Trying out old widelegs two ways

I've posted before about thrifting my own closet... here's another example: these wool crepe trousers are "vintage" J Crew from circa 2002. (I still kick myself for giving away the matching blazer--it was a bit oversized for me and I stopped wearing it, but I think I would have liked the slouchier fit now).

I haven't worn these in a LONG time (in years and years), but now with the talk of flares I want to add them back to my rotation. I'm still trying out different tops with it. First one is an ivory turtleneck sweater; the pants are a darker cream color. I hope the tonal difference looks intentional and not just mismatched?
The second is a merino t-shirt in burgundy for contrast.

I'm having trouble with footwear in that I don't really own something that REALLY works with this. For the first look I wanted low-contrast but I don't have a beige or nude shoe so I went with this taupe/gray one. Issue is, it's a bit on the casual/folksy side with the tassels and fringe and chunky quality, whereas the trousers are more refined. Thoughts?

Second outfit: these are brown ankle booties. I rarely wear them because not only are the heels higher than my current comfort zone, but they also cut a little bit against my ankles. But they are cute booties. Not sure if the pants are a teensy bit short with them. When I sit down the pants ride up enough that you can see not just the booties but a bit of my ankles. It was another PPL era...

This post has 8 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.

9 years ago

Day Vies

Veteran

I think it's a matter of taste. I agree a high contrast shoe can be jarring and ruin the line you're trying to create from hip to floor. I love wide-leg pants and own several pairs. I wear them with 4 inch almond toed heels which are completely covered by the pant leg. It's a personal preference because I love that long leg line. Once I developed this preference I had pants let down an extra inch or would buy them in long to insure that they would sweep (not drag) the floor when I stood still.

Anonymous

This is a tough one! I have to agree that neither shoe seems quite right and I don't know how much you want to invest to revive the pants. Colors aside there's something about the combination of the shoes and pants that looks kind of dated. You look very slim, would you consider flats instead?

K.M.

Isabel, I tried it with some pointy suede flats in nude and black--the nude point would stick out--but the pants are cut too long for them. I would have to hem them. I'm considering buying a shoe that would work with them--I suspect such a shoe would also work with other things in my wardrobe. Maybe a feminine, heeled oxford? Pumps? .... Any ideas?

The pants look a little short for that heel heights pictured and that might be contributing to the dated look, so pumps are probably out. Anyway, especially with your slender figure I like the oxford idea better than the pumps, and I don't think the toe would have to be especially pointy. The light color of the wool is a little more difficult than a darker shade but the silhouette is very flattering on you and if these don't work out it's worth finding another pair.

Sveta

(website)

These shoes have too high heels for the pants - at least in my world.
The first pair of shoes also has too round toe for thje flares - they look better with elongated toe.
Saying that I think wide hems can look pretty stylish with flats if they are long enough. Check out these pins:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/401313016764986970/
and
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/401313016764984301/
As for the high contrast shoes - it is all in the styling. If shoes are refined and the hem length is right then high contrast is not a problem - like here:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/401313016767586993/
or here:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/401313016766463904/
I got a pair of camel wide leg high waisted trousers and wear them with pointy flats, refined oxfords and loafers.
Are you sure they are too long for your pointy flats? Can you take a picture - because they are pretty short for these heels IMO.

Sveta, thank you for the pins, those looks are wonderful!

I will take a pic with the flats tomorrow. The pants drag on the floor--not just skimming, but sweeping... I think a low heel could work.

I found some oxfords in a quick search below--I wonder if any of these looks promising? I know I'll only have a good idea once I try the pants with specific shoes, but it would be good to narrow down some options...