January 26, 2014

Angie's peach, navy, and brown ensemble seems to have inspired more than one wild card. Ingunn and I have been on a similar wavelength.

I loved the idea of this ensemble. The only problem is that I look like death in all shades of orange and peach. The closest to peach I can come, I think, is the right blush or maybe a rosy beige. And I didn't own a single orange, peach, or coral item.

Then I noticed the Sloan ankle pants on super discount at BR. I figured on me they would probably pass for full length. I have been unbelievably slow to jump on the coloured trousers trend -- so slow that I don't think you can call it a "trend" any more. Oh well. I figured it would be fun and easy to experiment with these.

I got on Pinterest and found lots of inspiration. These are all winter or early spring looks (although I might not get away with pumps as I have tried to do in some.) I have further options for later spring looks.

Some of these are straying away from the blue/ orange/ brown formula, but most do include either blue or brown in some variation.

I have some thoughts about this experiment, but for now, I am curious -- do any of these work, to your eye? Do they look and feel like "me" to you? Which ones? And why?

Oh! And can the pants pass as full length?

Here's my Pinterest board of orange pants: http://www.pinterest.com/Backi.....spiration/

Posted in the Dressing category

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66 Comments

Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

I think these do work Suz, and IKWYM about not wearing such a warm orangy shade with our colouring!
I like it best with the less contrasty tops- 21 & 22 should work in theory but I prefer the pants with the softer browns and beiges.
I like the shape of the pants on you but can't tell about the length with the front-on pics.
replied 10 years ago

The pants look great! I'm finding that I'm not as keen seeing them paired with fuchsia, but that might just be my preference. I love them with whites and black as you styled them in 1,15, 16 23 and 24. Also all of the striped combos look great. I think it's a no-brainer with taupe shades too. Of the pairings with the blue brocade jacket my faves are 2 and 17. As a wild card I think you wear them extremely well and from what I can make out the length looks good.
Gracie replied 10 years ago

What a great purchase! I think the fit of the slacks is fantastic on you, they look full length to my eye. My favorites and the ones I think look more like "you" (in that order) 24, 19, 7, 11, 17 & 23... but 22 deserves a special mention – wow! you look energetic, sporty and fit! I don't think I've seen you pulling top to bottom body con but this combo looks fantastic. The ones I found less appealing are the ones with black or fuchsia, I'm seeing them a bit harsh for what I know of your style. I bet you're going to be wearing the Sloans a lot!
lyn67 replied 10 years ago

Wow, pants are quite a flatering fit AND COLOR so nice! Suz, think You might have more options here than opportunities to wear!:-) I like them all where paired with whites and taupe-as your speciffic items are each perfect, but the top on my list is not only the nr.4 and 15 but the nr 5.too-which wowed me, really! Surpised about it cuz I really am a bit shy of pairing huge blocks of both blacks with any reds but this shade is working really well this way, too. I think I also preffer this shade to the tomato red for me, and have it in my wardrobe-I think this shade reads more like a fading related to the blues on jeans for ex. and find it softer.Pairing it with blocks of teal/fuchsia might be fashion forward, but then, for me the pants lose their power, and read much more casual. So a popping out metallic belt buckle or metalic belt itself like in 14/15 would be more pleasant there to my eyes(at least it's how I can imagine them:-)).
MuseumGal replied 10 years ago

Yowza Suz, these outfits are all kinds of awesome fun. Since the tops are all absolutely you, I think the pants very much look like they can fit in with your usual style. The stripes and dots are absolutely Suz outfits. The length looks fine, but you might want to include a side and back view if you want more feedback on that.
Suz replied 10 years ago

Thanks, all -- and good feedback about showing sides and back for length - I'll try to do that later.

I should clarify - the only photo with black is 5 -- any others that may look like black are ink or navy. I have other ink and navy options to use as well.
kkards replied 10 years ago

These are so fab, it was hard to pick a favorite. But if I have to pick #3 & 2, 24 & 20 & 16.....I could go on.
Love the length of these. And I can see these moving into spring.
Windchime replied 10 years ago

Super fun pants, Suz! The color conveys energy and warmth. If I have to choose favorites from these, I'd pick 14, 15, and 22. I am incredibly impressed with the plethora of creative ways you find to mix the pieces in your wardrobe and create fab new looks.
Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

I think they look good Suz & look full length in the photos. My only question is about the intensity of the colour - most of your pins are of a softer orange. #11, 15 & 19 are my first impression favourites.
Aubergine replied 10 years ago

I think these look great on you! #15 jumped out right away as just being amazing on you; #17 and #19 were also favorites. I'm also joining in the hesitancy on the ones that involve fuchsia. To my eye, I think something about that color combination somehow seems out of place with the overall neatness and crispness of your look and style.
Susie replied 10 years ago

The pants look like a great fit and the length appears good, at least from the front. I think this is a departure for you but fun. My favs are 11, 15 and 24.
Nicole D replied 10 years ago

I really love it with the blue jacquard jacket. Nice find.
Deborah replied 10 years ago

Suz, please remember this is coming from someone who can happily wear black every day and has purged all but one pair of coloured jeans (I have kept the cobalt). ....these look amazing. I adore the pink combos. #11 and #14 appeal to me for there (kind of) neutrality and simplicity. You look gorgeous in the strong colour combos. How do you feel? I ask because that much colour for me would make me feel very "strange" lol. I think they are keepers Suz.
carter replied 10 years ago

I love these! All of them. Seriously. They'd also look cute with a denim jacket and flats. Welcome to the colored pants group!
Sveta replied 10 years ago

I think these orange pants will be like my blush khakis in summer: totally unexpected love and ultimate refresher to your style!
They totally pass for full length pants for you especially as they are so tapered. Actually I am so envious that ankle pants work as full length on you why on me the regular length ones often works as ankle length :-(
My absolute favorites are ##1,6 ,11,12,14,15,19,22,23 and 24 and it may do more with proportions than with colors here as color wise I think they all work: I think I prefer fluid longer fit on top with skinnies.
Suz replied 10 years ago

Deborah, thank you!! Your opinion of all others is important on this, for exactly the reason you mention.

You know, I'm undecided as yet. I do think orange is an amazing "mixer" with my predominant blue, taupe, and grey wardrobe. Like wow! But I'm unsure how I feel about so much colour.

I'm really glad I took the time today to try so many variations. My first outfit was the first photo, with the navy sweater, and I actually wore that one day. And you know what? I wished I hadn't cut the tags on the pants! I hated it. It just felt,,,,ugh. Too bright, too garish, too intense, not enough of an ensemble, somehow.

Trying them so many ways, I'm surprised to find that I actually quite like them (in the photos, at least) with the intense colours like turquoise and fuchsia, though I'm not sure how they look IRL or whether I'd feel comfortable going out of the house in them.

I do like them quite a lot with the white or cream tops, and also with the jacquard jacket, and I did not feel at all uncomfortable in those outfits. So simpler and more neutral and possibly lighter tops seemed easier to me.

I may end up ordering these pants in navy and/ or cobalt as well -- I think the cobalt would be less "mixable" for me, but I'd be happier wearing it than the orange. Ultimately, I think I'm moving more towards a refined look with a lot of neutrals and monochrome or tone -on -tone looks -- and bright orange pants don't really fit all that well with that. Still, this is a really great experiment.

Thank you all for your thoughts on this -- it's super helpful.
Suz replied 10 years ago

Sveta, thank you for the orange pants love! :) I am *blushing.*
pil replied 10 years ago

I had to log in just to see these pants, Suz. They are not what I would have expected you to bring home, but recalling your fuchsia love it makes more sense now. You're so skilled at outfit creation that they all work for me but my favorites are the combinations with taupe and also the tonal looks with the fuchsia. The fuchsia and orange are such vibtant colors I wonder if I'm kind of seeing them as a double negative of sorts where they offset each other. How would #10 work with the cream leather jacket and Petty booties?

I tried a pair of black watch plaid ankle pants at BR the other day but they were definitely too short to pass as regular length.
gryffin replied 10 years ago

Suz - clearly "orange really is the new black!" It's amazing but it's such a strong color but you've played with it almost like a neutral and it works really well. Very much a suprise to me!! I like 5, 7, 8, 15 &17 best but they all really look wonderful. They seem amazingly versatile!! just proving you never know how they will work until you try!! Just brilliant!!
replied 10 years ago

They look amazing. I was super tempted to pick up a pair the same colour, but they would not be full-length on me.

I like all the looks you created.
NDMom replied 10 years ago

Suz.....you amaze me how you can create such wonderful looks with such ease! I love it when I see you have posted so we can see how you so expertly show us your outfits. I love ALL of them.....really!
Shirley replied 10 years ago

My faves are 6,7,9,15, and 23. I think it's you. I have a pair of redder jeans and I find them quite versatile.
greenglove replied 10 years ago

21 is a work of art- hands down my favorite you gorgeous woman!
fuzzylogic replied 10 years ago

Wow! You have nailed this trend/untrend! They are all fabulous outfits, but my particular favourites are 7, 15 and 19!
Joy replied 10 years ago

Suz, these look amazing on you but I can understand feeling that they may not feel like you because of their brightness. I felt that way about my bright orange VC blazer. The length looks fine to me.
I think that all the outfits with your taupe leather jacket look like your style, plus 11 and 4. They are simple but strong.
Joyce B replied 10 years ago

All of the outfits look great. You know how to put them together very nicely.
The pants look full length to me.
doubleh replied 10 years ago

I love all your combos! I have these pants and have predominantly worn with taupes/neutrals. Don't be suprised if you see a copycat soon!
Jaime replied 10 years ago

The fit and length look perfect and I love a lot of the styles - they are obviously keepers. My favorites are the solid tops like #1, and the tops with the taupe and white jacket. This is a great fit and the color is a perfect refresher that does not require new supporting pieces. Wardrobe genius!
SW Ann replied 10 years ago

OMG--I am not an orange wearer at all but these look absolutely terrific! I'm having a hard time picking a fav--but you have given me all kinds of ideas to spice up my own wardrobe (thanks!) with my own version of bright "bottom" (a pair of red pants I seldom wear.....hmmmm)
SW Ann replied 10 years ago

OMG--I am not an orange wearer at all but these look absolutely terrific! I'm having a hard time picking a fav--but you have given me all kinds of ideas to spice up my own wardrobe (thanks!) with my own version of bright "bottom" (a pair of red pants I seldom wear.....hmmmm)
Karie replied 10 years ago

These look fantastic on you! And like Sveta, I am so envious that you can wear ankle pants as regular length, when regular length is (almost) always too short for me - not short enough for ankle length, but just nerdy-short :(

My favorites are the ones that I think are more minimalistic on you - 1,2,3,4,5,6,11,12,14,15,16,17,18,22,23,24. I do like the ones with the scarves in that group, but probably not as much as the others. My favorites are 15, 16, and 22.

You really do look fantastic in all the photos - looks like you have many outfits to choose from!
Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

3,6,9,12,15,22,24......my favorites. I think. I lost count and had trouble keeping track of the numbers of the photos, because they all look amazing.

I like the easy, but classic fit of the trousers, and the length works, because the leg openings are narrow.

Colored pants are fun! Every winter needs a pair!
Adelfa replied 10 years ago

I love 15 so much!!!! I wear these as full length pants and I think you're shorter than I am (I'm 5'5"). Or did you get the petites? Either way, they work. Orange is one color I don't have. When I went to Barcelona I saw people rocking the orange. It looked so good!
Suz replied 10 years ago

Adelfa, yes, I am (almost) 5'4" so a bit shorter than you. I am relieved if you wear yours as full length, too. :) They are not the petites.

15 gets a lot of love -- it is that DVF sweater, I think. It's such a great piece it elevates everything else. And it feels quite springlike.

Thanks so much, everyone. I agree with those who prefer the more minimal looks. I think the scarf-less versions are better as well. Although sometimes I just need a scarf and there is no way around it.

I'm still not sure how I feel about actually wearing the pants outside. It's a really bright colour for me. This is very likely to be a fling rather than a long term affair. I'm moving much more toward monochrome neutrals or tone on tone looks, I think -- as a general thing. And there is no way I'm wearing an orange top, so these pants demand contrast in top and bottom for me.
Gigi replied 10 years ago

These are so awesome! I had been thinking about getting a pair of bright red pants, but the color of these--deep red-orange--is perfect.

Your outfits all look fab. I love the ones with the blue! But I am on Team High Contrast. :^)

I think the pants look fine for length, but have you tried them with flats? That is where I think you would see more of a problem.
Suz replied 10 years ago

I don't wear true flats at all, Gigi, so it's not an issue. I was worried these might be a touch short, not too long -- they are supposedly ankle pants, but I am so short that they are (just barely) full length. All my shoes have at least a 3/4" wedge or heel and mostly between 1.5 inches and 2.75 inches -- it's the most comfortable angle for my foot.

I'm glad you like the ones with blue because that was the original inspiration! :)

I do like the jacquard jacket with them, too -- I just prefer it with a simple top vs. a fussy one, I think.
replied 10 years ago

Wow, you do sure know how to incorporate a new item!
Gigi replied 10 years ago

Suz, I went to the BR website and see that these puppies are dry clean only. Are you planning on dry cleaning them or handwashing? I would like to buy a pair, as I am in love with the color, but the dry cleaning is a deal breaker. If you're going to wash them yourself, I'll let you be the guinea pig. :^)
Suz replied 10 years ago

Oh, I have NO intention of dry cleaning. I never do. I will wash them in the machine on delicate in cold and hang or lay flat to dry.

Adelfa has these too, and Rae, and a bunch of other people. So you could always check with them about that as well. But yeah...I just don't do dry cleaning on casual pants. I do for my dressier wool pants, but they almost never need cleaning in the first place.
ManidipaM replied 10 years ago

Well! Now that's a wardrobe refresher!

I do understand what you are saying about 'is it too much colour?' Though I am more colour-happy than you these days. But I too found it unexpectedly hard to wear some of the high-contrast inspirations I had found for my tomato red pants. Remember the grellow trench? Or plain blue or black t-shirts... in theory, easy and certainly fab on many others. But I felt unsure, not-confident...

Given that, I am loving most the lower-contrast combos with taupe or fuchsia (and yes with scarf!) As well as softer neutrals like cream or chambray blue. Black seems more hard-edged and maybe ink too though I daresay softer in real-life. The first striped top made me pause... between colour and pattern, more sporty casual than I am used to seeing you in perhaps. Yet the second seems much softer and more Suz because of its fluidity.
ManidipaM replied 10 years ago

Oh and just to show I don't know my own mind I.love it with the blue ja ket best of all the toppers!
Lantana replied 10 years ago

Suz my first impression is always based on the thumbnails alone and in this instance I was impressed by the intensity of colour in the outfits. In looking at the full photos, I feel your colouring and vivacity hold their own against these intense colours but I do not think there is a natural harmony between them and you.
Out of all the permutations, I feel those featuring brown are most harmonious.
Penny
unfrumped replied 10 years ago

Wow, bright and pretty color. I think they do fit and can be full length. I like 14& 15.
I think it's fine to add this shade of pants if you really like them. From your pins( which are great) I think a softer peachy or muted orange tone would work better with your wardrobe, especially blues& navy. Would that be too " neutral" and defeat the purpose? I think it would still be adding rich color and interest but would showcase " your" colors more. Then there could be another bright or deep color elsewhere in the outfit, too.
Mona replied 10 years ago

Wow, Wow, Wow! These orange trousers are absolutely fab on you. My windowpane sloan fit pants are ankle length and they fit me pretty much the same as these on you. These trousers will inject a new life into your winter wardrobe. I especially love them with fucshia and turquoise.
Elizabeth P replied 10 years ago

Suz, are these the vermillion colour?

I really like these, and I like what you've done with them. However, I'm not sure they are "you". I'm wondering if the rusted orange might be worth trying? (if they are vermilion, that is) It's so hard to tell on a computer... (even though I am calibrated and colour aware, here at home).

My favourites are paired with the more muted, neutral colours. The taupes, white, navy, black. The colour of the pants with the blue and fushia jacket, just seem like a lot of colour for you and your style. Does that make sense?

I do think the length is great.
Suz replied 10 years ago

Elizabeth, these are the rusted orange. I had to bump the exposure on some of these due to light (although, uncharacteristically, there was enough natural light for once to take most of the photos!)

I think ultimately, this is just not a "me" colour for pants, however well it works with the rest of my wardrobe. It might make a great bag, though. I think in the end I need a more unified, less horizontally cut silhouette. BUT. It's fun to experiment and try!

Thank you all for your comments, by the way. I do appreciate them. It looks as if for most people the outfits with neutrals win out. Although IRL I actually think this shade of orange "goes" better with the blue than with the taupe.
Lisa replied 10 years ago

2, 8 and 10 are my favorites but really all the version with that brocade blue blazer are stunning. The orange really makes the details on the blazer stand out. I like the orange length here, they look good to me, nice find!
Suz replied 10 years ago

ETA, Penny, I really like your comment about the colour. I can "take" it or stand up to it, but it's not in harmony with me. That's a nice way of expressing it. I think the other issue with the all bright looks is that there are too many colours for me. I do better with no more than 3, but preferably two or fewer.
LACeleste replied 10 years ago

Suz! You are my idol because you do the wardrobe work that is critical for optimization! I enjoy seeing all your looks! YLF!
texstyle replied 10 years ago

Had to log in quickly (been super busy with work) to say this is so great that you posted so many variations - what a wonderful help for anyone considering adding a bold color to their wardrobe! And I think they look great on you in many of these versions. I do commiserate with you on the bold color issue. I have the same feeling and most of my bold (and a few patterned items too) tend to be worn a lot less than my standby neutrals. I prefer these with the white, and striped tops the most because bright white to me keeps the orange color toned down more.
Suz replied 10 years ago

Thanks, texstyle -- I agree. The light seems to make it more wearable for me, somehow. I think I might enjoy them with more "sporty" outfits in later spring, with my white Cons. Or maybe a light grey pair of Cons if I find any.
Angie replied 10 years ago

You need to keep these orange trousers just because of #14 and #21. Those outfits launch me into killer orbit.
Suz replied 10 years ago

Thanks for weighing in, Angie -- I will definitely keep (I had already cut the tags) but I think they may end up being a one-season fling for me. A super experiment, though. Really useful to see how they feel -- and also, I got a sense of the fit of the Sloanes.
JulieJohn replied 10 years ago

Angie, I know there is something different about #14 and #21 in terms of color pairings, but can you please explain why those are standout favorites?

To my eyes it is because the black value of the top and bottom is more matched in those outfits than when she paired the pants with white, for example. This black-value matching creates a balance between the burnt orange and the top, which unites Suz's figure into a pleasing whole. Am I on the right track?
Suz replied 10 years ago

Julie - interesting analysis. Maybe we should start another thread for it? Angie's busy and might not pop back here.

I can't answer for Angie but here is my idea. In #21 I agree with you that the colour intensities are similar -- they're also pure complimentary colours (burnt orange and that teal/turquoise). So to an artist's eye is it pleasing just in itself -- I think that is why Jean (Greenglove) liked it. The teal happens to be a super flattering colour to me IRL - not sure how clearly that comes across in the photos but it is definitely one of my better personal colours.

But lots of people disliked that combo as compared to others.

With the grey top (#14) the intensity is way lower than the pants so it must not be the same thing -- it might be the bookending scarf and shoes in that one that creates cohesion -- plus grey and orange are a less expected pairing in some ways. But I know Angie also likes the fit of that sweater (as do I) so it could be the combo of fluid fit with the skinnies.
Emily replied 10 years ago

Suz, they look great on you! I really like how you've mixed them with neutrals and blue - #14, 16 and especially 19! SO fun. Even if you just wear them for a season I'm sure you'll have a blast doing it. I really like the idea of casual outfits with white or grey converse - you could roll up the hems a bit for a different look, too.

My Sloans from the fall have worn really well washed cold and hung to dry, so I don't understand why these are labelled dry clean. Ah well.
Mona replied 10 years ago

I just wanted to pop back and say that my window pane sloans have washed really well in the washer's regular cycle. I sized up on these and found the fit super flattering and comfortable. I am so glad you are keeping these, Suz. Sometimes, we do need a wild card to keep things interesting.
Angie replied 10 years ago

I didn't read the comments, Suz. (You are right. I am busy at the moment and fighting for time). People didn't like #21? That was my killer fave. Verve and Fashion Forward. Beautiful harmony and unexpected Freshness between the colours. Same Colour Intensities that work with Suz's hair and colouring.

I also LOVE the simplicity of #6. All the renditions work, Suz. Truly. You have to keep the pants.
catgirl replied 10 years ago

Suz, I am way late here... I noticed your pins and wondered where they were leading! I love the pants with the neutrals best for you. The orange and black is not a favorite combo of mine generally, and I have weird high school associations with blue. I actually love orange and fuchsia which reminds me of happy days in Hawaii. I can see you having a lot of fun with these pants, and the judicious addition of a new bright that meshes well with your base palette is wise and refreshing.
cciele replied 10 years ago

I did have reservations about the orange pants, because orange seems like such a loud, look-at-me color, and I don't get that sense from you.

Seeing your outfits make me think you can pull it off. #21 is my favorite. The neutral of the jacket (and matching boots) really ground the bright colors.
Inge replied 10 years ago

Super late to the party, but: what Sveta, Angie and Greenglove said. Love them with that intense blue in particular. I understand that they don't feel totally you, Suz, but you really do wear them well, and it's always fun to have one unexpected wild card item in our wardrobes, isn't it.
Alassë replied 10 years ago

I think you made great outfits with them, Suz. That said, I feel the same as Lantana/Penny - they're a bit too much warm color for ideal harmony with your wardrobe. My favorites on you are #1, #3, #11, #12, #15, #16, #22, #23, and #24.
Raisin replied 10 years ago

So these are really ankle pants? They definitely look full length. I would
Never have tried on this color and I'm astonished at how great you look in them! Well no I'm just astonished that orange can look so great, I think you could pull of almost anything Suz :)
shemarie replied 10 years ago

I think these are fabulous and I'm so glad that you've decided to keep them! Your stamina for trying on complete outfits and analyzing them is so inspirational! I too adore #14 and #15, and also the ones with your gorgeous leather jackets, but I also really, really love them with the stripes - navy in particular. (Though I adore stripes always, so I'm hardly unbiased!) I especially think your idea to wear with white Cons would be killer!
Hil replied 10 years ago

WOW... You rock orange pants! What an amazing addition to your wardrobe!
Neel replied 10 years ago

Oh good lord! You are rocking those pants!! I think I prefer them least with fushia. I love them the most with brown (jacket/fluid top) and white. Very very very hard to pick a favorite! Did I mention very?

Pix-Elated

Winter wild card: Orange pants (pic heavy)

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