K/R Topshop pleated "crops": ETA decision update!

Hello Fabbers. I have been a bit scarce due to a recent major job change, so I'm sorry I've not been pulling my weight in comments.

I ordered these to try and they are quite fun. However they are more tapered than I realized, so while they are "full" they are not like a wide-at-hem cullotte or cropped-flare or straight. I specifically targeted the fabric -a charcoal wool--and the pleats and waist that I estimated might fit. Indeed, they are a good fit, true-high waist and will not need tailoring.

Also another potential issue is that they are a roll-hem IF I want to adjust length from time to time. I think they do look better with the roll/cuffed look than if I just hacked off the length to a plain hem, but that makes them a bit more casual. Another option is to hem to allow just 1-2 rolls and then never wear at the longest ankle length.
Mostly wearing a plain light gray top here so the waist will show more, but shown with:
1-2: Munro higher shaft bootie--hem rolled 3 times
3-4: PG lower bootie--2 rolls
5: Pump for fun--shown longer but of course could roll up more
6: Loafer
7: Bad pic of PG ankle strap flats (Best.Shoe.Ever) -I didn't realize I had cut them off.
8: Shorter untucked top. Harder to do. I'd like warmer top options but hard to tuck heavy fabrics. But these are fairly forgiving so I think I can tuck merino+thin underlayer.
So, first, how do they look to all y'all Fabbers? Is this current by virtue of hey, it's being sold NOW or am I being too stuck in the pegged/tapered look.
I think I could certainly wear more of a gaucho-culotte look for sure with same boots but that would mean a lot more trial and error online because it's usually quite hard for me to get stride/waist fit. So I'm kinda thinking of these more for a reasonably current pleated look. The pleats are good for me, and for some recent health reasons I'm in need of some more forgiving pants and skirts that are not too fitted on the tummy and hip, though with the right cut I can still do a high waist.

I have to be careful if a trendier item is not versatile because it won't get enough wears. I showed the ankle-strap because I could wear these into warmer weather, as I can wear this wool indoors in air-conditioning if the top and footwear are lighter, seasonal--like a dressy T and the closed-toe flat.

I will also say that these are pretty "out there" for my environmental norm, so I would mostly rely on neutral, simple good fabrics and footwear - at work, that is. For out& about, I could wear anything that still gives pleasing proportions but could do casual striped or graphic T, funkier footwear.

Any comments and suggestions welcome!

ETA: I've thought it through and decided that for my work environment and mission, it's better to stay more conservative. It's interesting to me that though I've thought about that even before trying this item, I was not really taking it to heart.

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Nordstrom

TOPSHOP Boutique Twill Wool Trousers

$160.00

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Top Pick

8 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I love them on you! I like all the looks except 5, where I think the pant is too long to look like a current crop. So. . . you might go ahead and hem them so that you have the optimum roll when you want it. Or you could just leave them as is, because the different rolls and footwear in all the other pics look good, to my eye! I do prefer the tucked tops to the sweater worn out in 8, but the sweater is short enough to have a perfectly fine JFE look. I might prefer a little boxier fit for a top that is left out.

unfrumped

Thanks, Firecracker!
I agree the sweater doesn't quite cut it. I have an AT more boxy but lighter weight sweater that I will try because I know it works with my culottes.

lady

Active Member

I'm no expert here so I will leave the yay/may to others. I do think these are very versatile. Like Firecracker said, each look is quite different depending on how much you roll them and the shoe you pair them with.

Bonnie

I like these pants on you a lot. They seem very versatile and remind me of pants Hepburn worn.

Mirjana

I agree with Firecracker and think that is good to leave them as is and then roll them according to footwear. I also think that the sweater is too chunky, lighter one would be better.

kkards

I like these a lot. Like all footwear options expect #5. I don't mind the chunkyness of the sweater in #8, but I think I'd like it better with a faux tuck.

Greyscale

Wow. I like these so much that I might buy them too. So, two thumbs up from me.

I suggest getting them hemmed so you only need to roll twice.

Thanks for comments!
Greyscale, that is a main consideration. 1-2 rolls stay flat and pretty crisp, but 3 rolls starts to look more lumpy and off- hand/casual. When I have a chance I will play with footwear some more and if there is no real need for the longest length- which is not really even above ankle, so is NOT PPL(!)- then hemming about an inch could make them look better at the lengths I'd be wearing the most.
I will note that due to the pleats, and the fact that the wool twill has some " body", there is that "crotch pouf" when you sit down, but I make peace with that.

Well, now I'm having second thoughts, maybe for funny reasons.
I spent some tinkering switching out summer& winter clothes-- unusually late but we've had a crazy long spell of warm fall weather.
Naturally I have TOO much and will be thinking of how to pare down. Also read some of the "original" capsule wardrobe blogging.
I still like them but at work they would be more " look at me" and I'm wondering if I should just focus on really good basics and more classic items.
I do have some FOMO for this item in case it's hard to find similar fit and fabric if I change my mind later.

Suz

(website)

I like them and think they are fun, but if you will feel uncomfortable in them, you won't wear. So....difficult choice. It's a question of whether you want to push that boundary or not, I guess.

ETA congrats on the new job!

Thanks, Suz!
Not sure where my head is. Kinda got drawn into imagining timeless elegant professional style and how it's hard to find the pieces I want for that--or maybe I have unrealistic ideas -- and whether I go off into these other areas because it's easier than sticking to a list.

RobinF

I like them on you, although not at the longest length. They look good with all the booties too. And I prefer the tucked top over the sweater.

El Cee

I love them on you... especially at the shorter lengths. You look stylish and professional. But you are the one who has to love (or at least like) the look. If this is not your thing, then I would return them.

ETA update on the original post.
I still love some of the retro pants styles and may look for a full- length version if I could find one that is "updated classic" , so more subtle, and of course, needs to fit really well. A benefit if that also is that I could wear it as a wardrobe staple and that it would not have some if the seasonal confusion of the cropped pants.

Anonymous

I agree. Good decision. Thanks for letting us know your final decision.

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