J Crew pants dilema - YouLookFab Forum

So I bought these warm stone pants before I started reading YLF and they were a pretty good amount of money for me to spend on a pair of pants so I can't really justify chucking them. I still have to have them hemmed, so I could have a tailor take in a little if they look too large (I was between sizes and so I went with the larger size).

I've put together some outfit options that I currently have in my closet but I'm open to other suggestions. I know the color isn't fab, but what else can I do to put together at least acceptable outfits?

Ink blue cardigan & lavender cami (I can't wear black, so ink blue and chocolate brown are the closest I come to a dark neutral)
http://i302.photobucket.com/al.....010083.jpg
Bright green AT cardigan & apple green cami:
http://i302.photobucket.com/al.....010084.jpg
Fuchsia top (after reviewing, I think this comes to close to the dreaded pepto pink and khaki look SAHMs are infamous for):
http://i302.photobucket.com/al.....010085.jpg
Chocolate brown sweater:
http://i302.photobucket.com/al.....010089.jpg

I tried to stay with more fitted top options since the pants are a little on the wide side. Thanks for any help and suggestions.

18 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I don't think they're really that bad. The fit looks good if they don't stretch. I would wash them first before you have them hemmed in case they shrink up a little in length.

I would say that I like the first three options, with 2 and 3 being my favorite. The lime green and the pinky red top are nice. My least favorite is the brown sweater. I think brown looks nice with denim (and bright accessories) and white because it makes it look crisper. I think the key to these pants is making them look clean and crisp. That's why khaki is a hard neutral to wear, it's more difficult to do this with khaki than white or black or even red. I think you're right to wear a more fitted silhouette on top as well.

I would stick with bright colors and black with these pants. Another nice option would be a white button up and a red cardigan, with black accessories like a patent belt or black jewelry and bag. This is a very classic combination. If you decide to go with navy, which you could as well, I would avoid a navy cardigan, and wear a navy top with some interesting detailing, like this:

http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/p.....=cat303177

http://www.ralphlauren.com/pro.....age=family

http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/p.....d=cat90224

And then add a white or red cardigan or jacket over it if you think you need one for warmth. Or choose a navy cardigan with detailing:

http://www.bodenusa.com/col.as.....;gen=1#img

This will be a more modern, "updated" look than a plain navy cardigan.

Nicole

Ok I agree with Ana that the pants are not bad. I wear tan pants, so obviously I don't have a problem with them. (In my head, I just counted 3 pair of tan pants and 2 tan skirts). Since you don't wear black (that is an obvious choice), you are on the right track with your ink blue option. I have the same green cardi and I like it with your pants...I have not worn mine yet, maybe I'll try it with one of my tan skirts this week. I don't care for the pink or brown top as much, but I think a long white cami peeking out under those tops might make it work a little better. I especially like the pants with your new orange sandals.

Do you have any patterned tops, perhaps sleeveless with either a wrap feature or fitted thru the waist? Can you wear black if it's part of a pattern? Or like a black cami under a white or bright cardi? I'm thinking the tan pants and the black cardi will be your two neutrals, and then a bright pop of color--would work.

Dana

Active Member

Ana, thanks so much for the options. I like the striped tank and the halter. Do you think a more feminine shirt (in a cream or white) would work under the ink cardigan and not look so outdated (I'm thinking of the halter in white under the ink cardigan)?

Nicole, I do have a couple of patterned wrap tops that I did not try. I will try those. I can't wear black camis as I am so fair that I look like death is around the corner, but I can wear black if it is part of a pattern (as long as it is more than black & white in the pattern). I have a fitted ink wrap shirt that I didn't try as well (it's in the laundry pile). I can try that too.

Thanks guys

Tanya

I also think that the pants are OK, and both Nicole and Ana made some lovely suggestions. I like your first three outfits, the last one is in my opinion a bit boring. I also think your last idea of a feminine shirt under the navy cardigan is nice. Try it on!

nancy

I would consider a something like a short trench jacket or a solid cardigan (with pint shirt underneath) in a funky color and then chunky jewlery to spice up the look. Maybe a patent bag too and wedge sandals.

Sorry for my poor typing skills...I meant a print top under the cardigan or jacket.

shiny

The last one is a bit boring, but add a short-sleeve, fitted white jacket and a statement necklace that has a pop of color....

I think the white halter under the ink blue cardigan would work nicely. Like everyone else, I just think it's kind of boring, so adding something that has interesting details will spice it up a bit. You could wear a patent red belt over the white halter and the blue cardigan and that would look very polished, I think. Also a long necklace might look really nice. I would just avoid wearing the cardigan plain with a tank or something.

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