Need feedback on three wardrobe items. - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Need feedback on three wardrobe items.

K.M.

Veteran

Dear all, I have a few assorted wardrobe questions on which I could use your feedback.

1) I'm trying to figure out the PPL for these navy wool slim pants. Pics 1 and 2 show the pants as they are. On Pic 3 I held it up to a potential shorter length. Does this look right? Or should it be even shorter?

Also, what shoes would you pair these pants with? Oxfords? Pumps? Booties? Heels? Flats?

2) What do you think of the pants in Pic 4? The material is a stretchy suede-like fabric. They remind me a little bit of yoga pants in the way they fit and feel. There are pockets in the back; the waist is elastic. What kind of tops and shoes would you pair them with?

3) Is the jacket in Pics 5 and 6 too tight or can I still use it? It was a beloved velvet jacket from many years ago. After pregnancy four years ago my ribcage went up one band size (from 32 to 34) so the jacket fits tighter around my chest when it's buttoned. Not uncomfortable, but tighter. Does it LOOK too tight or is it visually OK?

Thanks for your advice!

This post has 6 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from K.M.

Sharon

Veteran

Ok, here goes!
1.I struggle with PPL, but I prefer the length in #3. I think any of the shoes mentioned would probably work - I prefer the femininity of heels with a man-style, cuffed slim pant, but I could also see this looking fab with brogues to play up the masculine element.
2. This is quite fitted at the thighs, so I think it gives you a lot of versatility as far as tops. I would probably go for something a bit fluid - maybe an untucked short tunic or a boxy crop?
3.I think the jacket looks fine- not too tight at all.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like the length of #3.

I do find the pants in #4 too short, unless you can wear a lower heel height. And the jacket looks fine.

Lucy

Veteran

I prefer the length in #3, I think it would be versatile as well.
I'm not really a fan of the pants in #4, though it might just be the colour - I have a poison eye!
The jacket is a keeper for me. I still love shrunken jackets, I think they are useful. To keep it fresh I would wear it with a more fluid top underneath. And as wider pants come back into style, I think more fitted tops are coming too.

Anonymous

I'd say not longer than 3 and try them with the chosen shoes before hemming, thinking flats rather than heels, or low heeled boot.
Not commenting on best way to wear the pants in 4 as they don't appeal to me, and while the jacket isn't creasing or anything in a way that looks like you're busting out of it, your posture doesn't look at ease?

Anonymous

I'd say not longer than 3 and try them with the chosen shoes before hemming, thinking flats rather than heels, or low heeled boot. Cute pants!
Not commenting on best way to wear the pants in 4 as they don't appeal to me, and while the jacket isn't creasing or anything in a way that looks like you're busting out of it, your posture doesn't look at ease?

Echo

Veteran

I know nothing about PPL, except I always opt for longer rather than shorter. So Angie's advice on the navy pants is definitely more worth taking. I am not a fan of the pants in #4, regardless of length. And while the jacket doesn't strike me as too small (at least it doesn't look too small), the style does strike me as outdated. I am trying to figure out if it is the colour, fabric, pockets or length, and the more I look, the more I think it is some combination of all of those things.

rachylou

Veteran

Just here to learn something

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Like the shorter length, flats with the stretch pants, jacket looks like it fits.

K.M.

Veteran

Thanks for all the feedback! I am on the fence re: pants in pic # 4. They are amazingly comfortable (and were a gift) but I never wore them because I always find there's something off. I probably will keep them to wear at home only.

I'm looking forward to hemming the navy pants to a proper length. I had them hemmed when I got them, but because, like Echo, I tend to go for longer rather than shorter lengths, I didn't have them taken in too much. But they were my first pant of slim pants (other than leggings or skinny jeans) and I think I was treating them like bootcut trousers. As a result I've never worn them (and I've had them for over a year) because they never worked with any shoes! My time here at YLF has opened my eyes and so now I'm excited to put them into rotation with appropriate footwear and hem length.

Re: the jacket. I wore it a lot, a lot, a lot. I've had it for at least ten years (if you see some of my older posts you'll know I keep my clothes for a long time). Right now I don't have another jacket or blazer (except for a black pinstripe one from J.Crew, which is lighter in weight), and I miss wearing one. Till I can replace this, it will have to do!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

There is a renewed interest in boot cuts, flares and 70s inspired in general. So I think the pants in #4 work. However, I would wear them with much shorter shoes so the hem is just 1/4" above the ground. They would look cute with a Boho type of outfit. For example, a flowing peasant type of tunic and sandals. Or, go 70s glam by pairing them with a luxurious wrap sweater or wrap jacket. The other idea is to wear them with a big sweater and cute sneakers.

As for the length of the first pair, I have a hard time saying unless I see the pants from the front. To give me an idea, I collected some pictures of contemporary trousers. I think the first ones from Alice & Olivia have been Angie picks. The second ones are shorter which is how a lot of pants are now. The third pair have the slouch factor. It really depends on the kind of look you're going for.

The kinds of shoes you wear with them depends on the occasion. If work, you could go for pumps. Oxfords work too, and if that's what you want, it will influence the length.

I don't think the jacket is too tight, but the sleeves look too long. Do you feel it reflects your current style or do you want to keep it for sentimental reasons?

By the way you are in amazingly good shape, your figure looks like a teenager's not a new mother's.

Olivia Slim Leg Pants with Wide Waistband

View Info

Top Pick

1

Montgomery Pants

$395.00 $118.50

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

1

Blunt Dulce Trousers

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

2

chadya

Veteran

I think the blue pants are too slim for the shoes you are wearing in the picture. So i guess the problem would be find the right shoes?
I think you said up thread they never worked with your shoes maybe it is just time to donate rather than spend more money on buying the right shoes or more tailoring; and get something that works from the start.

VioletMyra

When I hem my narrower width pants I hem them so the front is about 0.5 inch shorter at the front (as per men's pants) so they touch the top of my foot without the break. This way I can wear almost any height shoe with them and they look neat and tidy. I can't wear a ballet flat with them but I can wear a loafer.
HTH

trekkiegirl

Veteran

Interesting replies. I do agree that the shoe you have on doesn't look quite right, and I'd either hem it or pick a different shoe. Love that jacket though!!

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Pics shown by CocoLion and the way ecteacher describes the length of such slim pants without the break would be my way to go. If I had those nice slacks, I'd hem them to just ankle length and no cuff included, wear with slipper flats, flat loafers or low (1") wedge heels.

The brown pants look too short from this angle, and lounge-casual to me. If you have something to wear over, a tunic or drapey cardigan, definitely home comfy wear is a possibility.

Some said the jacket looks dated, and my take on that is it's the lapels - very wide, and the fabric - a velveteen or uncut corduroy? Makes the jacket look kind of stiff - in fact, I have a couple similar ones I have not worn for over a year although I've generously given them several chances out of the closet. Though they were always favorites, I now believe their time has passed.

VioletMyra

I've just reread my comment above and picked up an error . . . so sorry. This is what I meant to write and thanks to cjh for interpreting what I meant (to write).
When I hem my narrower width pants I hem them so the front is about 0.5
inch shorter than at the back (as per men's pants) so they touch the top of
my foot without the break.
Best wishes to all.

K.M.

Veteran

ecteacher, I think I understood it the first time around--in any case, a great suggestion. Now I need to find a good tailor that will do just that... (I moved to a new city about six months ago and haven't yet tried tailoring clothes here). Thanks everyone for all the suggestions and feedback! Sorry for not replying earlier, my LO has been sick and the last few days were hectic.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I prefer the length in #3.
Agree that brown pants are too short for the shoes you wear with them.
The jacket does not look too tight..but it looks dated to my eye.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

The length of #3 will be the most versatile, but I am curious as to why that would be recommend if you plan are wearing heels. Is it because they're tapered, or slouching at the bottom, as opposed to flares/bootcut, which are supposed to nearly skim the ground? They're really flattering, regardless of what you decide.
I was undecided about the jacket, because of the pulling. I had a jacket that pulled in a similar way, and ended up returning it. Not sure if I would have noticed if you hadn't mentioned that it was small.

K.M.

Veteran

gradfashionista, I had the same questions about length. I like longer lengths because my legs are short, and I don't mind a bit of bunching and scrunching in my leggings and skinny jeans. But I guess when I put these pants on the bunching or folding looks odd. I rarely wear slim pants (and I mostly wear skinnies tucked in or with flats) so I wasn't sure about this one. I would like to wear it both with heels and flats if I could.