Are these still modern? or Keep vs Consign: You be the Judge

In one of my first WIWs, I posted a pic of a professional outfit I planned to wear to give a presentation, and someone (cannot remember who) commented that she couldn't quite tell if my pants had a modern cut or not. That has stayed with me -- not in a bad way, but it has been a reminder to me that my professional clothing tends to hang around a LONG time. It's the fun clothing -- the casual clothing, the going out clothing, the work-at-home clothing -- that I tend to buy. I travel for work about 30% of the time, but I am only dressed for work about 10 hours out of any three day work trip, so work clothing does tend to last. (Is it any wonder that the grey jacket I wore last week had a high stance, and that I didn't even know what that meant?).

So...I've gone into my closet and pulled out my work trousers (all except a black pair I purchased immediately after reading the comment mentioned above - haha). These are ALL from Banana Republic. They all still fit, which is kind of remarkable, since I've gone down a size in the last year. I probably filled them out very well until this past year, and now they are loose.

So the question is....are they still acceptable? Should I ditch them and get new ones? They all seem to share a wide wastband and wid-ish legs. Also, two pairs have cuffs -- does anyone wear those anymore? Don't be shy. Tell me what to do. I've included two shots of each pair.

Don't worry about length. Except for the first pair, I've worn high loafers -- I can easily replace with lower heels to get PPL. (And BTW - does anyone wear loafers anymore? These are heeled metallic Calvin Klein loafers. Again, at least 4 years old. Consign and replace?) Please modernize me.

Oh - and please pardon the yoga gear on top.

Pair one: pale tan
Pair two: pale grey with cuffs
Pair three: navy with pinstripe
Pair four: black with cuffs

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11 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

For business wear, I think looking current has more to do with toppers and styling (as long as the pants aren't super wide or super skinny etc). I have classic black wool pants that are still going strong (8 years?): straight legs, nothing stand-out except they fit me really well. And I still have people ask me where I got them, so they don't look too out of date.

For your pants, the wide waistbands catch my eye without belts (especially for the tan pair), but a classic black vs. snakeskin pattern vs. pop of color would really affect how the pants look overall. The navy and black pants look just fine to me; I can't really tell with the lighter ones without them being in an outfit. The fit looks good for all of them.

retailgirl

I agree with Clara, and I think these look fine. In fact, I think they fit well. I view pants as basic and try to inject style with blazers,and tops. I didn't know cuffs were out, I love them. My only caveat is you need longish legs to pull them off, I think they're good on you. And I think loafers are also in right now, if they were ever out. Especially a refined loafer with a heel, or a kiltie or tassel detail.

AviaMariah

I agree with the other answers. I think these look fine and your toppers and accessories will make or break them as far as looking modern. If you're over the cuffs you could have those taken off easily for a change.

kkards

i worry about the same thing. sometimes it easier to retire casual stuff then work stuff because i have less invested in most of the pieces. anyway...
i think these look current and modern. i love the suede taupe pointed toe shoe/boot in #1. it looks like there is enought hem on these pants that if you wanted to you could add 1/2 inch or so in lenght.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

I agree with Clara that the super wide waistbands on the two pair are what caught my eye. Not that they don't look fine, it's just not a style that you are seeing much in stores right now. I would tend to style them with sweaters or shirts not tucked, but then that's what I wear 90% of the time anyway.

Liz A.

They look perfectly fine to me. Classics in my opinion. I would have trouble write belts though. Going unbelted is not an option in my style universe. What kind of belt to wear with a wide waistband?

That said a slimmer fit would be a more modern option. Why not mix some in?

Helena

Agree with the comments - they may not be super-modern looking (and for the record, I wouldn't know!!) but they look classic and well-fitting to me. Agree that untucked styles might be best with them!

Suz

That wide waistband is not unlike the one on Angie's beloved Alice and Olivia pants. So that doesn't rule them out. I do prefer these types of waistbands with a belt, though.

I think the fit is key, and it's really tough to judge, especially with the dark ones. I'd say you are aiming for a fluid, easy fit, but reined in a bit. Maybe read Angie's posts on these pants for the idea and then consider yours as against that. To my eye the grey ones look less good than the others, but I can't be sure it's not a trick of the light. Plus the details of the darker ones are hidden.

Be absolutely sure about PPL. I don't think a refined loafer is out -- and the point toe shoe in #1 makes them look super current.

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MsMaven

I used to have several pairs of these. I retired them and I wouldn't buy this style again, but I haven't seen it available for several years. I think the dark colors are fine and classic for business wear, but like others here, the light ones bother me. If it were me, I'd replace them with a pair in an up-to-date cut.

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