Plaid pants: cute or golfing gear?

Beth

I bought these at JCrew several years ago. I'll admit to wearing them with a sweater and pearls (oh, how unoriginal). Looking at them with new eyes though, I wonder... are they redeemable or should they be consigned to preppy oblivion?

And if they can be made cool, how would you style these?

http://s44.photobucket.com/alb...../plaid.jpg

16 years ago

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from RoseandJoan

Queen Mum

Veteran

try putting together some outfits with stuff in your closet and post some pics! I"m sure others will have some fab ideas- I don't have that gift.

16 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I need to see them in some outfits too they are such a statement piece i'm guessing keep the top fairly plain/ neutral? x

16 years ago

Dashrashi

Veteran

I'd say it depends how they fit. Plaid can also have a punk/rock edge, if that helps generate any ideas. I also think plaid is a pattern that can be mixed well with other "conservative" patterns, like unobtrusive pinstripes, houndstooth, etc.

16 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

my instinct is to pair it with something black and tough- stud belt, black boots or a moto jacket. (But that might just be because I wore a pair of plaid bondage pants to death back in the day.)
How about sticking out from under a simple tunic?

16 years ago

Louise

Veteran

Chewy i get skinhead vibes from that. Not sure if this was just in the uk but there were groups of 'skinheads' who wore tartan trousers, doc martins, leather jackets, studs etc. They were prevalent in the 80's not so much now i don't think.
This piccie isn't with the tartan trousers but you get my drift
http://conservativehome.blogs......970c-250wi

Edit- Personally i think they need a bit of a softer, girly edge like the idea of perhaps a tunic x

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yup. I'm all over that punk look. Love it.

Back to pants. Lets see them on.

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I'm with Lousie. I wore this look when I was 16 and I can't help but feel that I'd rather see it done differently today. In other words, lose the black combat boots and tough edge and go for something more unexpected. Otherwise, it becomes a costume and you'll look silly trying to do punk rock from head to toe.

16 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

I have a friend who wears them with a tee, blazer and pearls. I am style-challenged so not sure if that is a good thing.

16 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

I think that these are great. I agree that they have to fit really well, if they don't, have them tailored. An fun option would be change the silhouette and have them tailored into capris that narrow at the ankle, a la Hepburn or Jackie O...then you could do polo shirts, a white cotton shirt, even a denim shirt.

Otherwise, besides punk, which I love, would be a jean jacket ( a dark one ) with various color t-shirts. I also love the idea of one of those lightweight open cardigans that everyone is doing right now.

16 years ago

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

I'm with others. As long as they fit your great, these are workable. I see them as a coloured version of the ubiquitous CM microchecks many ladies on the forum here own. I see black with it!!!

16 years ago

shana

Veteran

I think they are very cute & totally workable. I wouldn't do the polo shirt route - a bit too Miffy from the Preppy Handbook and you don't seem very punk to me so I can't see you in docs & a moto jacket either. I like the idea of glamming them up a bit - maybe a more sophisticated leather jacket (not necessarily a hardcore moto style but something a little softer) or a cute shrunken BF blazer plus a graphic tee + cute ballet flats? I hate recreating looks exactly from a previous incarnation - I think it's important to modernize in some way.

Ugh, Louise, that skinhead pic is sooo creepy!

16 years ago

Sihaya

Veteran

How about with a denim jacket?

16 years ago

Jean Gray

Active Member

I think they could definitely work. I have a weakness for plaid myself. I always gravitate toward it. Don't currently have it in my wardrobe though so I'm excited to see how you decide to style it.
When I saw them I thought of Kasmira of "What I Wore". I love her blog. I searched her site and found some outfits that might give you some ideas.

http://whatiwore2day.blogspot......d-mad.html
http://whatiwore2day.blogspot......dling.html

As I think someone else mentioned you probably will want to keep everything else simple. I was wondering if incorporating a touch of lace might work? I agree with Louise...I would try to add a girly/feminine edge as one possiblility at least.

Have fun with it...can't wait to see what you come up with!

16 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I would be inclined to add a simple fitted white button down and black heels for a sophisticated take on the look.

I really like these trousers but don't wear tartan since moving to Scotland.
http://www.bensherman.com/weba.....0551_19102

16 years ago

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