-price styles
- Talbots – 25-40% off select styles
- Zappos – 28,000+ sale items (for women)! Check out these reader-favorite workwear brands on sale, and some of our favorite kid shoe brands on sale.
Kid/Family Sales
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off kids’ camp styles; extra 50% off select sale
- Lands’ End – 30% off full-price styles
- Hanna Andersson – Up to 50% off summer pajamas; up to 50% off all baby styles (semi-annual baby event!)
- Carter’s – Summer deals from $5; up to 60% off swim
- Old Navy – 30% off your order; kid/toddler/baby tees $4
- Target – Kids’ swim from $8; summer accessories from $10
Solo flight advice says
I’m flying solo with a 5 month old from Seattle to Sydney. I’ve never flown alone with a baby or so far with one either. Lay on me all your best advice!!
Anon says
I think there is a bassinet thing you can get for international flights that might work well for a baby that age. We didn’t fly internationally until my child was 14 months and she was already too big for it. The best bet is to call the airline and ask.
Anonymous says
It’s actually a good age because they are still small. Take a baby carrier so you can baby wear on the plane and keep your hands free. You have to unbuckle and slip your arms out for take off/landing/turbulence.
Ergo was key when older kid, DH and one twin were asleep so I was able to pee while wearing sleeping baby vs having to wake baby up and hand to flight attendant.
Put a couple diapers, change pad, wipes and a onesie in a large ziploc so you don’t have to drag your whole diaper bag to the bathroom. Ask flight attendants how they want poopy diapers disposed of different airlines have different rules. Usually okay to put in plastic bag then in bathroom garbage.
DLC says
+1 to the bassinet seat if it’s an option. Anything to give your arms a rest once in a while.
I think my biggest piece of advice is- trust your gut, but if someone offers to hold the baby and you think your kid won’t freak out, let them hold the baby, and take the opportunity to pee. I have found strangers to be very kind to me when I have travelled solo with a baby. I even had one lady look offer to walk my baby up and down the aisle so I could nap, and her kindness made me want to cry.
Anon says
I peed holding a baby on an airplane. I’m still not really sure how it worked, but I managed.
Anonymous says
I was an expert at peeing while baby-wearing.
Anonymous says
elastic waistband is key lol
GCA says
Agreed. (I once took an 8h then a 14h flight when my first kid was 8mo.) At 8mo a baby is old enough to freak out a bit, but a 5-month-old may not mind!
Anonymous says
This. I’m solo traveling with my older kids this summer but I’d totally hold a baby. I remember the hard traveling baby days and playing with the baby would keep my kids occupied for a few minutes – if only cooing over a sleeping baby instead of hour 3 on this ipads.
Anon says
5 months old was one of the easiest ages to fly – can’t move on their own steam, easily entertained by you, no need for food other than milk.
Wear baby in the airport and/or bring a stroller to check at the gate.
Get them their own seat so they can sleep in a carseat that you should definitely bring onboard with you. Pacifier or b**bs for takeoff and landing. Bring more diapers and wipes than you think you’ll need. Bring a couple changes of clothes both for baby and for yourself.
Anon says
Yeah, 5 months is a really good age for this. I don’t think it will get easier until age 5+.
Anon says
Where is everyone today?
Anonymous says
I’m at on onboarding for a new job. Hope to be back soon! What’s everyone’s favorite laptop bag?
Seafinch says
Nap trapped under my one week old. Nowhere I would rather be!
Anon says
Congrats!!
Anonymous says
How far in advance would you prep an almost-4 year old for a trip to Disney?
Mary Moo Cow says
This probably is kid specific, keeping in mind how flexible, anxious, aware of time, and aware of Disney they are generally. I would probably do a week so we have time to prep for a change in routine and they can “help” pack their suitcase and travel bag and get excited about a specific attraction or character meeting, but not so far out they are asking me everyday when we leave and waking up early for a month expecting to go to Disney that day.
octagon says
How long is the trip there for you? Even now, we almost never share travel plans more than 48 hours in advance because we’ve been burned more than once by illness or flight cancellations. I’d probably share 24 hours before you need to pack, and then use the travel time itself to talk about all the fun things you’ll do when you get there.
Anonymous says
2 weeks max
Anon says
I told my kid about her 5th birthday trip to Legoland on her half birthday six months in advance. However we didn’t talk about it on a daily basis until probably two weeks before we left. Also we travel a lot and we had half a dozen other trips between when we told her and when we went, so we weren’t too worried about her fixating on it and bugging us about it every day.
Anonymous says
Eh, I guess I’m the oddball in that I’ll tell my kids way in advance. There’s a lot of “when are we going” questions which can be annoying but harmless.
OOO says
Thanks everyone for reassuring me yesterday that it wouldn’t be weird for me to throw a big 3rd birthday party for DS and invite the whole class. I know this is controversial, but what would you put in a party favor bag for a birthday at the zoo? I was thinking Barnum animal crackers, animal headbands or masks, and maybe a little bottle of sunscreen. Anything else? As far as entertainment, I was thinking an animal dice game (“walk like a gorilla”, etc) and see if we can get a face painter or balloon animal maker. I’m checking with the zoo on whether we can have the kids see some animals up close. Any other ideas?
Anon says
The goody bags sound perfect. I don’t think you need much entertainment at the zoo – the animals are the entertainment but if you can do an up close animal encounter that would be cool.
NYCer says
I would do a sheet of stickers or bubbles instead of sunscreen. Something fun for the kids. Toddlers have zero interest in sunscreen, and lots of parents have preferences about brands.
I don’t think you need to plan an organized game for 2-3 year olds, but face paint and balloon twisters are always fun. The up close with a zoo animal would also be great.
Anonymous says
I think that favor bag sounds great (although I never expect favor bags, don’t feel like you have to). And then I would probably skip the facepainter/balloon animals because it will be one more thing for you to do, logistics-wise, and could be a source of meltdowns. I could easily see my kid getting her face painted then freaking out because she wanted a different animal that she saw a friend get after her…for example.
I think having something easy, like the dice or a “pin the tail” game is good to have on hand. Something to do if you need it but not a primary attraction, since the zoo will be that.
Anonymous says
+1. The zoo is the entertainment. With kids that young, it is plenty. Even with older kids, they mostly like to run around and play together, not do organized games, and I wouldn’t spend any money on balloon person or face painter. Less is more with little kids.
Anonymous says
Can folks share their strategies for dealing with getting nutrients into picky eaters?
My partner and I are battling my 8Yo SD on eating veggies and fruits. I would be inclined to let it go, but she doesn’t eat any vegetables at her mom’s house and as a result is experiencing some really painful and unfun moments in bathroom at our house. I don’t want her crying on the toilet every evening! We have tried adding chia seeds to literally everything, putting veggies into baked goods, bribes, etc. But she’s generally not a big food enjoyer and very much likes to stick to the safe foods that she knows. Let me know what has worked for you. Currently I can get her to drink a glass of prune juice most mornings and that seems to help, but I would love for her to enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. It makes it so much easier to take the habits into adulthood.
Anon says
Poor thing. Constipation is no fun. we have a veggie tray out from after school until dinner and the kids snack, snack snack. No pressure, just presence. Likewise, at breakfast I usually have cut up fruit (melon, apple, etc) and no one has to eat it, but they often do. We also have a garden in the summer. If that’s possible for you, she might like having her own plants. Lettuce is super easy and so are peas. Both taste best fresh.
Anonymous says
Sounds like your situation may be more extreme, but one of my kids is very anti vegetable but will eat almost all fruit so we really focus on that for vitamins (and fiber, but gets plenty from bread/nuts/beans).. Clementines? Frozen blueberries? What about stewed fruit so it’s more like a sauce (cook brides on the stovetop)? Canned apricots? Dried apricots? Apples? Mango?
Otherwise if the main issue is constipation consider focusing more on dramatically increasing fluids than adding fiber.
Anonymous says
Omg autocorrect fail- cook BERRIES on the stove.
Anon says
I’d separate the constipation from the picky eating issues. There are a variety of ways (prune juice, more fluids, probiotics, laxatives) to fix constipation and I’d consult with a doctor about what would be best for your particular situation. My constipation-prone 5 year old likes prune juice popsicles, which seem to help. Fwiw chia seeds can apparently backfire, especially if you’re not drinking enough water.
On food, we mostly let it go. Anecdotally, forcing kids to eat certain things seems to backfire. I’m not sure I agree with this statement (“I would love for her to enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. It makes it so much easier to take the habits into adulthood.”) My mom and I (and a bunch of friends) were the pickiest kids ever who ate basically no fruits and vegetables and started eating a much wider variety of foods in college. I think adult habits are really not very correlated to kid habits, unless you were forced to eat something, in which case a lifelong aversion is likely (see e.g., my dad who is the only adult I know who eats no green vegetables).
Anon says
i agree with separating the two issues. that being said – what are her safe foods? serving fruit or veggies alongside those with NO pressure to eat them is your best bet. and/or popsicles made purely of pureed fruit, or maybe smoothies. i will say that the yummy toddler chocolate chip zuchinni muffins you cannot taste the zuchinni at all and taste very very chocolatey.
Anonymous says
She refused the choclately zucchini muffin at breakfast this morning! I’m not interested in lying to her about what is in her food, but if she knows it’s got a veggie in it, she will refuse to eat it. So the muffins get enjoyed by her dad instead!
I think the fluids advice is good. She’s very big on drinking water and is generally well-hydrated, but if the constipation is continuing, I will advise her to drink more
anon says
Plus a million. Focus on the constipation, about which there are lots of things to do aside from forcing food. (We do probiotics plus a regular rotation of one piece of dried fruit casually put on the side of the dinner plate, plus an apple cider vinegar gummy which was started for skin issues but turns out to help my kid’s gut too). And, separately, do some reading/listening about picky eating from your preferred parenting info sources, because several of the things you say here, particularly the thing about having to eat veggies now to be able to eat them as an adult, really do not ring true. And, more importantly, are probably indicative of a mindset that can make the food issues much worse, not better.
anonM says
+1. And no idea what the full family picture is here, but seems worth communicating, if possible, with mom about constipation — if persistent. It doesn’t have to be accusatory, but just checking to see if it is across the board a problem, or if it is being triggered by something dietary/etc at your home? Could it be stress related? Does mom want you to send the rest of the bottle of prune juice just in case the symptoms continue when she goes back to the other home? I realize these things are tense, but if the physical issues are persistent it could be really uncomfortable for LO!
For the veggie/fruit issue, if she isn’t exposed to or trying fruits/veggies at her mom’s, your efforts to force it may make the time in your home more stressful than necessary.
anon says
Isn’t she old enough to be able to connect her stomach issues with her diet? I don’t think it’s unreasonable to tell her that eating fruits and vegetables will help make her more comfortable because what we eat affects how our bodies work.
Anonymous says
Everyone has given some really great advice this morning! Thank you! You’ve also helped me recognize some beliefs that I’ve carried from childhood re: importance of fruit and vegetables. I was raised by someone who was a bit “intense” about food health. I’ve worked through a lot of the ideas, but some are still hanging on! I do really want to create a no-pressure and enjoyable eating experience, so I will divert my efforts from veggies to the safer fruits and snacks.
Anon says
The single most valuable piece of advice a dietician gave me is that fruits and vegetables have the same vitamins. As long as my kids was eating a variety of fruits, we didn’t have to push vegetables too hard. fruits have more sugar but that’s not typically a problem for young kids. also olly does a vitamin gummy with probiotics that meets my picky kid’s approval.
AwayEmily says
We have the opposite problem — my 5yo will eat a handful of vegetables but has been known to literally scream if a banana is in his vicinity. God forbid someone eat a pear in his line of sight. The only fruit he will eat is pomegranate. THE most annoying fruit to prepare and the one that stains the worst. KIDS ARE SO STRANGE. Also +1 on the olly with probiotic.
Anonymous says
Keep in mind that kids are more sensitive to bitter tastes than adults and that is part of why they tend to dislike vegetables until they are older. It’s a somewhat unhelpful evolutionary relic but super normal.
NYCer says
Have you tried a daily probiotic?
Anon says
Agree with probiotics and liquids for constipation. You may also want to consider how much she’s moving her body. We’ve noticed for my kids it gets worse in the winter when they’re not getting as much exercise.
Anonymous says
I would say if she’s crying on the toilet every evening, the pediatrician should be looped in to talk about constipation. My kids are younger, but at least in the 3-5 range, kid constipation isn’t exactly like adult constipation and I’d suggest working with the pediatrician on a strategy. And then see what the pediatrician says about if there’s actually a concern about her getting nutrients. If not, let it go. If so, strategize with peds if she needs a multivitamin or what.
And gently disagree on carrying the habits into adulthood. Of course it would be great if she developed a lifelong love of eating fruits and veggies, but I don’t think that childhood habits really correlate with adult habits, so I don’t put that much importance on habits now other than making sure basic needs are being met. It’s ok to wish that she had that enjoyment, but practically speaking, it’s not like if you just found the right muffin recipe or whatever, she would change overnight. Sounds like you’re doing great supporting her where she is.
TheElms says
So 8 years old seems old enough to have a basic conversation ( possibly split up over a few days) about why people eat a varied diet and how different foods do different things for our bodies. And then potentially let her help brainstorm about what might help her to feel comfortable trying (and eventually eating but I’d start with trying) more fruits and vegetables. Like would she be willing to try if she knows she can spit it out if she doesn’t like it and not have to eat anymore? Would she like to help prepare the food? Go to the grocery store and pick it out? Would she like a dip to camouflage the taste, butter, a little bit of salt? Turn fruit into smoothies or popsicles? I think the most important thing is to stop it being a battle and then work up from there so she feels in control. It might mean she eats no fruits and veggies for a little while but then hopefully once she knows the pressure is off she will come around and find a few that she is ok with.
anon says
Look, I have a kid who enjoys and eats fruits and vegetables. She’s also struggled with constipation off and on nearly her entire childhood. What’s worked for her is Miralax and probiotics. Simply getting more fiber just complicates things. This is really a medical issue more than a parenting approach.
Anon says
+1 we tried a million and one things to fix my kid’s constipation (including Miralax, which made the problem worse) and Lactulose was the only thing that worked. Once she was “cleaned out” and regular we were able to gradually wean off the laxative and keep her regular with dietary changes. But medicines are necessary for a lot of kids and this really is a medical issue. The doctor should be involved.
anon says
We’ve been talking with our kids about how what they eat makes it easier to go #2 since they were about 2-3 years old. If they are having a hard time in the potty, we’ll say, I’m sorry it hurts, that’s your body telling you that you need to eat more veggies. My kids also love dried fruit, especially prunes. Maybe your SD will like those better? Or maybe try smoothies if you are worried about nutrients. The taste of leafy greens are masked pretty easily in smoothies.
Anon says
Except it’s not really as simple as “more veggies = easier poops” especially with kids.
anon says
Exactly.
Anon says
Sure works for my kids.
Anonymous says
That’s great that it works for your kids but it’s not always that simple. Constipation is really complex and has lots of factors. There isn’t a one size fits all solution.
Anonymous says
Veggies and bowel issues are not always connected. For bowel, try a probiotic – may have to try a few different ones. My kids like a red gummy one from Jamieson.
Try different ways of preparing veggies – 2/3 of my kids like boiled broccoli – I think it’s gross and order roasted with olive oil and salt like oldest kid. It takes two seconds to toss some frozen broccoli in a pot with hot water and a few more handfuls in the roasting pan with sausages. Or one kid likes cherry tomatoes but hates cooked tomatoes. One decided avocado toast is ‘slay’ and won’t eat anything else for breaskfast. Other two think avocados are mushy and weird. Middle kid is very influenced by veggie texture – crunchy is good and hot or soft is bad. He’ll eat raw carrots all day long but acts like it’s torture to eat mashed potatoes.
Watch kid cooking shows together as well.
I try for two different vegetables at each meal. Sometimes that’s a pile of chopped carrots and tomatoes in the middle of the table while we have McDs.
Mostly, serve some veg with every meal, don’t push on the eating it and don’t stress. I didn’t learn to like olives and artichokes until I was in my 20s.
Anon says
For nutrients, we give a Hiya multivamin.
For constipation, you may want to also consider what/how much she’s drinking. Water will help a lot. Milk will hurt.
Vicky Austin says
I’m 39 weeks today, and I could deal with the heartburn and the cankles and the general discomfort, but for some reason the straw breaking my back today is the well-meaning coworker wanting to know about the state of my cervix. I lied and said there was no news, so naturally her next question was, “Well then did you talk about getting induced???”
Anon says
Oh god… people ask the worst questions when you’re pregnant, but the idea of a coworker asking about the state of my cervix makes me want to vomit.
Exciting that you’re in the homestretch! Good vibes for labor and delivery!!
Vicky Austin says
Thank you so much!
Abby says
I can’t believe you are so close!! Thinking of you the next week or so for a quick delivery!!
Vicky Austin says
Oh my gosh, I have been meaning to email you for weeks…I am the worst. Thank you!! Hope you are doing good and I promise to catch up soon!
Seafinch says
Oh, my God. I cannot even imagine hearing that!! I have you in my thoughts though VA. I am too old to know anyone else that was pregnant at the same time as me (other than a young women we once spoke to about an Au Pair job and is still my friend on Facebook!) so you were my due date buddy in my head. Sending the best wishes into the internet universe. Despite delivering an *almost* macrosomia baby with shoulder dystocia, I feel physically great so hoping you have an equally good recovery.
Vicky Austin says
Yes – when you commented on my post the other day, I forgot to say congratulations! I sure hope you are feeling better after your bumpy ride. Cannot wait to join you in the land of newborn snuggles!
Bette says
Oh wow… how do people think questions like that are ok?? Thanks for the update though, was just thinking about you and wondering if the baby had come yet! You’re so close now – very excited for you!!
Vicky Austin says
You’re so kind! Hopefully soon!
Anonymous says
Oh, that is terrible. I would have laughed in her face. Hang in there!
Anonymous says
You could always ask her how her cervix is doing ;)
Good luck, you’re in the homestretch of having to deal with inappropriate comments on this particular topic!
Vicky Austin says
This made me laugh so hard – so tempting! Thank you!
OOO says
My friend’s boss sent an email to the team saying that he brought an old towel in the office in case Friend goes into labor at work. The towel was last used when his dog gave birth.
Wishing you the best Vicky!
Vicky Austin says
Wouldn’t put it past some of the dudes around here, frankly. Thank you for the chuckle and the good wishes!