You heard a tale of woe — cornerstone khakis now too baggy to wear that must be replaced — last week. The search for good khakis is probably, like the search for the perfect white blouse, a lifetime endeavor that never really stops, but rather intensifies and wanes as necessary and appropriate.
Here at Directrice Global Industries LLC, we are in intense search mode.
I am rather taken with these khakis from JCrew. If they were full length, and not slightly cropped, I would buy two pairs, kick back, and rest for a few years. But they are cropped, and therefore not fulfilling all of my needs.
Cropped length deprives pants of top honors, but they are still cute
For reasons that I cannot fully explain, I feel that the cropped length requires a waist defining top, which could be a blouse, jacket or fitted jersey.
This sleeveless denim top looks smart over a long-sleeved white blouse, doesn’t it?
Vaguely schoolgirl, but nevertheless smart
The peplum on this Theory top is longer and fuller in the front than in the back. That seems strange to me — like an inversion of universal principles of proportionality — but perhaps it is not my place to question this design. Who am I to gainsay Theory?
Setting aside the question of right and wrong, it has pretty lines
Pretty lines, structure and a measure of movement
Looking at this top in profile, I realize that it would look most charming with a white blouse that was as long in the back as the denim top is in the front. But the blouse I have works well enough.
Here is a sad fact: The cutest feature of these pants is that they have a little ruffled trimming along the slash packets and waistband. But because I rarely wear my blouses tucked in, the trim will not show.
See the ruffle trim?
Ruffle trim just barely visible along the pocket
Now back to the low-high profile, because I just cannot let it go.
What is the purpose, the inspiration? It this a modesty panel? A . . . codpiece?
Is it simply the product of a designer’s mandate to make something different regardless of whether it is better?
The Directrice furrows her brow over troubling questions
One final note: A black bag would have been a natural choice here, but I like the glossy navy tote, which looks so pretty with this dark rinse denim.
I feel so foolish, Elbe. Yes, a 30″ inseam would probably work. Such a good idea, right there on the page and I didn’t see it! Unfortunately, the tall in khaki is now sold out.
Black with navy are like the sound of nails on boards for me, so I love the navy tote with the denim. And would love even more if the black shoes were swapped for a brown pair, chocolate or tan, either would work I think.
I also love the effect of the school-girlish upper-half with the feeling of a military uniform invoked by the khaki for the bottom half. The proportions of the individual pieces may be a little quirky but they all come together perfectly.
As a 5’10” curvy goddess, I will say these pants would never be allowed into my apartment. Too short! Plus, the dreaded side pockets!
However, looking at your photos, I am struck by another factor — skin tone! I have, without knowing it, been accommodating my very pale skin and the need for contrast. I think Caucasians in khakis run the risk of looking naked from afar.
You look very pulled together and the pants just right but if you’re not comfortable with the length, you will put off wearing them. Examine your own pictures and maybe you will see what we see. It looks great and the top is the element drawing the eye. The bag is just right. Very springy. Kate
If you bought the regular pant, the inseam is 27″. They also have it in tall, with a 30″ inseam. Would that be an acceptable length?
I feel so foolish, Elbe. Yes, a 30″ inseam would probably work. Such a good idea, right there on the page and I didn’t see it! Unfortunately, the tall in khaki is now sold out.
Those khakis look great on you and suit you perfectly. I say the world needs more cropped pants, not less. (Or is it more, not fewer?) Enjoy!
Black with navy are like the sound of nails on boards for me, so I love the navy tote with the denim. And would love even more if the black shoes were swapped for a brown pair, chocolate or tan, either would work I think.
I also love the effect of the school-girlish upper-half with the feeling of a military uniform invoked by the khaki for the bottom half. The proportions of the individual pieces may be a little quirky but they all come together perfectly.
Codpiece! That is all.
(Also, seconding the love for the school-girl military-uniform mashup, above.)
Nothing makes me feel as leggy as an ankle-length pant. And it’s hard for me to look leggy, since I’m 5’1″.
As a 5’10” curvy goddess, I will say these pants would never be allowed into my apartment. Too short! Plus, the dreaded side pockets!
However, looking at your photos, I am struck by another factor — skin tone! I have, without knowing it, been accommodating my very pale skin and the need for contrast. I think Caucasians in khakis run the risk of looking naked from afar.
LOL, but seriously!
You look very pulled together and the pants just right but if you’re not comfortable with the length, you will put off wearing them. Examine your own pictures and maybe you will see what we see. It looks great and the top is the element drawing the eye. The bag is just right. Very springy. Kate
The glasses make me sing!
And the top has an apron-like front and I believe you have a strong penchant for apron-like garments. That is the natural conclusion.
Reminds me of you:
https://www.intermixonline.com/product/harvey+faircloth+satin+peplum+khaki+field+jacket.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=fn&utm_source=rewardStyle&utm_campaign=INTERMIX+Deep+link&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_term=CJ&utm_content=4441350