Trousers for Spring.

You might have gathered that I was inspired by the trousers I saw in New York City last week — lots of cropped lengths, but also full-length ones with pleats! Super-inspired to try. One of my fashion goals the past few years has been to diversify away from denim. I wear jeans way too frequently in the colder months! This past six months, I’ve branched out to include utility-style pants (you’ve seen me in these a lot lately), ecru cropped chinos, corduroy kick-flares, and more. Now I’m keen on trying more of a trouser-style pant. I’m sharing a mood board below, but I must mention that my Instagram friend Cheryl has styled pleated trousers (and lots of other fashion-forward shapes) with aplomb on her account here, and one of my favorite Instagram follows, Liz Damrich, styles them fabulously here.

Some thoughts on how to style…

I would generally pair with a fitted tee/top to balance out the silhouette. For example, take this $140 pair from Banana — right on the money in terms of trend. I would pair with a polished white tee (<<these Uniqlo ones are shockingly well-made and look super expensive, but are currently on sale for only $10! Full review here) and either a longline cardigan worn open so you can see the waistline or a cropped striped knit (must reveal the belt-line — I would even tuck into the front if needed) to either wear over top or around my shoulders. For a dressier occasion, I love the idea of a top with surprising architectural element that is still fitted/slim-fit tucked in, like this gorgeous navy Veronica Beard. In any case, I think it’s essential that you have the waistline on display and a shirt tucked in to avoid looking sloppy.

The other direction I would go is a blouse that is easy to tuck in without adding bulk at the waist-line. Something like this would look really chic tucked in to flowy pleated pants like these Zaras and sort of billowy at the top. For an even more polished look: a striped silk button-down.

Finally, I really love the vibe of these Madewell trousers in the terracotta hue with a simple white tank and some strappy sandals, like the iconic ones from The Row. The brand A. Emery has some great, minimalist styles evocative of The Row but under $200, like these.

In terms of the pants themselves, this pair from Favorite Daughter looks promising and comes in a ton of colors. I feel like the fit (not quite straight, not quite barrel) feels very of-the-moment. Zara is, of course, a great destination for trying fashion-forward looks for less — love this pleated floaty pair. I also love these three moderately-priced pairs: Z Supply, Madewell, and Pistola. Bonus: the Madewells come in petite and tall inseam lengths! Finally, for more of an investment, check out Jenni Kayne. I know so many of you swear by this brand. They just nail the effortless chic vibe, don’t they?!

A little lookbook situation:

01. LESET TEE // 02. VERONICA BEARD KNIT JACKET // 03. ZARA TROUSERS // 04. FRP COLLECTION BAG // 05. SHORT SLEEVED KNIT ($22!) // 06. LOEWE SHADES // 07. NILI LOTAN BLOUSE // 08. VERONICA BEARD RIMINI TROUSERS // 09. A. EMERY SANDALS // 10. PROENZA SCHOULER TOTE // 11. MERLETTE TOP // 12. EVERLANE BLOUSE // 13. TOTEME BAG // 14. BR PANTS // 15. THE ROW SANDALS // 16. VERONICA BEARD RUFFLE TURTLENECK // 17. FAVORITE DAUGHTER TROUSERS // 18. ULLA JOHNSON PASCALE PANTS (ALSO AVAILABLE IN A PRETTY SHELL PINK)

P.S. More chic pants/bottoms for spring here.

P.P.S. A podcast on apologies that totally changed me.

P.P.P.S. On people pleasing vs. being “weird.”