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Winter Clothing and "aha" moments

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Angie commented on her beautiful outfit post this morning that she bats for Team Trouser. I have recently joined this team myself.

Because of some changes in body shape, I am reaching for my dresses less and less. I still enjoy some of my pencil skirts because I can pair them with slouchy knits or tanks/jackets. But that one piece dress item is not my first love anymore. This has been a significant style shift for me because up to now my favorite formula has been dress+jacket+booties.

I have also figured out that I am not a button down shirt gal AT ALL, regardless of fabrication. I just find them fussy. I have a couple of shirts that I will still try and wear this season but the rest have been put into the holding zone. I recently purchased a double collar Anne Fontaine white shirt off eBay and confess to not having worn it yet. I think I got caught in the "OMG it's an Anne Fontaine shirt at a great price and such a timeless classic..." kind of mentality. I like a crisp jacket but not a crisp shirt.

I'm also less inclined towards pattern this season in terms of my tops but am digging pattern on my bottom half.

What I AM loving is lower waisted trousers like my L&T blackwatch plaid and my burgundy skinnies and knits with fluidity that I can semi tuck into both trousers, jeans and pencil skirts alike. These work better for my current body shape and feel modern and fresh to me.

So these thoughts have translated into a fair number of wardrobe items being put into my downstairs cedar "holding zone" closet and a much smaller wardrobe occupying my bedroom. How do I feel about that? Absolutely fantastic and strangely relieved. Looking at stuff I'm not wearing just stresses me out.

Now back to the subject of patterned bottoms for a moment, I am eyeing these Vince Camuto Glenplaid trousers with leather trim. I like the simple shape, the classic black and white pattern, and the edge provided with the leather. Worth trying on? I think they could work with a lot of my wardrobe. This would provide me with black trousers (in a couple of different shapes/fabrics), my blackwatch trousers, burgundy skinnies and these for the remainder of the winter season. Including pencil skirts in black, cobalt, animal print and the gorgeous tree patterned Rachel Roy, should provide enough bottoms.

http://www.thebay.com/webapp/w.....id-trouser

Thanks for reading

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from Transcona Shannon

Susie

Veteran

I think they look like a perfect fit for your current style, Shannon. And they are black and white so what's not to love?!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love those pants, Shannon, and am also considering them.

And I totally hear you (and Angie) on the trousers thing. Don't get me wrong -- I love, love, love to wear a pretty dress and I enjoy my pencil skirts when I am out and about on my city trips. But in winter, it's so darn complicated. At home, for casual wear, I have the tights issue with my kitty. He's a good boy, but he likes to s..t..r...e...t...c..h up onto my legs when I am standing in the kitchen and his claws snag my hose. Sheer hose are most at risk, of course, but even tights can get snagged. Meanwhile, on really cold days, sheer hose don't cut it. And with my fair colouring, I've come to see that opaque tights (which are dark, to go with my dark bottoms) are just too heavy and dismal looking for me. Somehow in a trouser it feels a bit different, even if the trouser is also dark.
Plus, at least it is warm!!

Meanwhile, like you, I don't much like crisp button downs in winter. (I do wear them in summer without a layer on top and I like that just fine.)

It's funny how our preferences change with seasons and body shape, but it is certainly as much a factor as what is in style.

DonnaF

Veteran

Would these be warm enough for you? The plaid size reminds me a bit of the black watch. Have you considered houndstooth? That would be quite a different vibe and might go better with your coloring. Not that I've seen any houndstooth that I could recommend.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think finding more pants is a great idea Shannon. It's fun to change things up. I guess I'd just be careful not to invest too much if you are still on the weight loss program as you may find them not fitting next winter.

I'm finding it more challenging to dress for winter this year overall. I think one thing is that my sweater collection is small (due to the short winter span) and button downs aren't really warm enough for days like today when it's near freezing and supposed to stay about that temp for the next few days. I really don't like layering button downs at all. I also don't own a lot of "warm" pants. My skinny cords don't feel right this year after two years of wearing them. Too low in the rise I think even though I like a lower rise generally, those are just a bit too low. Many of my jeans seem lighter weight and not really warm enough. And my feet are always cold in winter, even with two pair of socks (one wool blend) and booties on!

So, I think some warmer pants are in my future too - I probably even have some in my other closet of old "office" clothes. I just forget that we even have winter, then when it comes on suddenly like this year I'm totally off guard.

And here I am whining about "winter" when it's only like 8 weeks for us.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I am with you on all of these points! Preaching to the choir in my case. I think my button down opinion has been known for a while
I love the idea of way out of sight holding zone. Right now I just have a separate stack in the middle of the closet shelf of 'maybes'. Perhaps I should put them into a bag and close it up so they are quite literally out of sight.

kkards

Veteran

shannon- welcome to team pants. i have been on this team for along time, i have always found dresses hard to fit. and lets be honest, i have a hard time sitting like a lady, so pants just work better.
and i here you on the button downs, i fact, one of the best things i did this year was to stop trying to find the one that was going to make me start to wear them!

rae

(website)

Veteran

I love this analysis! No reason to be upset over shifting style and body changes - actually probably more convenient for the two to happen concurrently.

The VC pants do look like your style!

Glory

Veteran

I think you should try these. Tons of your toppers will work with them and they will be wonderful over the winter months. I am a no dress/skirt gal in the winter.
Order a couple of sizes to be sure.

rachylou

Veteran

Your revelations speak to me, Shannon.

re. the pants: My mum says glen plaid is always fab and always helpful. I think she's right. Give 'em a go, I say.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

We're always learning aren't we, Shannon. And our thoughts are also always changing - so don't be surprised when you're sick of trousers and miss your skirts again (I go through those stages too).

Shirts (which I love) are Summer/ Warm weather items for me. I wear them un-layered with a cami and that's that. I do not like layering them under knitwear. Sometimes I layer them under blazers.

The trousers look fab. Welcome to Team Trousers xo

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Suz - I do think it's harder for fair haired ladies to rock the dark tights in the winter. Like you said, they seem harsh somehow. I too love my skirts (especially ones like the VC tube skirt) and know I'll return to them in warmer weather. Hmmmm...maybe we could be trouser twins?

DonnaF - yes, these would be warm enough especially with my long down coat overtop when outside. I thought about houndstooth but IMHO that's just TOO much pattern on my bottom half, you know?

textstyle - will definitely be careful not to overspend since I am hoping to still lose a few more pounds. I'm only considering adding one pair of trousers at this point.

Mo - I love my "out of sight" holding zone. I honestly forget what I've got in there since it's not at my ready fingertips and then when I go to add something, I realize there's an item in there I haven't needed in 5-6 months and out it goes!

Glory - will definitely order two sizes if I decide to pounce. Easy returns so no harm in trying.

Angie - always learning, changing and growing. And that's what I like (even though sometimes it's stressful). And I absolutely know that at some point, I'll be saying "hey...I miss my dresses".

Thanks for the feedback all - sounds like no one thinks the glenplaid trousers are hideous or stupid so that's a good thing!

Jules

Veteran

I like the trousers fine but I am getting more of a grey menswear pattern ie/ neutral vibe from them than a dramatic b&w plaid vibe. That is totally fine and makes them very wearable with patterned tops for example, but different than your blackwatch ones which are more of a statement (a statement which I totally want to copy btw... love them!). I also think you can always find microcheck/menswear grey-effect pants around so I personally wouldn't pay $125 unless I really truly loved the fit, fabric etc. Just my two cents!

Parsley

Veteran

It's funny that you say that, Jules, because I tried those pants and I felt like it was TOO much pattern for me, although I really liked them. Shannon, I think you may really like them for your style!

Jules

Veteran

It could definitely just be the stock photo then. I know Shannon rocks b&w!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Welcome to the dark side TS I love my pants.
Those trouser look really modern classic imo - hope they work

Anonymous

Those are nice trousers Shannon! You should give them a try. It's fun to see you rocking different silhouettes with your new body. Enjoy it!

Debra

Veteran

Love these trousers, they will suit your style perfectly. I look forward to seeing them styled

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm... I hate to be a total copycat but I like the look of those pants too and am also veering away from skirts/dresses. I haven't picked a skirt from the closet since it cooled off outside and think I've only worn dresses twice.

I wonder if they have them in the store. I was thinking I might try to make time to hit the Bay this weekend to look at the topshop sweaters so perhaps I will hunt down the pants and give them a try too.

Which Bay do you think is the best bet for finding more items from the website? I find St. Vital really difficult to find anything but Polo isn't much better and I haven't been downtown in ages.

ETA: Just went to the website and found a few others that appeal.

I like the subtle print and a wider leg might be better for boot season

http://www.thebay.com/webapp/w.....s/herringb

I find these interesting. They are neutral but in a non-black/white and have no waistband.

http://www.thebay.com/webapp/w.....ed-trouser

Ariadne

Veteran

I've also just come to terms with being on team trousers for most of the year, for all the reasons mentioned. High five.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Dianthus - just on my phone (at the vet for kitty check up) so can't see the links. It just takes me to the home page

I find Polo Park better for me because they carry petite sizing whereas St vital does not.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I am stubbornly wearing my skirts and dresses in winter - to the office. I can even wear a sheer hose in winter if I drive to work and do not need to walk anywhere. I just need my variety and wearing trousers ALL the time gets boring to me. However I hear you on trousers and jeans being more comfortable when it is cold, especially if you need to spend time outdoors.
Of course I like the plaid trousers: my new Martin trousers are pretty similar so I am biased.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Shannon I am focused on your Anne Fontaine shirt. Because a few yards from me sits an Anne Fontaine double color blue striped shirt that I have been hesitating to sell - although I have never worn it - for some time. I just can't wear it! I was hoping you would wear yours and inspire me but I am beginning to suspect it is a lost cause.

Gigi

Veteran

I too used to wear dresses and skirts, all the time, every day. And then I switched over the Team Trousers for a while. Now that I've been on Team Trousers for a couple of months, I am starting to miss my skirts! So yes, I wouldn't be surprised if your body and psyche need a break from the constant dresses and will ask for them again once it gets its trousers "fix."

sarah

Veteran

Sounds like you've got a great wardrobe for winter. Hooray!

Anonymous

I think you will love the Glenn plaid trousers. I recently pulled out my wool ones and am wearing them today. The photo was taken after sitting all day in meetings, but I find the false plain grey appearance very versatile.

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Adelfa

Veteran

There are some gorgeous Glen plaids out there right now and if you like them I think you should snap up a pair.

Jeanie

Veteran

I am hearing you on the button downs. I treat the ones I have kept more like a cardigan....meaning I only button a couple of the middle buttons and wear a cami under it. They just never seem to button up all the way and lay right on me. And putting a button down under a sweater is a nightmare of bunchiness to me. I am amazed when I see other people pull this off!

The seasons do change our preferences. I am totally Team skirt in the summer to stay cool but for winter I am Team Trouser for warmth.

The Glenn Plaid trousers look nice and would be a good addition to "The Team"

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Jules - the trousers do indeed have a bit of a menswear vibe about them and that is actually one of the reasons I like them. Plus the tuxedo style leather trim down each leg sets them apart from just regular trousers IMHO.

Sveta - I will still be wearing my skirts in the winter some as well, it's just my dresses I'm off these days.

Shevia - very interesting that we both have the double collar AF shirt and haven't worn it. Is it because it's just too crisp for our style? I'm going to challenge myself to try and find a way to wear it this week and will let you know if it works. I'm thinking of trying it underneath my navy sparkly hi-lo hem sweater - this way the collar and cuffs will show, as well as a bit of the shirt in the front, but I won't feel all "crispy". I wonder if that will work?

Joy - thanks for the visual aid! You've hit the nail on the head with them reading as a "false grey", which is exactly what I'm hoping for.

Have decided to go ahead and order the trousers in two different sizes to try. Will keep you posted - thanks for the input!

Lisa

Veteran

I have lots of jeans/trousers and the key for me is lots of variety in prints/solid colors and styles (straight, bootcut).

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