Branching out - trousers - YouLookFab Forum

Yesterday afternoon my half of the city had a power cut so we got to leave work early

I had an appointment at the hairdresser so had the opportunity to do some shopping.

Spring and autumn I mainly wear trousers to work and at home. I wear my dresses and skirts in summer when it is warm enough for bare legs and winter when I don’t get too hot in tights.

I’ve been thinking about style goals and even more so after reading La Ped’s post. The big one for me is to be more adventurous without losing “me”.

I had this in mind when I went shopping yesterday. Here’s some outfits I tried on. Any advice please (improve your posture and photo technique is probably a good start!)

#1 black paper bag waisted trousers and floral tank. Do paper bag trousers only work with tank tops camisoles? What do you wear for toppers?

#2 & #3 - pinkish drawstring trousers. I like the colour but I don’t think they work right. What do you do for shoes? White? Inspired by Mirjana’s column of loveliness the other day. I have a white linen short sleeved top these would look great with in summer.

#4 #6 - wide leg crops. These are cropped in the wrong place I think. Also i need not a cropped top and something more boxy?

#5 - plaid trousers with pleats. They have a red racing stripe down the side. They are pull on. Quite comfy. I could definitely wear them for work.

Anyway it’s a rainy Saturday here in NZ so one of my other tasks is to read any posts Angie has done about dressing these looks.

This post has 6 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.

5 years ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I love those pink drawstrings with the black shirt--pairing it with masculine clothing or shoes would make it really interesting.

kkards

i love the plaid pants in #4...and i think the wide leg crops have promise, but need to be shorter...the paperbag in #1 seem to fit well and i like them with that tank...i wear mine with a regular tee that i semi/faux tuck...the only pair i'm not sure of is the pink, they seem more casaul than the other pants, and i'm not sure if that's what you are looking for. did you try them with the floral tank from #1?

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Unfortunately the pink trousers and the floral tank are in different stores so I couldn’t try them together.

I do like the plaid with pleats and I think I would wear them a lot. I have a leather jacket that would look good with them.

ETA - the pink ones are a more relaxed look, but the fabric is the highest quality out of the four (and they are the most expensive). I can wear them to work on non-external meeting days and I’m thinking they would be great on cooler summer evenings.

Joy

5 is my favorite on you, followed by 4 & 6, with wide leg crops.

Cardiff girl

I love those plaid wideleg crops on you and I suspect that plaid will be big again Autumn/winter.I feel that the pink trousers are alittle too large on you and whilst I approve of some slouch in a trouser these are veering into baggy territory,could you size down?

Cardiff Girl - I could definitely try in a size down. These are a NZ 10, but I can try an NZ 8.

Katerina

My favourite is no 5 - look great, and I also like the floral top in the first picture. The black trousers seem to look good too, but it’s difficult to see properly. The cropped trousers in 4 and 6 look nice too. I agree with Cardiff girl regarding the pink trousers - maybe a smaller size?

Katerina - yes, it’s really hard to take photos of black trousers in changing room light.

Out of the three #5 are probably least out of my comfort zone.

Bijou

You have a great figure, so all of these look good and so only buy what you love because I think most things will look smashing on you.

#5 is my favourite. I love the red stripe, it makes the classic cut and check more fun. They fit beautifully on you.

The paperboy waist pants are great too, but you need to wear them with tops tucked in, otherwise the waist gets bulky. Soft crepe shirts in any colour would work with these pants. I like the idea of black pants with a paper bag waist, it makes a standard black pant a bit more special. I would have though most cropped jackets would work with these pants.

The pink pant is lovely, but too big, you definitely need the size 8. I like this style of pant worn with metallic booties, a shoe that I have that I wear with a similar style pant is in finds.

Bijou - thank you. Because of illness I lost a significant amount of weight very quickly about 18 months ago. I’m still trying to get used to my new size.

I might go and try those trousers on again later in the week. I’ll post an update.

bj1111

Sorry to hear about your illness...did this prompt your return to nz?

The pants in #5 are so good. I can see the pink with lighter colors (top/shoes). Paper bag waists should work with any shape top as long as it’s tucked or short enough to show off the feature. I could see it with a blouson blouse tucked.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I like both pairs of plaid pants best - culottes, and what I think look like crops. Culottes look like a good length in the pic. Great with a cropped boxy top, or welted cropped top - or semi-tucked fluid top.

karen13

I lost 3-4 dress sizes over about 6 months nearly 3 years ago, after being the same size for 20+ years, also fairly quickly (just started focusing on fitness and nutrition). I really struggled with having to replace my whole wardrobe and not knowing why things didn't look the way I wanted. I got caught up in buying things because they were the right size, and not focusing on the fit or whether they were right for me. That frustration led me to YLF.

You are absolutely doing the right thing, analyzing and getting feedback. Personally, I found the Style Statement (5 adjective style descriptors and a three-word moniker) exercise that a lot of people engage in around Jan 1 to be very helpful - after resisting it for the prior two years. YLF really helped with that.

BJ - I’ve actually been back in NZ coming up 7 years. I just don’t want the impression that I still live in the UK.

My health conditions are both auto-immune, I’m always going to control them, never going to be “cured”. Being sick has resulted some anxiety issues, which I also have to work at controlling.

Angie - thanks so much for your input. I’ve seen a few trousers plaid and in these styles about, so I’m just going to keep trying on. My eyes aren’t yet adjusted to culottes - but they are a good solution for the Wellington spring.

Karen - I’ve actually put on about 10 lbs in the last 12 months. It’s a good thing, I didn’t try and lose weight and was verging on looking frail. What has surprised me is my change in shape. My bust in particular, even my feet lost weight.

I’m now at a stage where I’m starting to get my confidence back. Really wanting to get my style sorted, including hair and make up is a big part of that.

Category