I love the pants! I see you’re still rocking that beautiful, blue belt. I’m a pear, petite, size 14 gal. I would describe my style as bold, daring and fun. Will these pants work for me? What rules should I follow?

Just this morning, I was reflecting on how TIRED I am of wearing jeans daily (so I wore a dress!). Still, there is no denim alternative in my closet – and white jeans don’t count.

But I have to admit that to my untrained American eye, these pants look really bold (and of course you wear them exceptionally well). While I might not be comfortable in a plaid so bold, I *might* be willing to try something more subtle. And I love the idea of skinnies! How fun!

I thank you for this Angie. I have 2 pairs of micro check pants and this gives me a lovely way to mix things up when I wear them.

They are so comfortable and a nice change from jeans.

Wow Angie! I have to admit that these recent posts of you in your outfits are my favorites by far! Your outfits are such an inspiration to me! Can’t wait to see more!

You look amazing in your micro check pants! I really love micro checks, but have horrible luck finding them. and I have tried the whole last year! I would really love bunch of pairs, and so far have only two: casual bronw/cream houndstooth and dressier black/grey houndstooth. I really, really want plaid ones though, in cotton blends. If I found them, I think I would get three different pairs.

I have tried all those 4 Euro stores you mentioned, but never found anything, and I have been trying really hard for a really long time! Sometimes there would be some, in say H&M, but they would be crazy skinny like leggings in bold red-black. Or FC would have a pair that is pleated and cropped. Sigh… I tried those Gap ones last year too but they did not work for me. Can you see how much I want them?

I am really intrigued by CM pair you mention. Are they by any chance cotton blend or are they the dressier rayon/wool blend? Can these pants made form dressier materials still function the way you describe? Somwhow they seem to be more common.

I wish you could shop CM online! I love your pair of check pants, Angie. I had some from Esprit last year and wore them till they no longer fit. I really like the cream/black print a lot. I’m on the hunt!

PS: 38? I don’t believe it.

Cute! I love these pants!

So fab! I love the look of micro check, though I haven’t found good ones myself (I used to sport them tons in the 80s and 90s). I especially like them as skinnies or straight cuts. But I have to ask: do you think they look as good on us curvier girls than on slender ones? When I try them I always feel that my hips and butt look so much rounder than in jeans or in more loose fitting non-denim pants.

You are right — they are versatile! Will you wear them in the summer as well?

I was tired of jeans today and am wearing dark brown chinos (I know, I know … no where near as stylish), but I do see the need for a different pant than denim. I’ve been looking for microchecks for a couple of months now and just haven’t found the right pair for me.

I am looking forward to wearing my new white jeans as soon as they are hemmed. I just can’t wear white jeans when its still snowing here so it might be a few more weeks.

I’d buy some in a minute – if I could find them! I’m keeping my eyes peeled. Like Laura, I’m desperate for a denim alternative.

Hi Angie!

You don’t look a day over 28!

I just wanted to thank you for posting pictures of yourself and your fabulous outfits – they have been a true inpsiration!

Those microchecks are beautiful! I’ve always (even pre-YLF) had a pair or two, usually in a more dressy fabric. I especially like a small houndstooth check. My most recent were wool and are now too big and baggy due to weight loss so I’ll be looking for replacements. Not as classy but my second choice to wear in a similar casual manner have been a washable pant with a pinstripe like some of the Express Editor pants.

Angie- you are too super cool!!! Great ideas!

I love these! I’ve been trying to figure out a good, casual alternative to denim, and this is exactly what I need. I will definitely be on the lookout for a pair.

Ah ha! A few converts. You’re made my day and thank you for the compliments. Sarah and Monica, you’re especially kind

Debbie and Sarah, you rock the casual micro-checks pants look. Well done.

Laura, this particular pair IS bold because cream and black makes for a strong contrast. You’re after a more monochromatic check and Sarah has those (I think she got them at Esprit). A tiny hounds-tooth is also a good way to go. BUT! You’ve embraced dresses, and those might be your jeans alternative.

Joy, as always, you are spot on. I hope you score a casual pair soon,

Tanya, don’t you have a fabulous casual pair from COH? I love those. I like your dressy pair too. Keep checking the Euro stores because I saw a great pair at Zara a month ago. H&M has a few OTT pairs and I agree that they’re not suitable. The CM pair is magical. Stretchy, a higher rise, straight leg (I think, unless they were skinny), and in a very dainty hounds-tooth. I cannot remember the fabric composition, but they weren’t wool – they’re Spring pants. They also have wide-legged dressy pairs in at the moment. Unfortunately, they’re $129. Not so fab. But they’ll go on sale.

Dressier micro-check versions can work with Converse. That’s usually my travelling outfit.

Lola and Antje, try a style in a boot cut, monochromatic, SUBTLE check. My guess is that those will make you feel slimmer. I have versions like that on size 14 and 16 women and they look fabulous. From Talbots if you can believe it!

Cricket, I also wear these in Summer because it doesn’t get very hot in Seattle. But I wish I had a pair of micro-check clamdiggers.

Oh yeah! More pics of the lovely Angie in her clothes. I am doing back-flips. I really enjoy it when you show your own beautiful stylish self.

On the topic of micro-checks, I like the idea in theory but every pair I’ve tried looks horrendous on me. Either they are loose and look dowdy, or they are more form-fitting but something about the pattern adds pounds in an unattractive way. I’m still keeping an open mind – maybe I just haven’t found the right pair yet.

I do have tweedy black & cream dress slacks that, to my mind, are sort of the same fashion principle, and work into my fall/winter wardrobe in a similar way as you show here. They are just dressier and I wouldn’t imagine them with Cons. So I guess I do get the principle… but just haven’t found the right pair.

P.s… I forgot to add that my DD16 (who’s a trendy euro gal for sure) adores micro-checks and has been wearing them for years. It seems to me these are easier to find in junior cuts here in the U.S.

Angie,
You are so stunning in everything that you wear! The look is so perfect for your personal style!! I am probably the odd man out but I would not wear a pair myself. I have not been even tempted to try. It could be a color thing or a crispness issue. The look does not feel right for me, although I think they look great on others. I think that they work better on slim frame, like yourself, but have not seen a larger woman with them on. I could be wrong. They do not seem to be available in many stores here yet, maybe that will change.

I’m glad Lola and Antje asked about curvier/pear gals because I was wondering about that. I think these could be a great addition to my wardrobe, especially for the days when our band is playing and I want to look a little funkier.

Angie it’s so nice to see more of you! These mini-glimpses of your personal style are extremely inspiring.

Angie, you are right, I do have a great pair of COH’s in brown houndstooth that I love too. The only issue is that they are brown based, while most of my wardrobe is black/grey/cream based, so I do not yet have enough things to wear with them, particularly cold weather shoes ( but do for warm weather). So that’s why I would love some micro check pants in black/grey/cream/navy. Those CM ones you describe sound divine, I will have to check them out ( Students get 20% discount there ) . What color were they?

I don’t think the problem is that people are skeptical or don’t think they look quite fab enough. It is just incredibly hard to find, at least it was for me. I could not find a single pair of flattering MC pants at my price point last year. Along with the infamous sweater dress, it’s one of those things I just stopped actively looking for. Many of the ones I could find looked to dressy or were widelegs or had too bold and big of a print. Finding the perfect pair is an impossible task as far as I am concerned. I think having a bigger budget would probably open up more possibilities, but I do not have that option.

After hearing Angie rave about microchecks last year, I went ahead about bought a straight-leg pair from the gap early last fall and wore them quite a bit. I wouldn’t say they were my jeans alternative since I felt a little more dressy in them than in jeans (though I did dress them down with a denim jacket). I remember they had several different colors and at the time, I opted for the brownish one but now it seems a little less versatile than the black & white ones. Angie, are brownish versions better suited for the fall? I suppose I should try pairing it with some more spring colors.

Love seeing all these pictures of you!!

I like the look of micro checks but don’t have any because it is rare that I find patterned pants that fit properly or that are long enough. The closest I have come to this look are a beige/brown pinstripe and a black/white pinstripe. I’m still on the lookout. I love that black and cream check pattern.

Angie, you make a pretty darn good fashion model!

I don’t know if I have enough solid colored tops to wear with microchecks. How would they look mixed with florals? Having patterns on your pants just seems to box me in when it comes to choices. And they are so memorable that I wouldn’t wear them more than a couple of times a month.

I would totally wear those pants if I could FIND them! Are there any simular online ones out there…anywhere?

Angie – you are so doggone cute!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for these photos again…they are so great for the visual learners!

Just as I suspected, these pants are super-cool. I’m not sure if they fit with the style I’m developing but I think I’ll check out the CM ones after Easter and see what I think. I love them on you, Angie, and I think they suit to perfectly. And Tara (tarzy), I especially think you need to get ahold of a pair of these! Antje too!

I want to say again how much I love the posts with your own outfits in them, Angie. They have 100X more verve, energy and appeal than images from retailers’ sites. I know they must take a lot more time to put together, so I appreciate it.

Ooh and I need new pants too. Think I will pick up a pair, thanks for the tip and also telling us what stores we can buy them at.

So fab! I feel that I can wear these looks to a business casual work environment without any modifications, what do you think?

Looking wonderful again Angie. I am keeping an eye out for a more subdued version on these

Anyone spot, Rosie?

Thanks for your sweet words Joelle, Susan and Sal.

Thank you, Shiny. I absolutely believe that you haven’t found the right pair of micro-check pants yet. Remember how you didn’t fancy skinnies until you found the right pair. Now you LOVE them. My hunch is that it’s the same deal with these pants. Thanks for having an open mind and it’s crystal clear that you get the principle

Greenglove, I hear you. I bet if you found a monochromatic brown pair you’d be all over them.

Mary, rock on! Tanya, the one’s from CM are black and white. They are killer.

Maya, never say never. Where there is retail, there is fashion hope.

Shana, I don’t think that brown checks in non-wool fabrications are necessarily more suited to Autumn if they are mixed with white. Even better, black and white, or fuchsia, red or yellow. Hope that makes sense.

Telly, definitely stick to solid tops with micro-checks. To me, patterned pants are different to checked pants – the latter being less memorable. If the check is subtle, they act as a false plain. And perhaps your perception is different, but a patterned top seems just as memorable as a pair of patterned pants. You might like to consider adding solid tops to your wardrobe anyway. They are incredibly versatile and allow extra fun with accessories.

Briana, thank you for appreciating that a post like this takes four times as long as a normal post. I need to solicit the help of my in-house photographer who is extremely patient and meticulous. You’re kind to appreciate my pics more than photos from retailers. I’m humbled.

Absolutely, Julia. As long as there is no Converse involved.

I really like microchecks but because I wear business clothes during the week I don’t really get into a jeans rut. If I came across a pair though I would definately consider them for variety!

I guess I am the only one not convinced..Although it is a different way to look smart casual I suppose…these could never take the place of denim for me. I think all those outfits would look better with denim in different washes . I can’t see the length of these so I really don’t know how they look below the thigh, is the leg narrow? or do they flair and graze the ground?

I guess if I was to wear these I would dress them up more..high heels ,black blazer ,perhaps more buisness rather than casual. I know this won’t go over well with ylfers, but these have come around before…even in the 80’s as leggings…

I know some women who would never put checks of any size on thier tushies.

Oh Angie, I meant to ask: Is that cream jacket the one you had copied in Hong Kong? It’s FABULOUS either way. Along with your cream boots, I call shotgun on that too if you ever give it up, (and if I lose 20 pounds)

Good point, Melllls.

I hear you Taylor, and appreciate your opinion. I’m not suggesting that they take the place of jeans, though. Nothing could take the place of denim! It’s merely an alternative IF you fancy the look. As I mentioned in the post, these pants are fairly skinny and scrunch at the ankle, which is why ballet flats work well. Also, micro-checks are much softer than jeans and for some woman that’s an important quality. BUT! If you prefer jeans, by all means wear them every day

So that’s what micro-checks are! I’ve had several dressy pants with a checked-pattern in them, but never anything as bold and well, micro, as what you’re wearing. Very nice — I’ll keep my eye out for them this spring!

The checks are much more noticable than I had thought we were talking about. I love the look. Thanks for showing us Angie.

San, you can get subtler versions. You’d rock a pair of checked pants.

Kristen, I think I’ve seen you in the dressy versions and they look great!

Maya, I had a similar jacket copied in HK. Good memory. I bought this cream one in Spain on the same day as the micro check pants. Your request is noted

Angie, I need your professional opinion. Do you think yellow handbags will be out of fashion in the near future? I’m considering buying for Spring a yellow patent handbag that is not inexpensive, but don’t want to do it if it will soon be considered last year’s trend.

Angie I adore seeing your pictures. I’m so happy they are becoming a “regular” on the site!! Your pants are amazing! If I see anything half as fab, I’ll be snapping them up!!

Karyn, I don’t think that a handbag in a solid primary or bright colour is going to date if you keep the style streamlined and modern.

Thanks, Tam. I can 100% see you sport a pair of micro-check pants with sass and edge!