It’s been a while since we’ve been out and about in the world wearing actual clothes that wouldn’t double as pajamas, particularly when it comes to pants. A few weeks ago, I officially declared a moratorium on jogger posts on this blog because I am SO OVER talking about them. Yet, the great world of fashion spins on regardless of whether or not we care and you may have noticed that pants are starting to look much different than they once did. I mean, when was the last time you saw a pair of pleated pants while shopping?
I started my business right as pleated pants were taking their last curtain call 18 years ago. By that time, while pleated pants were still around, if you did buy them you weren’t considered up with the times. Back then, we were all embracing low rise boot cut pants. Now, if you are adding pleated pants to your wardrobe, you are hip and cool. There is no need to debate the fickle and cyclical nature of fashion, plus, usually, when something rolls back in style it is because there is a younger generation making fashion choices who don’t remember them being in style the last time. And it’s not just pleats on fashionable pants that we’re seeing again, it’s the whole shape and silhouette of pants that are starting to shift. We’re seeing more tapered legs with rounded hips that we were once told that nobody with an ounce of flab on their hips and thighs should ever consider. How do we keep up, I ask you?
I decided to work on this post when I was reviewing recent purchases made by a client of mine. It was an unusual situation where we covered pants purchases rather quickly whereas typically finding pants that fit a client can be a laborious and difficult process. I was reviewing some of the styles she purchased and noted a similarity in shape, this new shape that is making a comeback. So I decided to share the three pairs of pants my client recently acquired and show you how to wear them.
PANTS SILHOUETTES CHANGED: Three Pants Purchased by My Client and How to Wear Them
This client, I will give her the alias Ms. Sprightly, lives in Sweden, which was a wonderful challenge for me. I had the opportunity to get better acquainted with Swedish brands and better understand Swedish professional style which, by the way, I love so hard. My client purchased this pair of olive pants by Filippa-K and while we haven’t done an outfit session yet, I took the liberty of using her pants to create this outfit. I styled the pants with a lavender tweed blazer from Veronica Beard and a soft grey silk tank from Theory. I finished the look with a simple silver necklace from Anna Beck, walnut suede pumps from Cole Haan, and a belt from Isabel Marant. Remember belts?
Outfit #2
COS is a Swedish brand that is quite popular here in the U.S. In fact, you may not know this, they are owned by H&M. Ms. Sprightly purchased these pants from COS and said they would be perfect for a cold day, which Sweden is no stranger to. Wanting to create a cozy professional look, I added this cashmere sweater from Vince to the outfit and finished the look with weatherproof booties from Aquatalia, a black belt from Reiss, and cultured pearl hoop earrings.
Outfit #3
This is another pair of pants bought by Ms. Sprightly, also by COS. This silhouette is so popular that we had a few choices of this style. This one fits best. I also encouraged to check out BOSS Hugo Boss’s famous Bashinia shirt which has a hidden placket and side zips. It’s a perfect style for not only large-chested women but a style that fits crisply and looks professional. Ms. Sprightly has become a tremendous fan. So this whole outfit is something my client owns. As I said to her, “we can find something to fill in the neckline, a great pair of shoes and you’re done.” I added this necklace from PONO and a pair of burgundy croc-embossed block heel pumps.
Consider this, for years, pants were all about being the supportive player in a look. They were simple, basic and nondescript while the tops we wore were more interesting. Now it’s flipped. We’re wearing basic tops with more interesting bottoms. And, rest assured, the beloved styles that you love aren’t going anywhere, a new friend has just been invited to the party.
Shop for Pants Silhouettes in this new style
Considering adding this style of pants to your wardrobe. Check out these additional styles.
I am no longer working, and I wear mostly jeans, but I’m tempted. The pair you show above from Madewell with the white sneakers is something I would wear. The higher waist and wider leg is perfect for me. I love the look of a simple top tucked in with a nice belt & ankle boots or casual with a pair of white sneakers.
That outfit sounds great! Definitely give them a try!!
One good thing with ALL of the featured pants is that one can sit in them comfortably, for hours! And no spandex required. I was a bit sceptical about their formalness, but they pair with ease with both formal shirts and shorter blazers. Huge win for my food baby + winter weight!
Also, Bashina should be more popular! Its the best shirt I have ever worn, and have I worn enough… The Boss store lady offered me a job there, when I asked for it by name. 😃
Good point! Who doesn’t want to have to suck it in when sitting down. Isn’t life hard enough already? LOL. Bashina is the best shirt invented. I am glad you are on board. Isn’t it helpful when designers give their products names? So much easier to remember.
I laughed out loud when I read the title of this! I do appreciate the information, though. Those garnet pants that are #1 in the slideshow look like a perfect silhouette for me to start with.
Ditto – I laughed out loud and forwarded to my 20-something daughter just in case she ever has to go back to her office. I had a hard time giving up pleats but I think I’m going to have a harder time getting back into them!
LOL. Yea, once you’ve done pleats it’s hard to do them again. Who thought they would ever return? These are the moments I say, “didn’t we learn the last time.” If big shoulder pads return I’m tapping out.
Agreed on the big shoulder pad thing!
This pant silhouette is great for stick-figure gals and it can even work with larger thighs to a degree, but if you’ve got belly fat or a bubble butt the pleats will accentuate it. You may be okay looking straight on, but from a side view this style will make you look 10x bigger than you are!
IMHO, I think you also need to mention that this silhouette calls for an adjustment in the proportion of the tops you wear.as well. Shorter and/or more fitted tops are required to create a balanced look.
Interesting you should say that because my client who loves them is a size 18 very curvy woman.
Oh dear, I don’t think I’m a fan of these pants. We’ll see though, it’s amazing how our tastes change based on what we are exposed to. I am LOVING the tie dye trend so hard for example, where as a couple of years ago tie dye made me CRINGE. I DO like the silhouette of these pants with sneakers though, that’s kinda cool 🙂
It is weird how we adjust. Every time I watch a show from a decade ago, I cringe at the fashion even though back when I watched it I liked what people were wearing. It’s almost like Stockholm syndrome. If you are exposed to something long enough, you will change your attitude about it. LOL
I loved the title of this article and info. BTY – I love the pants being the attention and the tops simple. So I LIVE in jeans. I buy other pants and then find I really only grab my denim (dressy and casual). If I really want to dress up or change things up I go for an actual dress. So I am seeing MOM jeans everywhere and I bought a few and LOVE them. High waist (yeah I get to wear a belt), stove pipe leg or a little kick flare and lots of light blue wash. I got Levi (old school heavy no stretch fabric) and Madewell. Are skinnies over? I have not gone with the pleats (ugh)or paper-bag waist (don’t you have to be like 100 pounds or super tall for that look? Is this just a west coat thing? I also bought my first pair of ripped jeans. I purchased before and took back (felt too old) now (much older) I like them! What do you think Bridgette – where are the trends going with jeans? Please do a post!
Hi Janell, I wouldn’t say skinnies are over, for now. We just have a new shape in the game.
Those black Mazzy satin pants (#9) with the self tie belt are calling to me. My biggest concern is having short legs. I don’t wear high heels, but could I pull this off with a nude slim 2-3 inch wedge?
Absolutely! Definitely worth giving them a try.
I think the best among these is Outfit #2. Nice Post
John
MobiLights.com
Hi Bridgette. Thanks for the post. I was out recently and in addition to the changes in pants I was shocked to see the changes in tops. Everything is cropped!! You should write a post about how tops changed while we are in lockdown.:)
Yes, they have. That’s because the rise of pants has gone up, when one goes up, so does the other. 😀