EF pants: JFE? Y/N - YouLookFab Forum

Should have connected this to Angie's spring shopping tips but here are some EF pants (via Garnet Hill, no Find) I am trying on. Attracted to pleats, waist, and fabric--fabric is a smooth, crisp (to start) Tencel-linen blend. Advertised as longer in stride and high waist but they barely hit MY waist haha!
They are "boxier" than what would be most flattering but that also lets them hang straight and not creep up legs. I can also hear the pant-length issues--they could be hemmed but then would have to be re-tapered as well. I am a bit of a renegade in that I tolerate "longer ankle pants" though for that I wear a lower-vamped shoe so some top of foot will always show. Also with these pants being wider-legged, they are more schtumpy if shorter. My environmental norm is lengths all over the place, all kinds of shoes and sock combinations.
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Drawbacks are that the backwaist is elastic, not a finished waistband with darts, so that the back view is kinda JFE, and no belt loops. I generally eschew no-loop pants that want belts because belt will ride up in back, and so for these a belt would cover the back elastic if it would stay put.. For these I might be stimulated to try to add some unobtrusive floss (?) loops if I could find the right stuff.
Shown with 3 tucked tops and one boxy untucked top.

Comments and suggestions, Y/N welcomed.

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6 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Definitely JFE and better. The way you've styled them with the fluid blouses and tops has a really relaxed European sort of feel. Gorgeous and definitely flattering.

Joy

JFE, but if you do not feel happy with them and would reach for something else, they should go back. I really like all your stylings especially #2.

Liz A.

I like the look but I wonder if they might be too big.

Janet

(website)

I’ve seen you in pants I like much better. To me, they look too big and baggy all over. The length is an issue for me too — they aren’t exactly a crop length, but they are a bit short on you.

karen13

I see the appeal of the fabric and they are certainly JFE, but I think you can do better. Your description of the back view as questionable makes me worry you won't feel fab in them. Belt loops will be hard unless you shorten and have enough fabric to use - I don't think they would look good with thread loops. Maybe thin grosgrain ribbon if you could find a match.

unfrumped

Appreciate the reviews.
They’re not too big in terms of size, but the style IS baggy. Hence trying to think whether to go “ next!” vs. use as intentionally baggy. I do have to watch out for settling, as so many pants are “ so close” but wish were a little more this or that. I’ve been having problems with tapered ankle pants hanging up on my legs, even ones I thought sure would not do that, and wider ones looking stumpy.
Some versions of cropped flares work better but I haven’t found “ the ones”. Also cuffed ankle pants sometimes work better for some reason— balance hips, I think.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I’m a nay. Not flattering enough. Back they go.

Karen13, Janet, thanks for your advice. Angie, thanks for weighing in.
Hmmm. I could be dissuaded. These are baggy and not targeted for loungewear. My BR pants (Find) fit better though have fewer outfit companions, the outfits probably are sharper and more professional.
I should remember not just to try things on but also to get out “ reference outfits” to compare: “ how would this new item advance my ...( style goals , occasion wear, etc).

Plus I know I get intrigued by EF fabrics and construction. And sales.

Banana Republic

Avery-Fit Stripe Tie-Waist Linen Pant

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LaPed

I'm on the fence about these. I love the styling in #3 -- the loafers and the camel sweater pick up on a menswear vibe that I think is quite delightful. But, to me, elastic waists always read very loungewear and offsetting that with other elements is a real pain. Limited styling options.

There is a lot of tempting EF stuff on sale right now, isn't there?

Irina

I would try to crop them. I find this style works better when pants are shorter.

Staysfit

My inclination would be to keep looking. The back being JFE and the elastic waist that needs some sort of belt and addition of belt loops to hold it in place sounds like too much trouble. I think you will be able to find something similar but better.

jussie

I do like the way you’ve styled them... and you’re right, they are Sooo close!
Personally I think the length is ok, and that waist is ok, but it’s the thigh area that seems just a smidgen too baggy.
Best of luck in your search for dressy pants.

Lynn

Agree that these are OK but not terrific. In the photos it appears that they sit low on your hip and that plus their length looks like it visually shortens your leg length (especially in #3). But that might just be the angle of the photos.

Some of the issue may be the fabric- you said it was crisp. Pleated pants in crisp fabrics often kind of balloon out away from the body. Same goes for elasticized waists. If the fabric softens with washing then they will probably drape much better. Tercel-linen should soften but no guarantee and I don't know if you want to take a chance on that.

I like they way you styled them. Personally I think you can do better.

Lynn you have identified what may be a key flaw, not just the baggy- ness but that they’re really too low- waisted for what I need in a “ waisted” pant. I need the waist to sit higher up, to keep my “ top half” shorter and also allow the fullness to fall at hip and not thigh. Good points.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

If I'm understanding correctly:

They would need more extensive alterations, besides shortening.

You are limited in the sort of footwear you would wear with these.

The belt thing, which would make these fussy pants.

They barely hit your waist.

More alterations to add floss belt loops.

You use the word "boxier than what would be most flattering"

And the big deal-breaker finale for me: "schtumpy".

These pants are sunk costs, time + money, and not merely for the price of the pants.

I'm a hard 'nay'. Life is too short to wear pants that are barely squeaking into JFE - and only if you invest additional time and money into them.

cindysmith

Part of me thinks they're too 80s. Not in a referential way, more like they really look like they were around in the 80s. I could like them if the length were a bit longer.

LBD, I know, right? Not sure why it was so hard for me to put 2+2 together but I seemed to be fighting my own best instincts.
cindysmith , ack! Maybe because the bagginess evokes the not- good capris, even though not capri length.
I actually tried & returned several other type of pleated pants including some “ high - end” wool. Things like unlined itchy wool fabric or too - thin synthetics didn’t work.

Ok, it’s official- these are going back.
Will wait for the fashion winds to blow something better my way.

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