WIW: Volume on Volume with Flares

Looking through my cold weather clothes I found flared or bootcut trousers, probably thrifted. Does this work? Trousers are BR and a light weight wool.
I welcome your wisdom and thoughts on the trousers and this outfit. If the trousers look ok, I'd welcome suggestions for styling them.

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11 Comments

  • Bijou replied 8 years ago

    Whenever I am not sure of what to put with an item, I often look at Net-a-Porter for ideas.  I searched pants and then in the colour section put in neutral and also brown pants and looked at the styling they made for similar pants to yours.  The look that I loved, was the styling of a winter white top and coat with the pants.  But they had many options (soft black blouses, burgundy knit...).  I like your styling, but to my eye, it is a bit too much of the one colour, I would prefer a pop of colour to be added for some drama.

  • krishnidoux replied 8 years ago

    I agree with Bijou on the color. 

    I would switch footwear too. Somehow these heels don't quite go with the pant's style. In the first pics the pants look like they are too long. 

    These pants might be challenging to style. I would embrace their very masculine cut and pair them with

    1) A very structured, long jacket + a tucked ruffle /jabot blouse + pointy-toed boots/shoes.

    2) A structured denim jacket + colorful scarf + simple knit top, untucked but not too long.

    3) A brooks brother type white button down loosely tucked + an upscale belt with detail, such as crocco or metal + a more fitted suit-type jacket + square-toed booties/shoes/boots.

    4) A utility shirt, possibly in denim or khaki, with sleeves rolled up, bling on the neck (such as a statement golden chain) and delicate shoes.

    I would consider having the hem taken in just a tad.

  • Karie replied 8 years ago

    Wow, you've had some great suggestions already. The slacks in #3 look shorter than the ones in #1 and #2 - are you wearing different shoes? I think I'd hem the length in #1 and #2 up a tad - 1/2 to 1 inch - as I think they'd look better with less length length at the break. 

    I agree with the others on the color. I think what you're wearing looks good, but to take it up a notch I'd switch the top to one of a different color. You do wear volume on volume extremely well (I wish I could do that but it overwhelms me). 

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    Thank you for your wisdom and wealth of ideas.  I like how these pants fit in the rear (don't droop) but wondered if they needed to be more fitted in the thigh to look modern.  the shoes I'm wearing in all 3 photos are ankle boots with about a 1.5 inch heel.  For real flats I would have to have the hems shortened a bit or tighten a belt to keep them pulled up.  It sounds like that may be worth the effort.

  • Deborah replied 8 years ago

    I really like the tonal look here Joy.  No need for colour from my perspective:)    I do think the pants look a little dated, they are not quite the sharp flared silhouette that appears to be out now BUT that doesn't mean they don't look good.

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    Thank you, Deborah.  We are planning to downsize and move this year.  Those pants will probably not make it to a new closet.

  • Sal replied 8 years ago

    Hi Joy
    I think the trousers are okay, but I have seen you in pants/jeans/trousers that I like much better.  I vote pass them on.
    Thanks,
    Sally

  • unfrumped replied 8 years ago

    Ha, for me I'd keep and try to update the supporting act--pointier boots, trendy sweater, maybe--because I wear trousers almost every day. and sometimes a different color opens up a different look for the same silhouette.
    But, you have lots of more interesting items so yes, maybe these are ones you can part with.

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    I like the concept, Joy. But I don't find the trousers all that current. A little tight on the waist, and too short. I vote pass on. Topper is great though. 

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    Thank you, Angie. These will be going into the donation bag. I like the color and may look for a more modern pant in a similar color. Right now I seem to gravitate to tone on tone outfits but may need to move on to more contrast.

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    Have you tried the Express Columnist or Editor, Joy? 

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