When I first saw this wide legged trouser at Zara, I liked the plaid and that there was a little pink running through it. I felt like it added a feminine detail to an otherwise neutral or even masculine plaid. BUT, I also thought, “Oh man, these are going to look like clown pants on me”. Once on though, I was pleasantly surprised, and they were a “HECK YES!”
BREAKING UP THE PAIR
I love when suits come in separates so that you don’t have to commit to the whole look, just one piece. Now, alot of women love a coordinating look for the office or just as their personal style. For me, to add an oversized blazer, with a wide legged, oversized trouser was too much of a good thing. Here’s how the pieces looked if I wore them together. And both were size XS…I know, right?!
I think it looked a little more stylish when I rolled the cuffs, pushed the sleeves up a bit and wore it open (see next pic), to eliminate any kind of structure from the look; but it was still a bit too much. NOW, could this blazer be OH SO cute with boyfriend jeans / distressed denim and some oxfords (runners or traditional)? YES GIRL. Even so, this stayed in the store; but I thought it was good to show it to you styled with the coordinating trouser. Do you see how just being able to see a sneak peek of the very fitted high waistline and tucked in T, makes this look that much more flattering? Once you show a waistline, you create the hourglass, which I know, I sound like a broken record; but it’s just the classic feminine figure!
ENOUGH OF THAT, LET’S TALK DETAILS
That’s what you are here for right? Learning the Method to Finding Your Style, through tips and tricks I share about what stands out to me when I shop. So, I’ve already talked about being drawn to the pattern. This plaid also creates texture, with the layering of the lines, and the fabric in which it’s made. Both of those things can add so much character to your look. While they are wide legged and a little flowy, this pant has alot of structure at the top, and the material is heavy enough of a weave to allow the pleats to lay nicely and have a nice “hang” to the bottom.
Also, pockets are everything and I think they are well placed, just deep enough, while the front zipper closure is great, adding that extra clip at the top to keep it from pulling is on point. Keeps thing looking polished and uninterrupted. If the closure is pulling, it can give the impression they are too small, and we don’t want that. When you wear clothes are are a little on the small side, it actually can add volume to your look, in all the wrong places. NO THANKS!
DO THE UNEXPECTED
I know we see graphic T’s paired with everything these days; but that’s whats fun about Finding Your Style. Pairing the unexpected together. This super cute T was just screaming to be put with this trouser. Mixing work wear with streetstyle…..yes please! I loved that there was a little bit of pink to tie the two pieces together ( I like a little uniformity, I need it to make sense to me; but I also LOVE when women experiment with two opposite ends of the spectrum. Listen, if Carrie Bradshaw can be a style icon with some of her wacky combinations, we have to at least TRY, right?)
SUBTLE DETAILS
Did you notice I rolled up my sleeves? It’s those tiny subtle details we add to our wardrobe that really set us apart. The only thing I wish I could have added to this was a blingy statement necklace! I only own three and they just weren’t quite right….I’ll add that to my “Must Have” list for Fall. (You’ve got your list started, don’t you? It’s such a crucial part of staying on budget, and filling the gaps in your wardrobe to make sure it’s versatile and totally YOUR style.)
PS….don’t judge me for those dang wrinkles. I ironed these trousers before we ran our errands today but this was taken after about 6 hours of wearing them and getting in and out of my truck. I thought about ironing them again and then retaking; but this blog is REAL LIFE and while you should ALWAYS press / iron your clothes (first impressions people!! Well pressed means you take pride in your appearance), I stayed with this pic.
A GREAT FALL FIND
Overall, there were all kinds of details, features and reasons these particular pants stand out to me. I encourage you to use those same “measuring tools” for yourself when picking a new pant for this upcoming season. Consider the pattern, texture, color palette, fit…those are pretty obvious. But also look at details. How it closes, where the pockets are and how hey lay, length of hem, and most importantly, DO YOU HAVE AT LEAST THREE THINGS IN YOUR CLOSET RIGHT NOW YOU CAN ALSO WEAR THE NEW ITEM WITH?! This is so key to building a versatile wardrobe. That way, when you get it home, you can pair with something you have and be ready for whenever you need it, no wasted time thinking about it! Just put it on and go you fabulous, stylish chic!
xo Taryn
PS, photo cred to my 10 year old daughter….her and I make a great team!