Talk me out of buying these! - YouLookFab Forum

I've been eyeing these plaid Boden bistro trousers for several seasons now, since they first appeared, but they've always been a bit too pricey for me to take the jump. Now they're deeply discounted (if anyone is interested, check it out). Even with the discount, it's still a splurge for me--my clothing budget is REALLY REALLY tight. So if I buy something, it must be fab and it must be useful.

I love the idea of these (and how they look on the models). I am just wondering if the reality of them won't live up. As in:

1. What will they go with in terms of colors, for both tops and shoes?
2. Speaking of shoes... what kind of footwear with them? The plaid ones are wool and I'd like to wear them in winter. Could I tuck them into boots? Or do I need ankle booties?

Also, since I'm petite, I was hoping to order a Regular size and wear them full-length. I'm not a fan of winter crops because my ankles get cold.

Please tell me these will be tough to match with anything!

But if you own a pair, could you tell me a bit about the fit and sizing? (I can't sift through the 700 reviews on their site).

Boden

Bistro Crop Trousers

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Top Pick

11 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

There are a lot of colors in the plaid so it seems like these would be versatile. The only way to know if they will work with your wardrobe is to order them and try them. Check the return policy. If it's a final sale, it sounds like you have some doubts. I would worry about the length, but I have the opposite problem and could never order cropped pants and expect them to work as long!

Firecracker (Sharan)

The lengths are listed, so you can see whether the regular would be long enough for you.
I think they'd look good with a white blouse; a pullover in fuchsia or gold to match the plaid, or a dark blue or dark gray jacket. You could pattern-mix with them and wear, say, a white blouse with dark blue polka-dots. Black, blue, or cognac footwear would look nice. I would say loafers, smoking slippers, ballet flats, pumps, oxfords, or sleek booties (heeled or flat). I think you could probably tuck them into tall boots, too.

They are returnable within 7 days; if you don't mind the possibility of returning them if they don't work out, why not give them a try?

Anonymous

For my wardrobe the colors would be a problem, but if you have pink, deep purples and dark teals, maybe navy and charcoal, they would be a great addition. I like Fireceacker's list of footwear ideas. You would have to try them with taller boots to see what happens. Someone suggested that I tuck pants into my socks when wearing tall boots and that really does help, but they slowly start bunching above the boot as the day goes on.

Janet

(website)

My plaid pants are in a different color palette (but one that goes with a lot of my closet), and I was surprised at how many outfits I could create with them. Try them and see how they play with the colors in your wardrobe. I think they're cute.

rachylou

I think you could pair these with a top of any colour from the pants themselves... + red They'd be right in line for spring, if you ask me, esp. if your spring's are cold.

K.M.

Dear all, thank you for all the suggestions!

Staysfit, you're right about ordering, but then I'm afraid I'll fall in love with them even if they don't go with anything!

Firecracker, what a lovely idea about mixing patterns. I love mixed patterns but I'm not very gifted at doing it myself.

Joy, thanks for the tip on the sock tucking--that will help me with another pair of pants that is slim but not skinny enough so it bunches.

Janet, good to know that the pattern is more versatile than it seems!

And Rachylou, yes, my spring will be cold for sure (when it finally arrives)--so yes, I probably can get three seasons out of these pants (in truth, four, because I always spend part of the US summer in the southern hemisphere, where it's winter!)

Thistle

They're cute, but I am firmly in the camp of "stick to your budget".

That said, it sounds like you are in love, and have been for sometime, so it might be worth getting them home, trying them on and seeing how they play in your closet. How many outfits can you make with them.

Thistle, thank you for being on Team Budget! I am so torn.

retailgirl

I recently bought a similar pair from Pendleton that I love. The background is black and navy, like a black watch plaid, and the accents are light blue, red, and white. For shoes I wear red or black ballet flats or a pair of black smoking slippers with blue piping. I've worn it with a black or red jacket or sweater, and either a light blue or white shirt.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

The great thing about Boden is that they post the exact measurements of all sizes - check the details tab if you haven't already. I believe I tried on the bistro trousers in another fabric sometime last year, but ended up returning that style because I just couldn't come up with ways to wear them. Like all Boden they were well made. I liked the no-waistband style and think it would be comfortable to wear all day. I usually find Boden pants true to size, comparable to J Crew sizing, say - they don't run big like a lot of US brands like Ann Taylor and Gap are starting to. In other words, if you're between sizes and you don't want them snug you might want to size up. Boden is also great about returns and look out for a free shipping and returns offer if you can.

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