… printed pants.
I can’t quite believe I’m loving ANY pants. After years of just loathing them and feeling insecure and awful in them, I’ve finally found a few pairs that look marvelous and feel fab. And many of those pairs are printed, which is even MORE surprising. I first saw printed pants emerge a couple of years ago, and immediately started scouring my thrift stores. Sure enough, printed pants abounded, but not in the slim styles and contemporary prints I was craving. Luckily, the shops are lousy with ‘em:
7 for All Mankind Garden Party – $189
There are two reasons I will likely never own these: They’re low-rise, and they’re really expensive. But holy moly, do I ever want to crawl inside that print and LIVE. Teal and magenta mixed with a soft, subtle olive make for an energetic yet versatile print. Maybe I could get over the low rise thing …
ASOS Cropped Pants in Paisley Print – $72.72
If you’re looking for a summer-specific pair, these crops are a great bet. They’re 100% cotton, and feature a bright, white background that makes them ideal for hot-weather ensembles.
DKNY Floral Slim Pants – $225
Oh, the lust I feel for these pants. Doesn’t that print look awfully Marimekko to you? That’s why I love it, of course. Well, and the fact that the print includes red, white, and blue yet doesn’t scream “Fourth of July.” A splurge to be sure, but oh so lovely.
Tripp NYC Tartan Skinny Pants – $27.27
If florals and paisley make you cringe, there are plenty of other options, including bold plaids. This pair comes in red, blue, and this vibrant yellow, and can be easily punked up (as shown) or taken in a preppy direction.
Warehouse Circle Printed Pants - $72.72
If bright colors and skinny leg styles aren’t your scene, consider these flowy, neutral widelegs. These have a mid-rise, unlike many of the available options, and a casual self-tie. They’re a little on the beachy side, but with the right sweater or tunic, could be dressed up for the office.
My feeling is that printed pants will look chic and contemporary in modern, exaggerated silhouettes – mainly skinny, but also superwide – and paired with sleek tops in solid colors or complementary prints. I’m a fan of prints that include a black background, but white and brights can work, too, so long as the print isn’t too traditional or twee. Crops will likely look best at ankle or clamdigger length, and in slimmer silhouettes minus any pleating.
Also I realize in retrospect that some of those printed pairs I found in my thrift haunts could’ve been altered to skinny legs and fitting waistlines. And probably for less than virtually all of the pairs listed here! Another route to consider, if you like the look but are on a tight budget.
What are your thoughts on printed pants? Will you try this trend?
(Top photo is of a pair from Talbots that I own. Similar style here.)
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