Derek Lam DesigNation pants - YouLookFab Forum

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Derek Lam DesigNation pants

Day Vies

Veteran

It took me a while to wear these. I wasn't sure what tops would work well because there is more volume in the hips and jackets and tops covering this area looked rather bulky. I tried a couple of combinations and came up with this for work today. Seems like this would have worked well for the Indiana Jones challenge last month.

I love the ponte knit fabric and they were very comfortable. I felt almost too casual for work. Tell me what you think and alternative styling suggestions are welcomed.

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18 replies

Latest reply was from rae

deb

Veteran

Love this look on you. The belt is great. What about a silk button up?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love this look! The jacket's really great, too. Is it BR?

The safari or military styling of the jacket might have added a bit to the casual feel; if you have another jacket that does not add bulk then perhaps that would have made you feel a bit less casual? You look very polished, as always. Love the kick of the turquoise shoes.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

VA VA VOOM! YOU GO GIRL. I looooove your pants and that jacket and the best is totally fabulous!

And you look so happy! You must be happy with this outfit

Joy

Veteran

Yum! Those turquoise shoes are gorgeous.
You are showing me a different way to wear pants like this. I've got some black silk full capris with tapered legs and only wear them with silky tops. The belt, tucked tee and jacket add structure and give the pants a completely different look. As soon as it warms up more you will probably see me trying to style them.

Day Vies

Veteran

Deb -- I don't have a silk button up. I admit I have been sacred to invest in one for fear that it wouldn't button up correctly. I am still shuddering over a red silk button up I had 15 years ago. I think the silk blouse would drape nicely -- I'll have to get over myself.

Suz -- this jacket is an example of leave no retail stone unturned. It is NOT from BR it is from Sears. This jacket is at least 9 years old -- it has held up beautifully. I think you nailed why I felt so casual in this outfit -- the printed jacket I contemplated wearing with it was perfectly proportioned but it looked too 80's like I never changed my look in the interim.

Lyn - yep this was a happy outfit. I think it was because it felt so comfy. It's definitely outside my normal lady-like mode but I have a boyish streak.

Joy -- Yep, I love these shoes. They have this gold pattern running through them that convinced me they'd be a great buy. I guess the one consistent part of any outfit I put together is color I have to have it!)

Marley

Veteran

Wowza! You look beautiful! I think I'd try something a little more loose fitting on top, just to see how that works with the pants. To me, ponte knit pants are kind of body con - and so maybe balance them out with a flowy, less body-con top?

Anonymous

I love it DV! I rather like rather jacket with it. I think it's fine to show your boyish side occasionally. Great shoes too

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I love it, too! The jacket adds enough structure imo. The colors are as always sublime, and you look very confident and not too casual.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Well, let's say you KNOW how to transform any piece into a killer look!

And the length is so flattering on your legs too. Perfect footwear.
I am still recovering.

My experience with these (volume on hips) is that it tends to look good with oversized long top, semi tucked or all-around loosely tucked precisely to avoid the bulk and rather create a smaller waist. Top must be long enough to cover tush, and drape appropriately for the silhouette to remain tall if you semi-tuck. I guess it could even be a roomy tunic. Then with that slouchy look, I find a little heel works better than flats.

But now I will certainly try your solution: a wide, interesting belt to cinch the waist and bring the eye upward, a crisp white tee and a softer, more relaxed but very cute jacket to break any strictness the rest may have. It is so perfect! And you look radiant!

Eliza

Veteran

You always look so polished. I would like to see the pants with a top with a bit more length and volume, both belted and not. That belt adds a lot to your look. Agree that the jacket adds a casual vibe and these pants can probably go in a few directions. Great versatility.

deb

Veteran

Day, have you ever thought about having a seamstress make you a few button ups? Just a thought.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Your ability to combine colors and items is just brilliant! You really understand how to make things work beautifully!

Thistle

Veteran

YLF!! You always look so very put together!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I think this works really well DV - the pants are a nice slim fit and look great with the turquoise flats. Brilliant layering with the tops and jacket and that fantastic belt really showcases your beautiful figure.

Because the pants are quite slim fitting, would a voluminous blouse work over top? Or do you need to tuck with these ones?

Anonymous

I have no useful suggestions except to say you look lovely! I think you should investigate a silk button down too!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

This is such a great outfit on you Day Vies - love that jacket with the pants and the belt is perfect with it. It's obvious why you would feel happy in this!

Day Vies

Veteran

Deb -- I think it's worth investigating. I don't think I need to go so far as to invest in a custom blouse. Talbot's offers them every year in the fall. I just have to take the plunge and order them in my size. I think Ann Taylor makes them in my size and offers them in the fall too. I guess I need to stop living in the past and get a silk button-down.

Krishnidoux - I love your suggestion! I have to find just the right top it has to be cut generously with out being shapeless. I think I found the perfect candidate. I have a cobalt blue linen sweater I picked up from JCrew and it's oversized and has volume but not to the point where I look shapeless. I think I will try that out soon and post the look.

Shannon -- I don't think I need to tuck. These pants are a silhouette I haven't worn since I was in jr. high and high school. (I had a very different body then). I think I have to play around with volume on top to figure out how much volume and drape I can pull off. I'll just have to put in the work and try on the pants with several tops I have in mind.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Super cute! I love the addition of the belt!