for the pattern mixing averse . . . which to pick?

I got the Express snakeskin print black jacket and it's great. The charcoal Gap pants didn't work out
I am thinking of Express Columnists. I have two patterns I like but am not sure if they work with the jacket. First is a zig zag tweed (pic 3) then the pinstripe they call herringbone for some silly reason (pic 4).
Mind you, this is primarily for job hunting, although I'd like to mix the pieces into my regular wardrobe a bit, too. Which pattern, or should I go with straight black to play off the subtle snakeskin?

Thanks!

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13 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from Mo

Deborah

Veteran

Mo I am not sure so will be interested to hear what others suggest. Certainly going for a flat black pant would be the most straight forward and safe pairing definitely suitable for interviews but I kind of like the idea of the pinstripe too:)

13 years ago

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Tough call - but I have to admit, I have a slight preference for the Columnist pattern. Without seeing it paired with the actual jacket though, I can't tell for sure, so take my opinion with a giant grain of salt.

The pants in #4 are also fab, but because they are very dark, just like the jacket is - I'm thinking you might not end up wearing the jacket with these. This isn't to say that the pants in #4 are a no-go.

Again, take with a big grain of salt - because there's also the possibility that by pairing the pants in #4 with the jacket in #1/2, you'd be getting that tone-on-tone, textural mix too (!!! - could be better than the lighter grey pants in #3 after all).

My first (uneducated) instinct is go for pants in #3, but it'll be interesting to see how YLF'ers vote. Perhaps #4 is better just because of being able to get that fab tone-on-tone, textural mix that tends to work out so beautifully.

Not much help, am I?

13 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

I'm preferring #4 --- without actually seeming them together and on you, I fear the tweedier version *may* be a slightly more casual vibe than the 'herringbone' pinstripe. I say this because I actually got a tweedy pencil skirt *because* I wanted a more casual, dressed *down* vibe from my dressy pieces.

Yes, tweed and snakeskin would be far more fashion-forward --- which you can carry off for sure; but unless you think the pinstripe would be too severe for wearing alone with the rest of your wardrobe, I'd say it is the 'safer' choice if your intent is to impress.

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm no help because I like both.

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, another thing I didn't think of is how the pattern may look on my rear lol. Perhaps the lighter tweed would be less forgiving? As seen if you zoom in on the rear pic here. http://www.express.com/studio-.....iewed=true

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Angie, do you think either would play equally well with the jacket?

13 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I think the columnist fabric will go the easiest from work to play

13 years ago

K. Period.

Veteran

I think #4 is the more conservative option. I think #3 gives you more range when you break it up, but is a tiny bit more challenging when paired with the snakeskin jacket. Both look really great, though.

13 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

I love #4 with the jacket otherwise a plain black. I don't think anything would make your backside look unflattering Mo

13 years ago

velvetychocolate

Veteran

The model in the photo you posted re: backside issues is wearing the pants too small or they've done something to make the photo look like this, imo.

I agree with christieanne - not likely that you'll have an issue with backside stuff if you get the right size.

What would happen if you got both pairs of pants? Is this do-able? Now that you're in an entirely new climate, I can see both of them coming in handy throughout a real fall and winter season. I bet you could even dress them down too - with a soft denim shirt or by pairing with a fab turtleneck and a denim jacket next January. Just a thought.

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

My budget is such that only one pair can come home with me - at least until fall or later! I am on $83/mo this year. Hard to stretch that, but I seem to magically be making it work (even with purchasing the Frye Julias)!
And lol about the rear view! Something about light fabrics can strike panic in the hearts of even the most riveting rearsider
Still so on the fence with this one . . .

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, I know that snakeskin print! I recently sold some Express snakeskin pants with that same pattern. Based on that, I would say either #4 or plain black, leaning toward plain.

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

You mean I coulda had a snakeskin suit??? hee hee hee hee.

13 years ago

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