Stying new-to-me red trousers (pic heavy)

I was so excited to find these trousers while thrifting last week. They're RED! And new-with-tags.

Then I got them home and realized that I had no idea how to style them. Not only that, but they're high-waisted, and ankle pants. What to do?!

Yesterday my daughter was game, and we took pics of them with everything I could think of.

Some things I learned:

- I have to wear a color that I look good in near my face. (blech on #13, #14, #9 and one that didn't upload with my chunky cream turtleneck cableknit sweater)

- I think I can get away with the less-than-perfect fit with the right top. (there's no way I'm tucking something into these!)

Here's the photog evidence. Many are definitely not flattering! Feel free to suggest more combinations, or tell me what works and doesn't. You know how that I love your advice!

A few comments:
The red shirt (in #1, #3, #12, #17 and #18) is also from this trip. It was also NWT and 100% silk! And I realize that the red silk shirt and red trousers don't match - I won't wear them together without the space being broken up.

Fit pics for the trousers are #15-#16.
#12 and #19 show a jacket that I haven't posted here before. It's actually a pant-suit, and must be from the 80s - see the lining of the jacket? (#19). Better pics of this one someday.

Comments? Suggestions? Can red trousers even work in my wardrobe?

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13 years ago

Emily

Veteran

That shade of red is great on you! I think the length can work with a bootie (like your left/my right foot in #1) or low vamped flats/pumps. #4 & #13 are my faves for sure, and I bet the top would look fab under the denim jacket in #8 too... Maybe with the scarf from http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....r-blocking?

Jewell

My favorites are #s 2, 3, and 4. I've styled my own red trousers like #3 but prefer a more fitted sweater. Bear in mind that I'm Team Tailored so that influences my opinion.

I also envisioned something like #14 but with a knit vest. I have to admit I'm not a fan of these trousers tucked into the boots because of the bagginess it creates at the knee. What other footwear options do you have?

Anonymous

Hey, way to go living boldly here and trying red pants! Here's my take on colored bottoms: they have to be amazing in fit and style or they look like grandma pants or too youthful. To me, these thrifted red pants fall into the grandma category. Don't give up on finding a knock-out pair of colored denim, but I don't think these are the ones.

That said, I think #5 with the boots is the right combination of color and pieces. I'd even try #5 with leopard flats. (I think I saw leopard flats in one of your pics?)

amiable

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions!

I do have other footwear options, but most of them are brown. It did occur to me that these might work with my brown/black snakeskin shirt and brown shoes...

But I'll also keep my eye out for better red trousers. I picked up a pair of red jeans the same day that are badly faded, so I'm intending to dye burgundy. When they're done, I'm sure I'll do a similar experiment

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like the red pants best tucked into boots because as Anne suggests they aren't a stellar fit. Tucking somewhat hides the bad fit. #1 and #2 are the most successful to my eye from from this batch of experimentation.

Good job having fun with fashion!

Shelley

Active Member

#11 is def my pick, with the boots. Great look!

NancyLee too

I got a pair of almost stovepipe red pants thinking that they'd fit in my grey/charcoal/black/cream clothing capsule just fine, as a red utility jacket and red long-sleeve tee had. The idea being I could wear these fun pants with any of my neutral tops. Hah! Not so easy!
In the end, I found for me they worked best with a long, almost tunic-length medium gray chunky cable sweater or a lighter weight long-sleeve tee of almost the same length. Something about the relative intensity of the neutral gray with the red plus the right proportions made it work.
(Sal of Almost Pretty blog talks about proportion here:
http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....ratio.html

Anyway, I believe you showed a gray v-neck sweater in a post about 2 weeks ago that might work the same for you. Pull it down over your hips as far as it will go and try a belt over the sweater. Then with a piece of elastic pinned inside at both ankle seams to pass under your instep (this will keep your pants from bunching up at your knees) pull on those tall boots again. You could also try layering that sweater over, say, a classic button-down shirt with collar popped and cuffs turned back and scrunched "a la Angie".

Worked great for me - hope it does for you too!

What a great suggestion - Thanks NancyLee - and others! I'm looking forward to trying several of your suggestions, even while I keep my eye out for the perfect-fitting red pants (and alter my red jeans to fit and be a good color)

moira

I think a crisp white chunky sweater and black or brown boots would look cute with these pants.
I am still dying to see you with a longish jacket, Ms Earhardt.
In all honesty, I think you have been trying to put a round peg in a square hole. I would love to see you start to build a good solid wardrobe of well fitting pants (because your tush is awesome) a few great blouses and sweaters and two well fitting jackets.
You have a great figure and a darling face. Don't gild the lily.

CocoLion

My favorite is #5, either tucked into boots or not. If wearing with shoes rather than boots, you could wear nude socks. That's the style right now when you wear shorter pants -- to have some flesh color peeking.

Thanks Moira - I just need to take you shopping with me!

And CocoLion for the tip on wearing these pants with shoes. I'll give it a try!

Deborah

This must be the thrift of the week. Good score. I like these pants and I agree with CocoLion that shoes without socks will look great. The color is great, the leg line looks good and I agree also with Angie re boots. Longer lengths over the pants will work well too and help to hide fit issues. Now I want some.

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