Office Capsule: Wide Leg
Next up in the office capsule is the wide leg pant. There are a couple things to consider when you’re searching for the perfect pant, so let’s get right to it!
The Carrie Pant
It was mid-summer when I tried these pants on and even though the temps were soaring I knew these were it. The pants are comfortably lined and have a nice sturdy weight. The quality is undeniable. Initially I was going to buy them in taupe, but I went for the green khaki because it’s a color you don’t see often, but it’s still a neutral in my eyes. Remember that classic twist I mentioned last week? I’d say the unique color of these pants brings that little twist I’m always looking for.
Double Pleats
Call me a 90s girl, but I am a sucker for a double pleat because they enhance the comfort and wide leg shape of the pant. The creases extend from the waist and remind me of little arrows that create visual interest around the natural waistline. Generally speaking, pleats give trousers an elegant drape and like I summed up in the first part of this blog series, my favorite office vibe is chic elegance.
Full length
Most of the pants in my closet hit just above the ankle because I find that to be the most harmonious length for styling with most shoes. A full length wide leg pant needs to be in your closet and it needs to be special. A high quality investment pant should last a lifetime (if taken care of), so if you’re on team quality over quantity I love brands like Anine Bine and Tibi. Not everyone wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a single item of clothing, so I provided a budget friendly option from Banana Republic above.
the right inseam for you
I took two pairs of shoes to the tailor with my Carrie pants, a pair of slim loafers and a pair of slingbacks. I believe full length pants should have an inseam that works with flats and heels. The trick is to put your heels on first, have the tailor pin your pants and then switch to your flats to see if you need to take the length up a little bit more. I like there to. be no pant breaks and I like the hem to be just above the floor (not skimming the floor).
Styling
Wide leg trousers are very elegant and I think the styling should generally mirror that at work. With thee pants in particular I prefer to highlight my waistline with either a cropped hem that hits at the natural waist, a belt or tucking. You can also wear a blazer and it doesn’t have to be cropped, but make sure you have a tucked or fitted layer under so show your shape!