Athleta barrel pants - update and thoughts downthread - YouLookFab Forum

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Athleta barrel pants - update and thoughts downthread

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I ordered the light olive and navy to try, after finding the black ones to be quite interesting in store last week. These were an Angie pick!

Well, they’ve arrived, and I like them both. I tried them on with a variety of tops and shoes — even paired the olive ones with black booties and black top for a cooler weather style — and I can see either color being useful.

I didn’t take pics. I’ve done something to tweak my lower back and am taking it slow today — no attention to makeup or hair, so I was not into the idea of selfies. My original assumption was that that olive would be more useful for me, but I was surprised to find just as many good combinations with the navy pair. So I’m undecided. I could see either one getting lots of wear, and I have three old pairs of pants that I’m thinking of letting go, which would make room for updates. Just not sure if I want to invest in two pairs of the same pants. I guess I have a little time to decide since Athleta has a generous return window.

Funny though - they fit me sooooo differently than the models. The waist on the navy ones is below her navel — on me it comes way up to just a few inches from my bra band. I can semi-tuck a top if I blouse it a little bit to cover some of the high waist, but mostly I’d be wearing shorter, slightly cropped untucked tops with this style. The stretchy fabric does mean they are comfortable though, even with the high waist.

How do you decide between two colors in an item?

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28 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

Ginger

Veteran

"

How do you decide between two colors in an item?"

Usually I don't. I will buy both, at least with bottoms, since I'm so hard to fit and picky. One always ends up being worn more. But often it's not the one I think it will be when I make the purchase. And more than once, I'll end up with another piece some time later that makes the less-used color suddenly very useable!

cat2

Veteran

For hard to fit items, I just buy both colors. For anything else, I look at which color is less represented in my wardrobe, and buy that. I like introducing new things.

Lynette

I don't usually love having multiples in the same style. If I can't decide I ask the hubs what he likes! I know you often do that too.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

To further complicate things, this is also a nice color. It would span the seasons and plays with my blues, blacks and whites well, whereas the navy is not likely to be worn with black tops. Hmm.

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LJP

Veteran

I'd pick the olive for you. I'm not a fan of having two of the same pant when they are such a specific style and cut.

Sal

Veteran

These are really nice. I tend not to buy multiples but I have done so.

- I have two pairs of the same tailored straight leg pants. Navy/red
- I have three tee shirts of the same style. Black/white/red

I regret buying the red tee shirt but all the other multiples have been a good addition.

I would go with the pair that makes you happiest or the ones that might fill a hole - my new cream jeans did that and suddenly lots of shoes and tops had a new option.

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Sometimes when I’m torn between two similar items, the question is answered for me because I decide to wear one first — I figure if it was the first one I chose, I’ll be more likely to wear it than the other one!

Dee

Veteran

Oh it's tough to choose sometimes, but I always feel there's one colour that I'm leaning into more. I've stopped buying multiples in different colours because in the end I always wear the OG favorite way more.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I would take the olive out and wear it all day. If you love them and they are comfortable, don't bag out, don't seem to overpower the outfit, etc. I would keep the navy also. I don't think the silhouette is so extreme, which would be the only reason I would hesitate duplicating (although I do have duplicates of some strong silhouettes if I think about it).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like the dark green (you haven't tried yet) best for you, Janet! (You posted it down the thread). It's cool toned, and great with blues, blacks and whites. (See below):

AND the navy!

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LJP

Veteran

Oh oops - the olive I like for you is what Angie is calling dark green.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I like both the navy and the darker green. They seem slightly more unexpected with the pants’ shape.

I will often duplicate pants that I know work for me.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, all! This has been helpful. LOL I have now ordered the dark green pair to try too! I think those might be the ticket. A little less expected, as Lisa points out, yet still versatile. I like it more than the light olive, strictly as a color, but I think it would be just as useful as the navy, plus would pair with my black tops better. We’ll see when they arrive!

Jaime, I agree that the less exaggerated barrel shape of these makes them a little more wearable and less obvious if duplicated. But I am not averse to duplicating a style that really works for me, especially in pants since they are not always an easy fit!

DonnaF

Veteran

For whatever reason, I associate navy with Corporate so I tend to shy away from it so that’s my bias. I like the dark olive best for you because I think you will find it most versatile with what you own.

LJP

Veteran

I can’t get past corporate / flight attendant either with navy pants . Glad I’m not the only one !

sarah

Veteran

LOL, I've been trying to decide the very same thing! Good luck. I think the dark greens will be fabulous on you, although all are winners.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have similar concerns about navy, so yes, the dark green would be in the lead for me too….

However, I have now thrown a spanner (using Angie’s terminology!) into the barrel-legged works!

I have been eyeing the Nili Lotan Shon pants for a few years now. I love the vibe of them. I know someone who has them in denim and she wears them all the time and they look so cool. I finally decided to order a pair to satisfy my curiosity.

This is not a great picture (in a fitting room with a Rag & Bone vest I was trying too). But I love these pants. They are super comfortable stretch cotton, lightweight but substantial enough to be worn nearly year-round. They have a loose slouchy vibe that may not be to everyone’s taste, but I really like it. They run big! I’m wearing a size 10/30 in most jeans and pants these days but this is an 8, and I could get away with a 6, but I like the ease.

I brought them home (ordered online and picked up at Nordstrom Rack) and my husband loves them too. So I cut the tags and wore them last night with a cropped white shirt and black sandals to meet friends for a brewpub’s anniversary party. I rolled the hems a little to show a bit more ankle and I like that effect.

I’m still going to consider the dark green Athleta pants when they arrive. The technical fabric of those would be great for travel and for photo exploring days, when I would like to look good but still be able to get on the ground without being precious about my clothes.

I’m feeling this silhouette at this stage of my style evolution, regardless of trend. After all, I’ve been wearing the Maria Cornejo pants below for a few years now and never fail to feel right in them. The Shon pants also feel like me. When I go to wear some of my more basic cropped pants now, I feel…basic. I admire classic style on others but it just doesn’t feel right to me anymore.

This whole little side quest has me realizing that for years I thought I did not “do” trendy bottoms. It was because I didn’t like the prevailing trends! Skinny, cropped flares, etc. I’ve always preferred full length flares, full-length wide legs, and a cropped style that is fitted at the hip with a little volume, but a taper at the hem. So yeah, I *do* do trendy bottoms, LOL.

PS. I also brought home the vest in the photo to try with some outfits. It’s just a little deep in the armholes worn alone, but wearable with one of my Uniqlo Airism camis. And of course to try it layered over other tops for cooler weather.

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Dee

Veteran

I think these pants look great and suit your style nicely. To me, your style seems artsy and a bit edgy, so I can see why some classics just wouldn't work as well for you.

ChristelJ

Veteran

I think both the pants and the vest look fab, and very stylish.

Irina

Veteran

These pants look great on you!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The Nili Lotan pants look FABULOUS, Janet! They are lantern pants - cousin to barrels like horseshoe silhouettes.

These NL pants are winners are some clients too

JAileen

Veteran

I really like the pants and vest together.

When I find something I really like, and it’s a great fit, I’ll buy multiple colors. Also, I’m not against navy at all. In fact, grey and navy are the foundations of my wardrobe. Anyway, I’ve done this with Columbia hiking pants, and recently with a North Face hoodie. Granted, they are gear, but that’s what I wear at home.

Sal

Veteran

Love the new outfit - very cool on you.

Cookie

Veteran

Those look totally great on you. I like them with the vest too.

LJP

Veteran

I love the Nili Lotans. I've always liked her pieces but they are pretty far outside of my budget. They also aren't sold locally so there's nowhere to even see them. I think they look great on you, and are are more interesting than the Athleta's for sure - although as you say the Athleta's could meet a different need/end use. Like the vest too !

I know what you mean about basic jeans just not feeling interesting enough. I go back and forth on this issue though : today I'm wearing cuffed lower rise boyfriend jeans and a slouchy linen sweater and for a very basic outfit, I feel good. But I also tried on some barrel jeans yesterday and despite having bought a couple of pair last year when they first started appearing here at retail and deciding I looked huge and short in them, I have found newer-still styles that feel very cool and interesting. I have them on order Dear John is the brand, which was new to me.

Lisa

Veteran

Sorry to hear about the back. I've been struggling with back issues the past few years so I can sympathize.

I will often duplicate hard to fit items but if I can only pick one of a color, I usually got for the one that I can create more outfits with from items I already own. The vest and pants outfit looks lovely together.

I had green pants and found them VERY versatile. If they still fit I'd still own them. Needless to say, green pants are on my shopping list for fall because of how versatile they can be.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hope your back is better! I love the pants you chose to buy and also like the barrel pants -- and think the tech fabric could be fabulous for your photo shoots and travel. Always good to have that option.

(Also, I will take all navy pants off everyone else's hands because I love love love me some navy pants and don't feel corporate in that colour.)

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Suz -- and everyone! My back was better after a day of rest. I can usually recover from those tweaks quickly if I ease back into my routine. Yay for pilates! I think that's helped A LOT.

I LOVE the Shon pants. I want to wear them constantly already. I've already laundered them once and they do great in the wash. I'm even considering a second pair, bought secondhand if I find a color irresistible. Burgundy??? That would be fab. I've been wanting burgundy pants for years. These pants feel like a good update to my old chinos, which are getting a little worn and feel a bit preppy to me.

I haven't ruled out the navy or the dark olive in the Athleta pants. I have looked at them in my closet a couple of times, and I can see the navy ones really working with a lot. I think this cut takes them out of corporate territory, actually. I'll mull it over.