Casual Spring Dressing
As ceasefires aren’t ceasing, gas is getting well over $4.00 per gallon and we were just charged a special 421a tax on our NYC rent that we forgot was coming, I want to buy a few things, that cost less. Thankfully, this is much easier in the warmer months—no need for cashmere and coats, we are in the season of cool, cotton and comfortable clothing! I will bask in the joy that is being casually dressed, and thoroughly enjoy the moment that the pull-on pant is having. These pants make getting dressed a breeze, instantly lifting my broke (pun intended) mood.
The most expensive pants that I scouted and have been obsessing over are these James Perse Fine Cotton Twill Pants. They are expensive at $465, but the material is weighty and seems resistant to wrinkling. This is important, if you do a lot of traveling or sitting all day. I loved the heavier drawcord, as opposed to a cotton drawstring and these pants felt sturdy and expensive. There is elastic in the waist and they run true to size. If you prefer white pants, this fabric was thick enough not be see-through. However, if you run hot and have a commute into the city, they may not be right for you. They come in white, light khaki (below) or olive green. I am still dreaming about these and the photo below doesn’t do them justice.
Needing a less expensive option, I was on to J. Crew. Their Luna Cotton Poplin Pant was on the front table and I scooped up the “Peppermint Ice” color and tried them on. This cotton poplin pant, is a true poplin. It is lighter weight than the James Perse, but has a similar, relaxed fit. The Luna Pant is more reasonably priced at $98, and unfortunately, they are excluded from any promotions. They ran true to size and I thought I would be daring in the Passion Rouge I went to two stores and did NOT see Passion Rouge, so it may be offered online only. This color is fantastic, but they also come in white, a light pink (Peppermint Ice), Khaki (Worn Teak) and a beautiful blue (Smoky Thistle). These pants were the cotton poplin pull-on winner! They won for fit, fabric, function and fiscality! They come in linen as well and they have classic, petite and tall lengths, which is helpful!
I still wanted to see what else was out there, so I hopped into Banana Republic and tried on their Painter Pant. Again, a much heavier twill, but a nice looking pant. There is no drawstring with this BR Painter, and I was intrigued by this, because I get crazy about ironing drawstrings, even in my pajamas. The BR painter has a thick, elastic waistband which I liked and these retail for $100. I was impressed with the quality for the price, however, the colors they offer (black, gray, olive green and bronze brown) are my fall colors, not my top choices for spring and summer. This Painter Pant is offered in linen, which I would recommend! They are my top pick for a linen pull-on pant. Check these out in the Chambray Blue (below, right)! The linen style also comes in a vibrant red and linen is breathable and if it wrinkles, it’s supposed to!
If you are looking for a deal and are willing to take a chance on a final sale item. Everlane offers “The Easy Barrel Pant” on final sale for $51 in the color Oak Brown, which is a rich khaki. I love a barrel pant because I need to balance wider shoulders with a narrow bottom half, so the horseshoe shape gives my body more balance. I do realize barrel pants intimidate people, but this one from Everlane is very subtle, and you can’t beat it for $51! These pants are made of a lightweight organic cotton with 2% elastane. Everlane is a transparent company that focuses on prioritizing sustainability and the environment. All the more reason to try these pull-ons.
For a dressier drawstring, I found two pairs that worked for me. You can wear almost anything on top, except for a satin shirt that may look like you are going to bed. I liked the subtlety of the Aritzia Lodge Pant. It doesn’t scream satin or pajama and I think it would be easy to pull off at the office. It comes in a few fabrications—I did not like the weight or the feel of the crepette fabric, but they had a good linen option. The Lodge pant comes in short, regular and tall lengths. However, the Quince pant below, on the right, makes a statement! Quince is another fashion company, trying to differentiate itself in the fashion world by shipping directly from their factories and offering transparent pricing. They give you quality fabrics at a much better price. The Quince 100% Washable Silk Drawstring Pants are constructed of 100% washable mulberry silk and the mineral yellow is gorgeous! These pants have almost 600 reviews and many are five stars. I can’t get enough of the color! They also have a drawstring and pockets to make them extra comfy. For under $100, sign me up!
To accessorize your pants with a pop of warm weather something...
I really liked this t-shirt from Madewell, better than the J. Crew Boyfriend Jersey Classic Fit Tee that has everyone talking. It is less boxy, the cotton feels softer and it looks more lived-in. It is a tinge longer, so you can do a French tuck with your tee in your pull-ons or jeans. It retails for $65, but if you buy three or more tees from Madewell, you get 25% off (you can mix and match). I could pull off the medium (my regular size, but I felt better in the large). I also love these colors in the tee here and here. What about a summery belt for your white jeans from Target? A beaded necklace or lucite cuff will bring interest to any outfit! I am picky about raffia bags because I think they can be flimsy and I was looking for one that could sustain the weight of a water bottle and have straps that wouldn’t dig into my shoulder. This Alex Mill Mary Mill Tote looks fantastic with a blue silk scarf tied on it and since I am loving my Alex Mill Perfect Daily Tote, I trust the quality of their bags. The black Straw Traveler Tote by Hat Attack is sold at bananarepublic.com. The black works well in the city and goes splendidly with the Target belt. Pair the belt and bag with your jeans and tee! This Me+Em blue silk scarf would dress up either raffia tote for the office or tie a bandana (I love this one) on your raffia tote for an off-duty look!
