Pix-Elated

43 Comments

• CocoLion replied 11 years ago

  My brain is addled as I have been sick. However these look good to me. They are slouchy but not ultra slouchy. You could roll of shorten them as an option. I just don't have very much energy to provide many styling ideas, but I like what you've done so far.

  What about a white tee and leather jacket and scarf?

• moira replied 11 years ago

  They look great from the front but that tush issue is bothersome to me. I don't read "slouchy". I read "ill-fitting".

• catgirl replied 11 years ago

  Suz, these look great to me! They are like a lot of the menswear looks I pin. #12 is my absolute favorite! So debonair in a femine way. :) My only concern is if they are too slouchy from the back on your legs, but I have a feeling that's because of photos, and in motion they probably don't look as baggy.

• Raisin replied 11 years ago

  I think as far as slouchy pants go they work, and they definitely have the right vibe and shape. Seeing them on you though, I'm just not sure they're great for your shape. They seem to overwhelm you. And not because they're too big, I think sizing down would lose the effect slouchy pants has, but maybe just because the style is a lot on such a small frame. I haven't gotten onto the slouchy pant trend myself, I'm usually way behind on these things, so don't take my opinion too highly. If you like slouchy pants then I think these ones are great.

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  Rae, I get your concerns. In the mirror I wondered the same. Although the photos look better to me.

  Moira, Una, I was wondering if they were too slouchy in back, too...I also wonder if they would look less that way if I got the length "just so." I am not sure that I have pinned them to the correct place so they are sort of bunching even more than might be ideal, KWIM?

  Denise, thank you - and I hope you feel better soon. I battled that awful cold last week and finally feel a bit more like myself. I like your leather jacket idea....will have to find my perfect leather jacket first! ;-)

• Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

  Well here's my two cents worth: I really like these on you. I think they have just the right amount of slouch. In fact they fit very similar to my Lord & Taylor slouchy trousers, which I also wear with my Doc Marcies. I think you have the length just right in the leg - you want some scrunch, but not too much.

  I learned myself that to fully embrace the slouchy menswear inspired trousers, you have to say goodbye to a certain amount of figure flattery from the back view. Yes, these look larger in the back but they can't help look any other way in order to achieve the front slouch, if that makes any sense. Mine also look too saggy in the butt but I'm ok with that. Only you can decide if this is a look you are willing to wear.

  I would also try them with your taupe slouchy sweater with animal print scarf wrapped around your neck and your DV's as well.

  I vote to keep.

• Kari replied 11 years ago

  Suz, I like these a lot - and I think it's because they strike the right balance between being slouchy but intentionally so, not like you're wearing clothes that are swimming on you, and you're avoiding the poochy/droopy crotch that I've seen on some other shouchy pants.
  I adore the styling in these photos, but especially with that first tuxedo blouse - SO beautiful, and I think that the polish and structure of the blouse is a nice complement and counter-effect to the slouchier fit of the pants.

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  Thank you, Kari - that is sweet.

  And Shannon, would it offend you if I said that when I first put these on, I actually thought: "It's the sexy Shannon look!"

  Seriously, I did see the resemblance to your L&T pants and that is one reason why I put on my Marcies (the other reason being for the life of me I did not know what other footwear to try!)

  I have to say they FEEL amazing....just a gorgeous, gorgeous fabric, though for true winter I would have to put some tights on underneath as they are not lined and the wool is lightweight. But the feel of gorgeous fabric is not to be denied.

• Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

  Offend me? Goodness no Suz - I'm very flattered!

  I really think these are fantastic on you and you will love wearing them. My L&T are now my favourite trousers that I own and they really are more versatile than you think. I can see your new taupe striped sweater with them, your white button down tucked and your pink knit blazer over top, your sparkly tank and a black jacket for dressier - the possibilities are endless.

• Gaylene replied 11 years ago

  I think these are a great slouchy trouser, although I'm with a couple of the others in not quite liking the back view. The pant seems to be cut for someone with a more rounded, curved butt. My suggestion would be to take in the centre back seam about 1/4" to 1/2", on the lower part of the seam to get rid of some of that excess fabric. I'd get someone to pin the seam first (or baste it) just to check how much you could take in without affecting the slouchyness at the front and sides. It's an easy fix that might get rid of some of droopiness at the back while still keeping a slouchy fit around the butt and upper thigh area.

  Personally I like the slouchy trouser look with a tailored fit on top like the way you've styled the pant with the blouse and the jackets.

• annagybe replied 11 years ago

  I like them, a lot.

• Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago

  I love them from the front & really like how you've styled them (#10 is my fav) but the back really bothers me - the many folds down the back of your thighs don't read slouchy so much as don't fit imo (grain of salt because I really care about back view).

• merwoman replied 11 years ago

  I'm completely ignorant about how the slouch is supposed to look...but I'll dive in anyway :-). They look so comfy...however, the back view is doing you no favours, as others have said it seems to run beyond slouchy. Like Galene, I think there is excess fabric in and around the centre seam. Your toppers and smile are gorgeous!!

• Ingunn replied 11 years ago

  Maybe if you just eat more cake so you can fill it out better? Exercise less? ;) Seriously, I really like what I see from the front and the sides, but the excess fabric in the back is not the best for you. Maybe a tailor can fix this? The trousers are beautiful in themselves, and your styling is impeccable.

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  Thank you for this! I will see how they are pinned along the centre. I have a Wonder Woman East here who can be trusted with that type of alteration. But first I would like to see the effect.

  The funny thing is that the one place I *do* have curves is my bum! It has *never* been small. No. Not ever. This is the bum that couldn't fit into most jeans when I was younger (before they had stretch). And while other portions of my anatomy have changed, that one remains. My dad used to tease me about it....a family tendency that I inherited from him.

  This is what makes me think the pants are pretty much supposed to be like that. If they fit like that on *me* they would be 10x looser on the model.

• Ariadne replied 11 years ago

  I really really like them. A lot. I'm not a fan of them styled with the turtleneck--for some reason that particular look verges on frumpy to me--but the other looks are super stylish and fresh.

• amiable replied 11 years ago

  The first one took my breath away. And I love the third look too! I think these are fantastic!

• Parsley replied 11 years ago

  I think these are great, Suz!
  And if they're a wonderful fabric that erases any doubt.

• Tina replied 11 years ago

  I just looked at the pics of the back view a second time, they do not look too big across the top part. They are roomy right underneath but I think you're right about the length affecting that. Also, the fabric is still pretty stiff, a washing or two and they will be perfect. I think these will be an excellent addition to your wardrobe provided you are comfortable in them and with the look. I think they're keepers. It looks as though they fit right in to your present closet.

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  Thank you, all.

  Ariadne, I worried that sweater was the wrong proportion -- too long? But I wanted to see photos to check my judgement. I think my other sweaters are even longer so I would have to go for a semi-tuck or a tuck with those (if thin enough). This one is chunky (obviously) so I couldn't.

  Tina, the fabric's not at all stiff; it's a lightweight wool with incredible drape. But it may be reading as stiff because there are some wrinkles on the back; I should iron those out before making any decisions, too. That might effect the way they look on the back end.

  I think figuring out the length will be key. I know you want them rather long so they pool a bit. But the question is, *how* long? Hmmmm.

  Thank you all for your thoughts on this; it is very helpful! Amazing how tough it can be to try out a new silhouette!

• Laura replied 11 years ago

  It is tricky, but worth it. You look very on trend. I just started a thread looking for recommendations for slouchy trousers for pears based on your stunning photos!

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  Laura, I am CERTAIN these would work for pears. There is SOOOOO much room in the thigh area. I actually think slouchy trousers can be a huge success on pears. I used to be quite pear shaped as a teen and in my early-twenties and I loved the loose pleated trousers then.

• replied 11 years ago

  I didn't read through the responses, but I adore these on you. Even from here, I can see how gorgeous the fabric is. I love the cut and drape, and I would try them with higher vamped loafers or slipper flats if you have any.

• replied 11 years ago

  Suz, I can see how you fell in love with the fabric on these. I think they are really good. I see the bagginess in the back, but I think that is just part of the look. You could try taking in the centre seam a little, but I think that bagginess is just normal for that style.

• rae replied 11 years ago

  Did you have a belt on in the first pics from in the store? I think you might have them pulled up too high here... just a thought.

• JR replied 11 years ago

  I rather like them myself. They are a bit baggy in back, but it doesn't seem out of place.

  However, I would style them, at least sometimes, with very feminine footwear and/or blingy earrings, to provide a counter-balance to the menswear feel of the pants.

• krishnidoux replied 11 years ago

  What a horrible thing for your father to do! Tease you on a body part. You are so lucky to have a naturally curvy bum, too. Take it from me, I work out a lot to get a bit of a bump.

  I love these trousers on you. I think this look will highlight your long torso, in a good way. Although I too saw the extra fabric in the back, I think the style commands them to hang this way if you really want them to be slouchy. It's how it's supposed to be. I wonder how they would look with high heels (as opposed to wedge)? The reason is I think there has to be something very delicate at the end of the pants to contrast with the slouch. Even you Joseph Siebel booties would do the trick.

  Also, the length is perfect. Don't touch it. These pants do look like they feel as fabulous as how you say. This style compliments your lovely hairstyle too.

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  Krish, JR, I totally agree that wedges are not right here. I think I am going to look at some Clark's shooties. My Seibels are a bit too low heel, I think, although I will give it a shot.

  Rae, you are right that I wasn't wearing a belt in the store. I can wear them a wee bit lower (even belted). But not a lot; they don't really go too much lower on my hip. The slouch is more lower down with these particular pants.

• replied 11 years ago

  Yes, as another flat-bottomed girl, I think that was not very nice of your dad! I would love to have a curvy bottom. I joke that my twin sister got a double helping and I got the leftovers!

  I think the length is good too, and I agree with Krish that a more delicate shoe might be the solution.

• Gaylene replied 11 years ago

  First of all, take everything I say with a grain of salt because I am a fitting fanatic when it comes to pants. I've been known to alter seam allowances by 1/8" just to get the fit exactly right, so it's my equivalent of Angie's PPL.

  Judging from the pictures (which is always hard because you don't see the 3D body shape) these pants are ALMOST perfect except for the pooling around the back which others have noted. Part of the problem to my eye is that the crotch (we are using that word a lot around here these days!) does not drop down low enough to keep the fabric from bunching around the seat and upper thigh area. Slouchy is good, but, in my books, bunching looks bad.

  If this was a fitting muslin, I'd be adding an extra 1/2"-1" to the FRONT seam to allow the crotch point to drop a bit further so the extra fabric at the back could drape without bunching. Women with flat abdomens can sometimes get this extra length by belting in such a way so the pants will hang lower in the front. If neither of these options are realistic, you have to adjust the back seam so that the curve of the centre back seam is more shallow and less pronounced. The usual way to take out just enough fullness to get a straighter seam so there is less fabric to bunch up at lower portion of the back seam. You don't want a tight fit here; you are just looking to eliminate some of the extra fabric that is pooling around the upper thigh area. Another, more expensive, alteration would be to split the amount you take in between two areas: the lower back seam and the back part of the inner thigh seam. Even a 1/4" in both places would make an enormous difference. If these were my pants, that's probably what I'd do but I wouldn't stitch anything until I had undone the seams, pinned and basted the new seams, and tried on the pants to make sure that I was hitting the sweet spot between slouchy and baggy. It's not a hard tailoring job, but one that requires fitting on your body.

  Fitting pants on a woman's body is always interesting because our bodies are so much curvier than a man's body. To me, a good "slouchy" look means a dropped crotch with enough fabric to hide enough of our curves to tease the eye. These pants have that look from the front, but could use just a little tweaking in the back to move them into the fabulous category. If the pants are pricey, it's worth the effort, in my opinion.

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  Thank you, Gaylene. That is very helpful. I have an excellent seamstress. But...(there is always a but)....she is very good at executing work *if* she understands the effect that is desired. She is not always fashion forward and may not understand the intended effect.

  Example: When I took a dress to her last year to be narrowed, she showed some consternation that I was not also wanting it shortened. I was wearing it below the knee as a midi and she thought it should go higher.

  Hmmmm. I think I will try ironing, then pinning just a bit to see what happens. Also, I am going to try different footwear. One issue with the Marcies is that the pants get a bit caught up in the laces and on the wedge. They may work better with a more delicate shootie. Fortunately I have a bit of time to consider (and reconsider) this purchase.

• Mochi replied 11 years ago

  They look fantastic in the front. I'm not liking how they look in the back. At least it's a dark color so may not be too inconspicuous, but they just look droopy to me.

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  One thing it would be interesting to investigate....how many of us have actually seen the models wearing slouchy trousers? Do any of us really *know* how they are supposed to look from the back? Not questioning anyone's judgement on this, by the way. Not in the least. It's just that, with this still being a bit of a fringe look, I, for one, don't really *know* how the back looks, ideally.

  Visuals would be great!

• cciele replied 11 years ago

  The drape and fabric look divine! But the back view also struck me as not draping properly. The front, I like. Hopefully it can be worked out through tailoring.

  ETA: From what I've noticed about the rear view is that slouchy pants typically fit well across the bottom -- no saggy fabric, no wrinkles. The fabric kind of falls from the "shelf" made by the buttocks and starts draping at the upper thigh (this is also how my harem pants fit). Not like I'm a slouchy pants expert by any means, though, so you might find other types of fits.

  ETA again: Some links:
  http://youlookfab.com/2012/03/.....tructured/
  http://www.shopbop.com/suekey-.....rg-4165214

• Mochi replied 11 years ago

  That's a good question, Suz. I also hate to say it (and it applies to me as well) but maybe if you're a 5'10" model with four-foot legs, the bunchy fabric doesn't look as pronounced in the butt as it does on us shorter women? It could be a proportion thing? Maybe we should go on sites wherever they're selling these slouchy trousers and see what they look like in the rear. (ETA: then again, the clothes catalog models are wearing probably can't be trusted for accurate fit...maybe you'd need to see more street fashion looks....)

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  This would be a first for me....having to take in the bum of a pair of pants. Hilarious. My dad is probably snorting in his grave over this one.

• Mochi replied 11 years ago

  Hey, I'm not thin and I often don't fill out the back of a pair of pants. Some of us just aren't endowed there :) But seriously now that i think about it, maybe you're just not supposed to think too much about how your butt looks in slouchy trousers? Maybe it gets sacrificed for the cool slouchiness elsewhere. So then you'd just have to decide whether it was okay or not. As we've all agreed, in the front it looks great.

• Jaime replied 11 years ago

  Well I think they look terrific with the fabulous blouse ;-), the sweater and with the last outfit. I see what you mean about the back being less perfect, but I am not sure I would let it bother me that much. But I am team side focus so may not be the best adviser on rear view issues.

• JulieJohn replied 11 years ago

  I am pretty clueless about fit, so I will just say how Killer you look in an androgynous look! It was made for you. You look like a sci-fi city dweller in the first and third looks, with a kind of Blade Runner vibe mixed with David Bowie and channeling Annie Lennox! Who knew you had a rock star inside you?!? Even if the pants don't stay, please keep that vibe coming!

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  Thanks, JulieJohn. Still laughing here, but believe it or not I have indeed been told that I look a bit like both David Bowie and Annie Lennox. I'll take it! (Be nice if I could sing like them, too...)

• Vix replied 11 years ago

  Hi Suz --

  I can feel your love for the fabric coming through my screen but I am not in love with the rear view either. Could absolutely be a personal bias but to me, slouchy pants look best when they droop/drape in the front but are smooth over the rear.

  Photos 1 and 2:
  http://thestylesample.com/2010/10/11/modest-me/

  Photos 3 and 4:
  Mara Hoffman catalogue shots

  ps I think the pants aren't up to your styling yet -- it's making them look better than they deserve! (sorry)

  1 2 3 4
• cciele replied 11 years ago

  Yeah, I'm not bothered by drooping in the rear, but I prefer a more drapey droop rather than a bunchy droop, if that makes any sense...

• catgirl replied 11 years ago

  So are Vix's images what Angie calls slouchy or are they baggy (no dropped crotch point), as I think? Both of those are gorgeous but I'm not sure they are "slouchy". So maybe, Suz, what you are looking for is not really slouchy by Angie's definition?

  *so confused*

  I like both slouchy and baggy so it's all good to me!