Firecracker's Blog

WIW: more like me: cropped pants

February 21, 2015

Well, this outfit seems more like me than the ones in my previous post; don't you agree?

I was happy to see Angie's post about the trend toward high-rise cropped pants, because these are new ones, and I really like them. I made them not really expecting them to be on trend. I hope they are Just Flattering Enough. They could be perhaps slightly more tapered at the hem, but it can be tricky to
accommodate my calves, which start fairly close to my ankles and widen
quickly from there. Tighter at the hem can disrupt the drape. 

I tried the blouse semi-tucked, but it's a kind of crinkly fabric and doesn't tuck well. So here's what I did to take advantage of the pants' high waist and its leg-lengthening effect: I wore the blouse open at the hem in front, echoing the vent in the back. Did it work?

The outfit (worn to work):
Dark brown wool cropped, tapered pants (made by me); blue, brown, and burgundy watery-colored silk-cotton-metal voile blouse (made by me) over navy scoop neck long-sleeved tee (Caslon); brown metallic pointy-toe booties (Donald J. Pliner, Tillie); taupe trench (Calvin Klein); espresso and black satchel (Joy Gryson, Natalie).

Thanks for looking! I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

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Posted in the What I Wore category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

16 Comments

  • MTBGirl replied 9 years ago

    I think the blouse unbuttoned on the bottom definitely worked! And you make such beautiful clothes!

  • unfrumped replied 9 years ago

    Oh, I like the pants with this top more. I do like the open bottom front and I've used that effect, more to avoid a straight line. I think it's fun. I like the lower booties also -- maybe it's becausebim now used to cropped pants snd snkle skin, but they look more intentional.
    The blouse is totally fab, BTW!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    It definitely looks more like you than the other outfits. It feels more "luxe" than the other outfits, for one thing. Somehow I associate your strongest looks with a bit of shine, texture, etc. Now, those other outfits had that, too (it just wasn't as obvious from the photos). But this one gives an overall luxe impression.

    It also feels more structured. The waist definition is lovely on you. What a gorgeous blouse! I think opening it at the bottom worked in the way you hoped. (Waving at my bootie twin, by the way...) 

  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    This is dressy and chic.  I like it.

  • Krissy replied 9 years ago

    Wow! I'm so impressed by all the talented ladies here who sew or knit their own clothes. I feel like that is a dying skill - certainly none of my friends regularly sew, although one or two like knitting. My mum can sew and was as such the creator of many wonderful Hallowe'en costumes when I was growing up. It must be so satisfying to wear clothes that you've made yourself. Bravo! I think this outfit is really chic. 

  • Style Fan replied 9 years ago

    You make some gorgeous clothes.  This is a beautiful outfit.  I love all the textures.  This definitely looks like you.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Gorgeous, Sharan! Those cropped pants are lovely, what type of wool fabric are they? They drape so well. I think leaving your blouse open to echo the back detail works beautifully and the whole look is more than JFE!

  • AM replied 9 years ago

    Another outfit to include in the analysis. You'll have to do a recap of your favorite colors, silhouettes, details, looks, etc. I'm really interested to see where you net out.

    This outfit feels very sophisticated and somewhere between classic and creative. Perhaps that is why it feel more like you. I'm very on the fence about the trousers. I think the drape is beautiful but I'm not sure about the length -- I know they are on trend. Maybe I'm just old school. I feel like a fuddy duddy at 44. For your long legs, I just think my first choice is to have a longer pant. Perhaps these cropped pants work better (to my eye) for more petite folks. I'm simply not sure, haven't seen enough of them, but I want to try them on myself. I'm 5'4". I don't know, but I might like them more if I thought the boot was more dramatic -- and creative. It might help to swing the entire outfit more to the creative and then the cropped pants might feel more right. Maybe a blue suede lace up bootie? Yes, I think this would help a lot.

    The blouse is great. Love it open by the hem to echo the vent. That really works. I'm also enjoying looking at browns vs. black on your. My first choice would be black -- but who ever chooses between black and brown.

    Just looked back up at the pictures and really think I just want to see a more dramatic boot. And perhaps a more modern coat. This is a very nice look -- very rich and elegant but I either want to push it closer to refined classic (that would definitely have some creative flair with the pattern of the blouse but more understated chic) or push it closer to modern creative (with funky boots and jacket). I also want to see this with ink pants or maybe dark denim (with funky blue bootie).

  • Staysfit replied 9 years ago

    The detail in the blouse is gorgeous! You look lovely and I wouldn't change anything about the styling of this outfit.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Love it Sharan.  Opening up the bottom of the blouse like that (and getting it to stay that way) was a great idea and looks perfect.  Love the luxe look of the blouse too - you're right, this is a stunning new rendition of a "you" look.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Love the rich brown palette and interplay of textures and colors. Do you like belts? Somehow I think an interesting buckle (bronze-ish?) would look good with that high waist. I do think the pants could be tapered a bit.

    And, thinking back, I do think the black outfit in your earlier post is you and works without any changes (except maybe a long necklace if you're feeling fancy). The narrow leg and flash of ankle above the booties give it structure. (If you are in any way self-conscious of your calves -- you have mentioned them a couple of times -- please rethink that! Us stick-leggedy folks envy you.)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Thank you, everyone!

    Suz, I hadn't thought about the luxe factor; thanks for that observation. It's one of the things I like about the pants, actually--the drape of the lightweight wool feels luxurious.

    Krissy, I think there's a generation (or two) that kind of got away from sewing. Lately it seems that younger people are getting into it again, and in different ways than what I grew up learning. They are into upcycling and "do-it-yourself" projects that are more improvisational than the tailoring-based techniques I learned to aspire to. I prefer something in-between, fairly quick projects with less structure that require less fussing with fit.

    Diane, the fabric is a lightweight wool gabardine. I think it's Loro Piana. In fact, here it is.

    AM, thanks for such a thoughtful response. I am thinking the pants would be more flattering if they were longer or were more tapered. I will admit my fondness for them may have more to do with the feel of them than their degree of flattery. You have a good point about this look being between creative and classic. The coat is definitely more classic, and I have a lot of rather classic shoes, too. I think in the past I've felt that having these basics in classic styles keep me somewhat grounded, as I don't feel genuine if I stray too far into arty territory. You've given me a good reminder of that impulse.

    gauche, I think a belt would be cool with these pants. I thought of adding belt loops and a sash-style belt, actually, like some I saw online. And thanks for your compliment on my calves. I feel okay about them, but they can be hard to fit. 

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Sharan I love that top and would snap it up in an instant if it weren't one of a kind! I think you look great as is but would possibly play with the length of the pants and try them a bit shorter. I do think this outfit marries the classic with the arty and that might be why it feels more like you.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    #2 is Killer to the power of Killer. Beautiful proportions and palette, Sharan. The unbuttoned portion of the blouse lengthens the leg line, and so does the colour of your booties. 

    JFE a billion times over. WELL DONE. 

  • texstyle replied 9 years ago

    Yes!  Love this outfit and I do feel that it feels more like the "you" (that I think of at least.)  I use the open bottom button trick often in summer with my button downs too and really like how it works here.

    Beautiful colors in the blouse - the pants and shoes add the arty part.

    You look fantastic in these types of outfits!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Thank you, Shevia, Angie, and texstyle!

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Welcome to my style blog. Dressing is something all of us do each day, but for me it is also a hobby. I like to find new ways to wear the clothes I have, make new clothes to add to my wardrobe (yes, sewing is another hobby!), shop for clothes, read and discuss fashion. Following You Look Fab has fueled my interest in taking outfit pictures to see where I've been and to get different perspectives on style. Thanks for joining me. I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.