Ask Angie and all: trying the AT high-waisted pants

Here are the pleated high-waisted pants from AT.

Background is, I love high-waisted pants and skirts. I am pleat-magnet as well but realize they are tricky. A goal is to "make hay" when these items are available or trending, but not keep wearing ones that are dated. It's okay to be amongst a small % of people wearing such items, but would like to keep current. And if it's a really dry series of seasons, would forego any at all until they cycled back in.

So here they are.
I've shown several side views so you can see the front of the waistband. The faux leather waistband is not the snug fit shown on the model photo (the side view on the website) --on me it kind of laxes outward. It would be very difficult to tailor. At first it was off-putting with bare skin, but with soft tops tucked in, I'm thinking they fill it in with a little blousing. The pants are actually very comfortable because the fit through the hip supports them and there's no binding

I think this type of pant asks for pumps, with heel and showing skin, so I showed the best I have there (comfortable enough for work) , the Born low-heeled pump. But, realistically I would more often wear them with a refined boot, which I can do with about 1.5-2" heel, almond toe. The fabric is geared for cool-cold weather. Outside of work, I could also dress the pants up for nights out and could then wear a dressier pump, but this would not be where I can get the most use.

These are similar to my Theyskens' pleated pants, but the waist on those rides lower, and is belted.

I think in some photos I've tried to turn up the hem on one leg. They're plenty long to allow hemming to the right footwear.

So here are the questions:
--what about the overall look--modern enough for me, or off somehow? I am not shaped like the model, so the look is not as straight and slim!
--do you see the waistband as a problem, deal-breaker--does your eye expect it to lie flat and snug?
--footwear--do boots defeat the concept? I showed the pale silk blouse as a way to lighten the look, if no foot showing. Other options?

Any other thoughts or suggestions?

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Ann Taylor

High Waisted Pants

View Info

Top Pick

10 years ago

pil

Veteran

The waistband doesn't appear to be an issue to my eye, and the pleats appear to be rather subtle. Overall modernity of look and shoes I won't comment on since I have no idea. The leather waistband is an interesting touch and if the higher waist and pleats have been a HEWI for you then I hope these work!

Emily

I really like the look of these! They look very modern on you with the leather waistband and lovely soft shape.

To my eye the boots give a bit of an irreverent/Katherine Hepburn sort of vibe. For pumps I'd rather see a pointy shape like on the model, but the pumps you have on look good too.

I'm torn, because though I LOVE these on you from the front, but the waistband gap does bother me. Are you sure they couldn't be taken in just a touch at the waist?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You were MADE for these high waisted pleated pants, unfrumped. They shorten your torso and look absolutely gorgeous. Wow. This is your look.

Can't really see the problem with the waistband in the photo - can you have it altered?

Pointy toe footwear amps up this look. Round toes are fine, but not too round.

Anonymous

Wow! I had he exact same reaction as Angie! These are so perfect for your body type; you're wise to want to snap these up. They look fabulous and modern on you. I'm on the world's smallest laptop right now, so I can't enlarge the pictures enough to see any issue with the waist. I hope you can alter/make peace with it so you can KEEP these.

Suz

unfrumped, I LOVE these pants on you. 80s fabness comes alive. Super flattering for your body type. I would like a pair of this kind of pant, too. Not sure I could wear them but I would like to try. I'll bet Tanya could rock these, too.

Can you show it with a few different booties?

For the waistband -- can you size down at all? It might be worth a try just in case.

Diana

I really like this silhouette on you! Much better on you than on the model IMO. I prefer the slouchier fit (and proper pants length) that you have vs. the fit on the model. So I wouldn't size down because I think you'll lose that perfectly slouchy, Katherine Hepburn vibe. I see what you mean with the waist in photo #2 but not in the other side views, so I'm wondering how noticeable it is (if at all) when you are in motion and not awkwardly trying to take a profile pic! (It looks to me like you're leaning backward in all your profile shots.)

I think they'd be fine with booties. You could try a lighter colored bootie also.

unfrumped

Thanks, pil and Emily.
Emily, the waist is probably alterable in some sense, but it's one piece, no seams, and the side hook-and-loop closure is factory-stapled in not sewn on.
So I'm reluctant to mess with it.

Angie, thank you for the comments! I appreciate the analysis of "torso shortening" which serves as a guide to some other combinations that give a similar effect.

clearlyclaire, Suz, and Diana--thanks for chiming in! Suz, I'm sized down to a 2 and no more. I need the stride length and room in the seat. I'd almost prefer more, er, drape in the seat but I can get away with this fit because it's a kind of ponte knit.
I'd like to do pointy toes, but my feet won't let me.Except the rare flat, but I don't want to hem these for complete flats. However, for my wardrobe in general I'm up for trying different styles of booties, if almond-toed at least, for different effects in heel style, sleekness, color--things that might help make it look more dressy or elongating while still comfortable. These are directions that are fun but will still work with other items I wear or expect to wear.

My pleasure, and I have to echo Suz - '80s Fabness.

Well, I say keep these then and play with your shoes. Really great and elegant trousers!

fathenry

I think these look really good on you. You look super slim so no worries there! As for styling, i leave that to the other experts here. I always like a pointed toe shoe so that would be my first inclination. Seems to work well with trousers.

Category