Everything old is new again? 2003 J.Crew wideleg pants

I bought these pants in 2003. !!!! They were J.Crew wool suiting (the jacket I've long given away). I kept the pants all these years because I love widelegs so, so, so much. They are a lightweight, seasonless wool, lined, and with a nice woven texture.
I didn't wear them for a very long time because of the empire of skinnies and also because they are a tad short for mid-heels, and didn't work with most of my shoes.
But Angie's recent post on widelegs reminded me of these pants in their lonely corner of my closet. I tried them with flat oxfords but then they dragged way too much on the ground. I wish I had an oxford with a low heel, but I don't, so I tried them on with heels that are more in the low-mid range. On pic 2 you can see that maybe these pants are a wee short for the shoes.
I do feel they are not exactly the same silhouette that's in vogue right now--I can't quite put my finger on it, but they don't look as flattering or as interesting/striking as the ones Angie posted. Still, they did bring me joy when I wore them.
Thoughts? Should I say goodbye? Try different shoes? They do have an old stain that I'm not sure can be removed...

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6 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I remember that style and had some very similar from about 10 years ago. I hung onto the black pair until pretty recently after I wore them to a funeral and realized they were looking a bit worn.

I think perhaps the newer versions are higher waisted, but I liked the mid-rise better, personally. I think yours look classic, not dated.

Greyscale

I am really picky about this type of thing but I actually think they're fine. The low (but not too low) waist and straight hips, combined with that floral top, have a 70s vibe that feels like one of the current retro trends. I agree with Janet that the newer styles are higher waist and maybe roomier in the hips, but I think these are good.

I have a pair of the Alice & Olivia Eric pants that a few of you owned and those do feel dated on me, I think because the low rise is particularly low on my long waist. But I can imagine them looking fine on many people.

Brooklyn

I agree with Janet and GS - I think the modern versions are a bit higher waisted and slouchier. But I still think that you could wear these, especially if you cover the waistband with a top that disguises where it ends. I would try flatter shoes too for more length. They look good on you.

Gigi

I agree with Janet that these may appear less interesting simply because they are more of a classic cut. I think these look good.

K.M.

Thank you, these comments are all very insightful!

Janet, Greyscale, Brooklyn, and Gigi, you saw what I wasn't able to see--the lower waist and slimmer cut of these pants. Funny, because at the time in 2003 they felt so roomy! But I see what you mean.

Greyscale, the 70s are one of my favorite decades for both silhouettes and prints, so that explains why I felt so happy in this outfit!

Brooklyn, thanks for the suggestion--I'll try them with lower heels and also flats and post pics here when I get a chance. I love the avant-garde look of those extra-slouchy pants that Angie posted folding over themselves on top of flat shoes. But how does one wear that and walk on the street?

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Lovely classic fit on the pants K.M, but about an inch and a half short for those heels.

rachylou

Ok, yeah, I was just waiting to see what Angie said about PPL. I think they're lovely trousers, but I'm very bad about PPL.

Anonymous

I like them! And I'd wear them with loafers to let the pant leg drape over the shoe more...

lisaflex

love wide leg! those look great to my eye

i kept a pair of wide leg summer linen like sailor-ish pants in cream color from gap (about 10 yrs old) wore them multiple times this summer with flat gold lily puliter sandals!

LaPed

"Empire of skinnies" -- I LOVE this expression and may just have to steal/borrow it.

I used to have an extremely similar pair from BR, only dark brown instead of tan. I got rid of them a couple years ago, only because I was transitioning away from brown and into black/charcoal. I *really* wish I hadn't consigned them, because it is SO hard to find fully lined wool pants now. Sigh.

I do think you could go with a slightly lower heel. To my eye, wide legs should be just about sweeping the floor (that's why they're so impractical!).

Marilyn

I like them, KM! Classic Retro vibe. Can you do a lower heel/flat to achieve Angie's PPL?

I've noticed that J Crew is bringing back some older items this season with slight tweaks to make them current.

The pants fit you well but I couldn't help but notice that they maybe could be taken in a bit on the waistband? It seems that they would make them hug your waist a big better or even taking them in slightly through the back seam would make them cup your bottom a bit better. You have a lovely figure and they are indeed a gorgeous classic pair of trousers.

Angie, thank you for the PPL assessment, that's very helpful and I totally agree. I will try them on with lower heels and do another post when I get a chance for feedback.

(I'm also do another post about how the Boden catalog styles the widelegs and bootcuts sooo short, even with high heels, I'm not sure why--maybe they want to sell the shoes too?)

rachylou, I also find PPL tricky, even though I've been obsessing about it since the 90s (when I didn't know the term PPL, of course). It also seems that PPL has changed with time/fashion/tastes etc.

lisap, I've been eyeing a couple of loafers, maybe that's a good reason to finally get a pair...

thanks, lisaflex! Your outfit sounds lovely, would love to see a pic!

La Pedestrienne, feel free to spread the Empire of Skinnies expression! I do wear them sometimes, but I just got tired of widelegs being so hard to find for so long. And on the issue of lining: why are pants these days not lined anymore?!? Even mid-range, good quality pants? Is it cost-cutting?

Marilyn, I have to check out the new-old (or old-new?) J.Crew items! I was such a fan of them since before Jenna Lyons.

Midwest Marie, good point about the waistband. My body has changed over the years and so has the fit. I must confess I like pants hanging down a little just for comfort (otherwise I get cramps and stomaches and even heartburn!!!) but I know it makes the crotch/inseam look funny.

Thanks for all the feedback! It seems that with the right footwear I can keep getting on mileage from these pants.

Jaime

You look Gucci-esque gorgeous to me. Can you let out a bit of length (sorry if you answered above)?

<3 shevia, what a fab compliment!

I'm not sure I can let out length (I should check with a tailor) but I will definitely try lower footwear. (Not sure if I own pairs that would work--I will need to "shop" my closet...)

Style Fan

I like this look a lot. I have some wide legged pants from early 2000s tucked away. Great shirt to wear with the 70s vibe pants.

Sounds good, K.M. Looking forward to the next phase of outfit creation.

Thank you, Angie!

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