How to make these work in the office?

So....A few weeks ago I stumbled into the Eileen Fisher area of the local department store. I fell down the Harem pants hole and just couldn't climb out. I am now officially part of the club and not sure what to do with my newfound membership! I've never paid much attention to how to style them because I tucked them away in the "never in a million years" category.

Now that I have them, I have questions. Can I wear them to work? Must I wear heels? Something deep inside says maybe gladiator sandals, but no ballet flats. What types of shirts?

Pic #1 was in the dressing room. I tried it on with the most comfortable linen tee shirt ever. I took it off quickly as to not get attached, because I could see that being my beat around on Saturdays outfit (to my husband's dismay!) Excuse the socks, I was SUPPOSED to be going on a run...and never made it!

Pic #2 is at home, testing with closet goods. Found some nice metallic heels that my MIL gave me last fall, and the blush top w/black trim that I bought a few weeks ago. I think it looks summer classy....but is it OK for the office? I usually do sleeveless, so that isn't a big deal.

Link to better pic of pants - I have them pulled up on my calves a bit.
http://www.eileenfisher.com/Ei.....nd_dresses

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11 years ago

Kimberley

Veteran

I don't know about your office, Von, but the look in #2 would be perfectly appropriate here most days. I would add a blazer if I had a meeting or needed to cover up a bit more.

I love these on you, BTW!

rute

don't get me wrong. Look 2 is perfect for a night with the girls, it's fab, but not office appropriate. Maybe with a black jacket and pointy black pumps?

rachylou

I admit the harem pants and shiny shoes would be a little intense for my office, but you could do it and I think they would work great some place else easily. I love the outfit personally. I'm gonna fave it

celia

I think it kind of depends on the office.
You reminded me of this Angie's outfit :

http://youlookfab.com/2011/09/.....t-to-play/

carambola

Ooh, I love them on you in both pics. As for office appropriateness, it depends on the office. They would be fine for mine on a day without clients or important meetings.

citygirldc

(website)

If you work in a fashionable or arty environment, then by all means you can wear it to work. But, I'd save them for going out. The pants are too much fun to wear to the office.

Pree

Active Member

Totally cute-makes me want to buy a pair!

LAR101

You might try searching this site for 'harem pants'.
Debra and Alaskagirl, among others, have posted... very helpfully, worthwhile, inspire-ingly. I think Angie has blogged on it as well.

Aida

It really does depend on your office. Mine is casual and I work in an arty field so I would wear them to work, but I would pair with closed shoes and possibly a featherweight long cardigan unless it was really hot out. Then pop on the sandals and off the sweater for after work.

unfrumped

First, I think the styling iin #2 is great and a wonderful interpretation of those pants. Super outfit.

For the office question, I've about given up, since "offices" are so different.
It's quite a ways from what seems like office-wear to me because of the combination of heels, open toe, strappy sandal, metallic plus sleeveless top plus a sort of low scoop neck plus the "different" pants. It looks like fun night out to me and usually I don't think women want to send that message at "work". But I could see creative workplaces where the goal is to look just like that.

I might use some questions--would you usually wear those shoes to work? Would you usually wear that top, or more conservative sleeveless tops? Would you wear them both together, such as with a pencil skirt (and no jacket) ?

If not, then what Aida said--use the pants as the trendy item, ground them with more classics, and more coverage, at least until you see how it feels in the office.

dustt

I am absolutely no help here - as much as I love them and love you in them - these would be a no go at my office - But I absolutely can't wait to see what you do with them!!

ManidipaM

I would wear a blazer over the t'shirt in the first and add serious shoes like oxfords or high-vamped sandals with more coverage and enclosure... Then go to work! Admittedly mine is not the most formal of workplaces.

Ashley22

Most people do work in an office these days but some can afford to me more relaxed than others, whether it’s just a casual day every now and again or it’s casual Friday every day. Personally I wouldn't wear those pants at office. See here some office outfits.

viva

I love those pants on you - they are fantastic! As everyone has said, offices are SO all over the place now in terms of what is acceptable. My gut says change the shoes in #2 to something more closed and it would be more officey/daytime, especially if you already wear sleeveless. Those shoes make the outfit more heading-out-for-the-night. But it's a fab outfit, and if it's a really creative office it might be completely suitable.

Anonymous

Love how they look in #2! But I agree with some of the other suggestions. It depends on the office, obviously, but I feel like closed-toed shoes and a jacket or cardigan would bring them more within the bounds of comfortably office-appropriate.

gryffin

Von - first those harem pants are tdf on you. But only you can tell if they are office appropriate. My thought was blazer. I love outfit #2 and blazer would defintely take it in a more business direction. Also black shoes, glads, heels, for work, would tone the pants down. The pants are such a statement that I would probably let them be the statement piece for work. Just my thoughts!!

chadya

cute pants but not for work

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