Wide leg pants (K/R and style lab) - YouLookFab Forum

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Wide leg pants (K/R and style lab)

Runcarla

Veteran

In pursuit of evolving my style I'm experimenting with a new silhouette - the wide leg pant. What do you think about these, and the ways I've styled them? Tags are on and I have 30 days to return.

Pros: fabrication (mix of polyester, wool, viscose, elastane in a mid-weight washable non stretchy woven), very comfortable fit - neither too tight nor too loose, inseam length (I believe no need for hemming and definitely not too short)

Cons: is the style too 'business suit' with the pleats and woven fabric? Should I be looking for a more casual flat front or jogger style waist? A more casual fabric like a chino or drapey synthetic?

#1-2 to show fit
#3-10 different styling options
#11-12 my version and inspo pic (pic posted originally by Jenn from Toast)
#13-15 product photos from Zara (I can't do finds) it looks like the model has sized up and is wearing them low slung across her hips. *If I wasn't holding a phone/camera - I would have my hands in my pockets too!*

Please post your thoughts and ideas.

PS: I very rarely order online. I placed my order with Zara around 8pm and they were delivered (free) before 3pm the next day! Also, imported, but not made in China.

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General

28 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

Jules

Veteran

Hmmm. I love the pants and I don’t think they are business-y per se, more refined trendy, but I do seem to want to see them styled in a dressier way. The juxtaposition with more casual items isn’t working for me in this case. I like them best with the turtleneck, but would choose a finer knit and/or closer colour match (unless it looks different in person, the photo makes the colours look slightly off from tonal but not contrasting). Would they work with your top from your NYE wedding outfit? I can’t recall its details.
I think they could be styled elegantly for dinners out and that kind of thing, but they are not an obvious addition to your daytime wardrobe for me. But I could just be lacking in imagination here. If you love them, you can definitely make them work.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I find myself agreeing with Jules.l don’t like them with the very casual pieces,they do work better with more refined pieces which from your posts are not a large part of your wardrobe.Like me you have a casual wardrobe,are you trying to branch out abit into a more refined look?In which case they suit you so would work.l like how you ve styled them just like the model.

rachylou

Veteran

I like them in the first two pics, but don’t love them with a belt or the other tops or shoes. Hmm.

Runcarla

Veteran

This is good feedback.

Jules - it's a slam dunk for more formal looks (like pic #1 below) including th drapey cream button down, my silver foil t-shirt, and lace tank tops. Works with the Kate Hepburn/Marlene Dietrich 'gentlewoman' look. However, I'm after a more casual (and dare I say trendy?) vibe (like pics 2-5).

Cardiff girl - I'm trying to nudge my style a little, while keeping it essentially casual. I NEED longer pants - only my green chinos and one pair of jeans cover my ankles! Everything else is cropped. But I'm also interested in a little more romance/allure.

RL - I liked them with the green leather sneakers, but didn't feel they worked with the white canvas ones. The booties looked to me like the style inspo and product pics - but nothing special. I kind of liked the pointy toe flats, and think thy would work with dressier looks. Maybe a metallic or leopard belt?

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nemosmom

Veteran

I love the way you styled them in #1-6 and in #11. They seem a stitch too long for the shoes you show with them... I worry the back of the cuff would rub when you walk, but it is hard to tell from a photo... I like the juxtaposition of them paired with a graphic tee and sneakers. The fabric composition leads me to believe they wouldn't wrinkle easily - if that's the case, they could be great for travel.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I think they’re too long? Especially with the white sneakers and the animal print flats. Is that called the “break” in the front? It looks too obvious.
Somehow they don’t look crisp enough for what I think of as your style, although I do understand that you are trying to change direction a tiny bit.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

These look like an evolved Annie Hall, and suit you to the tee, Carla. You did a great job styling them, and they don't look too business-y. They look trendy and chic. LOVE.

I like the casual renditions best - #3 is my fave. I prefer the contrast shoe with the outfit as opposed to the solid lack shoe. Pops more. Although I like #11 next.

Love the idea of the white sneaks, but they look too long with them. May be they need a slight hem?

Jules

Veteran

For this particular pair, I really like the simple refined stylings best (your #1/2, and the model). No belt, thin refined knit on top, refined footwear probably just peaking out. For your more casual inspiration ideas, which I love, I’d look for wide leg chinos with slightly less exaggerated proportions. The Gap has a pair for fall I believe. Or even a jogger/jersey/knit.
Ha - I cross posted with Angie, who has pretty much an opposite take. See my aforementioned lack of imagination!

Runcarla

Veteran

Nemosmom - dead right about being good for travel! That was the first thing I thought when I tried them on. If all high waisted trousers felt so good!

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Angie! The top in #3 has a welted bottom, which I think works best of all the tops. The olive sneakers have a thicker sole, and the booties a slight heel, whereas the white sneakers and pointy toe shoes are very flat. Shoes are soooo important.

Jenni NZ - higher footwear might be a solution vs hemming?!

Jules - I think a jogger style jersey/knit would be more in my comfort zone and will see if I can source one to try for comapairison.

I'm thinking wide leg trousers are a classic, especially for special occaisions. The recent juxtoposition of wearing them in a casual way with sneakers is just a modern spin on things. Maybe there is room in my closet for a dressy pair and a more casual version of the wide leg pant?

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SarahD8

Veteran

I like the idea of a menswear pant juxtaposed with casual items. I like the drapey fabric and the pleats. I don't think you need chinos for those casual renditions necessarily (in fact that might be less interesting bc more expected?).

But, I think the high, tailored waist of these pants is skewing things in a more dressy, Gentlewoman direction. Katharine Hepburn, as you note. I think these particular pants look best in the dressier outfits you have styled here.

To me, a slouchier, low-slung fit is key to achieving that borrowed from the boys Tomboy look.

ETA: dressy top + casual sneaks could be an interesting thing to try with these pants?

Style Fan

Veteran

These are great, Carla. I think they will be trending for fall. I have seen this look on a few bloggers recently (Emma Hill for example). Of course, I know very little about trends.
I have these type of pants on my shopping list. I think they will be great for winter. Perfect for travelling and a nice change from jeans. I need to cover my ankles in -30 C.

AndiB

Veteran

I think these really suit your style sensibility and I love it best with the sneaks. You’re retired right? I think the trousers just add a snap to an otherwise casual outfit. I’ll be honest I didn’t like when these sneakers and nice trousers looks first popped up but I think this is just so so you!

Jane

Veteran

Love these and I can see them fitting well in your wardrobe. I like the whole look very much (there is a store called Toast in the uk which has this style). Kind of also Margaret Howell style. I prefer with sneaks, like the idea of a beret and stripes.

Katerina

Veteran

I am completely biased, because wide leg trousers are my absolutely favorite. There are the best thing there is. Always have been, no matter any trends.
Carla, I love these on you, they suit you so beautifully. Your legs look soo long! I must admit I looked at all the styling versions several times, than I took a pause and than I looked again. Instinctively, I would style these in a more dressy way, but boy, the looks you have created here have really grown on me! I particularly like no 3-4 and 11. Very fresh, a little retro - which I love - and true to your casual but “French” chic style. Alluring style development indeed
And yes, I think you could have two or more pairs - wide legs are fantastic on you.

Regarding the lenght, it is the challenge with white legs pants to get the lenght just right. Mine are all in thin wool or other winter fabrics and I wear them often with boots or oxfords. I try to buy footwear with ca 5 - 6 cm heels and hem my trousers to work with this height.

Runcarla

Veteran

Jane - Yum! https://www.margarethowell.co.uk/

Stylefan - I run cold, and I was thinking how cozy they would feel when I'm out at the community center for Bridge Night. The wool is 23% but gives the mid weight fabric a soft, warm feel.

SarahD8 - all good points. Agree tailored waist, and possibly the crease down the leg (vs no crease) skews formal.

Katerina - I'm going to try some more styling with items from my closet. I have yet to try striped sweaters and button downs. Thanks for your wisdom.

Sal

Veteran

I like them on you Carla. I think they need a small hem for the pointy toe shoes.

I like this direction- I think these sorts of trousers are perfect for dry autumn winter and spring days. I don’t see them being in heavy rotation but I do see them being a go to for a change up or different events. And I think they have longevity and are also just trending.

The challenge is footwear and length.

karen13

Veteran

I think these look fab on you. Great fit! This is how I want to look in pants!and never will. I thought I would like the more refined stylings best, but #3/4 is actually my fave. The olive shoes + jacket combo is so good.

Katerina

Veteran

I am back - wanted to add how cool the outfit Emma Thompson is wearing on the inspo pic you posted here! I love the cognac suede trench coat. I have a similar one (see the enclosed pic) and this formula with wide legs and dark red sneakers makes me so excited. I will try to copy ASAP

Carla, you are always finding the most brilliant inspo. Thank you!

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Joy

Veteran

I like them very much on you, but such a change from skinnies may take some getting used to. I really like 3/4.

kkards

Veteran

my 1st reaction was katharine hepburn....my 2nd was OMG these make you look so tall and casually elegant....i love these...the only like i'm not head over heels for is #10 with the navy high neck top...

Brooklyn

Veteran

I’m going to side with Angie and say I like the casual renditions the best. Absolutely love them with the tee and sneaks. I do think they may be a little long.

This might surprise you but I have a similar pair with pinstripes. I haven’t had a chance to wear them yet because I only just had the hem taken up. Love them. Love the Kate Hepburn/Carole Lombard vibe. And check out this photo of Joan Bennett for inspiration.

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Mango Casual pants

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Anonymous

Haven’t read the comments ahead of me - don’t want to be influenced I’m of mixed feelings . I’m not thrilled with the quality of the construction around the fly and side pockets - stitching somewhat puckered . I want them to look at little more refined that way - because your clothes never look “ just ok” . Does make any sense ?

I like the fit , length and idea of them - and think they work for your style . They are definitely more trouser-y than the same type of pant from Lulu ( wide leg OTF’s ) for example , but not too business-y at all .

MidwestrnChic

I like these on you very much and prefer them styled casually in #3-6. I may be biased as I love a wide leg pant myself and am looking to evolve my style this way.

Anonymous

I like them most styled like the model and with the burgundy & animal print shoes. So fun to see all the different possibilities

Bennett

Veteran

These are damn good looking pants on you, don't care if you dress 'em up or down. I think the length helps them to not look at all "business suit." I love that they are high and fitted in the waist but relaxed and slouchy near the hem. These belong in your closet. Don't overthink it, you know they look good!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look amazing in this silhouette, Carla, and I like them on you dressed up or dressed down. I think the flattest sneakers are too flat --length is a bit off in that case. But other than that, just do your thing with them and enjoy! What a bonus that they can travel. I can see some great evening looks with a lovely blouse when you are away from home.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I immediately got the Katharine Hepburn vibe and see Margaret Howell too. I like 3-6, 9 and 11. I do think they are a bit too long. Must go check out Toast - great inspiration there!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I quite like them for you, and the causal versions look great to me! I think they dress down nicely but also work for more dressy occasions too.