How To Style Printed Trousers
I bought these crazy pants a few months ago when thoughts of spring filled my mind.
You may remember them from my gingham dress posts.
This type of bold printed pants create confusion for the eye…no one knows what is concave or convex anymore.
Say hello to my visually slimming friends!
I’ve worn them quite a bit because; A) they are stretchy like yoga pants and B) they can be pulled on.
No zippers, snaps or buttons to fiddle with!
I’m not sure why that impresses me so much but it does.
This makes them the ideal pants to wear thrifting. Speedy on, speedy off.
Although this type of short cropped trousers do look better with heels they aren’t necessary.
I can wear these crazy pants to visit my chiropractor.
I have a pair of these light pink Cole Haan brogues that I wear when I go to the chiropractor. She wouldn’t be happy if I showed up in heels.
When you start making your clothing choices dependant upon the Dr.’s appointment you have that day you know you are getting old.
Sad but true.
My photos look quite blurry. I need to learn how to adjust the setting on my camera or stand still longer. I swear it isn’t the “Martha Stewart” blur lens.
I could have styled this with any of the colours in the pants or gone with a bold solid colour on top but I love the idea of adding extra visual texture and that is why I chose stripes in the two outfits above. The outfit below I’m wearing sequins. They are matte so it is difficult to see the sequins.
I do have to mention the little blue handbag I bought at TJ Maxx a couple months ago the same day I bought the pants.
I’ve been searching for a round vintage handbag for about two years now and never came across one that was the right size or weight. This one is the ideal size for me and my fibromyalgia and it has a cross body shoulder strap which makes it darn near close to perfect for me. I don’t own very much pastel in my closet and yet I seem to use this baby blue bag all the time. It originally came with a big ugly bow on the front which I immediately removed.
I love it so much I went back and bought the same one in a different colour, orange.
As much as I adore my vintage handbags they simply aren’t as practical as this contemporary one.
Are you a fan of wearing patterned pants? Do you own any trousers you can pull on other than yoga pants?
Check out my other post showing how I styled printed trousers.
Linking up with the lovely Patti over at Visible Monday.
Patti says
I am so with you on the ease of modern handbags – and fabrics. These trousers look like perfection on you, and the tops you styled them with are also A+++. Yellow really suits your coloring, with that great hair. I can’t wait to go shopping with you and drink from your Cup of Style! xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
suzanne carillo says
It’s weird because for years I didn’t think I could wear yellow.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Marilee Gramith says
The print of these pants is SO beautiful!!! They’ve got a bit of the old classic scarf print but then those peachy pastel flowers are unexpectedly intertwined in the print. YUM!!! Of course you had to add even more pattern! My favorite is the yellow stripe.
I LOVE patterned pants and have a bunch of them! I have some I refer to as “happy pants” but perhaps others would prefer your term…:-):-)
suzanne carillo says
Happy pants is fun too ; P
Jodie says
Those pants are truly amazing. Maybe it’s the mix of colors? Or the fit? But they are absolutely perfect, Suzanne. And I had to laugh about the shoes you wear to the chiropractor—I do the same thing. I try never to wear my heels and since he doesn’t read my blog, I don’t get in trouble for my heel love!!!
As for the striped shirts with these pants—I totally adore both options!! It just works perfectly!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps…and it’s a brilliant idea to remove the bow if it’s not to your liking. That’s such an easy fix!!
suzanne carillo says
At least I’m not the only one doing that ; P
Judy says
You really rock those printed pants, Suzanne! And yes, I love pull-on pants when I find those that are nice-looking. The older I get, the more I value comfort.
I thought of you earlier today when I had a crazy thought: I was imagining finding a vintage/thrift store that had only those items that I had given away over the years. It would be so much fun to see all the clothing and accessories I had purged from my closet in the past. I’m 71, so I’ve probably been giving stuff away since the early 1960s. Wouldn’t a store like that be fun to explore?
I love your blog. You’re an inspiration!
suzanne carillo says
That would be such an awesome vintage store! Imagine all the memories it would bring back. What a great thought : )
Sherry - Petite Over 40 says
I was just thinking how I used to wear patterned pants but I don’t anymore. I love them–and yours look amazing on you–but I don’t feel like myself when I wear them these days. Maybe I just haven’t found the right pattern. You’re so right about how flexible they are in the wardrobe. I mean, you’ve demonstrated here so many outfit ideas! Maybe one day my personal sense about myself will change back to pants with patterns so I can look like a rockin’ babe like you do!
Hugs,
Sherry
suzanne carillo says
That is interesting that you no longer feel the vibe of the patterned pants. I do find I go through stages where I’ll really like something and then like over indulging in food I don’t really like it as much anymore.
beate says
you look very cool in this pants!!
love that you added striped tops – and i fear i need some yellow shoes now ;-D
i never wear pants or trousers in civil life – only for challenging outdoor activities (the easy ones i do in skirts) or heavy work. but i have some homesewn shorts that i can just pull up thanks to elastic waistbands…..
xxxx
Cheryl Tucker says
I love these pants and all the ways you styled them. I have bought multiple bags in a style I love before! I totally get it!
Cheryl
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
Shelley@ForestCityFashionista says
I would wear patterned pants if I could find some that fit me like those fit you. The pattern is very cool (not crazy) and it gives you so many options when choosing a top.
My floaty linen pants I wear in the summer are all “pull-on” style with half-elasticized waistbands. I usually wear longer tops with them so you can’t tell. Elasticized waists call to mind my mother’s polyester pull on pants…
Shybiker says
Whoa! I *love* these pants. They look fab on you.
Neti says
I love all the crazy printed pants I see around, and you sure are rockin’ them. Have to chuckle about the type of shoes you wear to your Dr. I have been guilty of the same. . . Enjoy the Summer.
Señora Allnut says
I’m loving these printed pants and love them even more with striped tops (and sequins!!),
You look gorgeous in them indeed!. And I totally understand that feeling when you pick your clothes thinking on your visit to the doctor or physiotherapist!, mwhaha, it makes me feel like a granny. Why fashion magazines don’t write some advice about this?! it would be more useful than usual stuff!
Lovely post!
besos
Anne M Bray says
My favorite is the top look (of course). Perfect “hostess” outfit.
I join you this week with patterned pants — mine ARE yoga pants (the only pants I wear nowadays. Heck, I get them free at work!).
Ann says
As your posts no longer show up in my blog roll, I have subscribed to your emails, which seems to work fine. So, when I saw this post mentioned in your email, I couldn’t get there fast enough! I have bought myself two pairs of “crazy pants” recently, as my holiday is coming up – about the only time I wear trousers, for when I’m out walking – and I wanted some funky pairs to liven things up a bit. The trouble is, I’ve no idea what to wear them with, so thanks for the tips! I was wondering if a striped top would do the trip, and as it seems to do the trick for you, I will give it a go. Mind you, my “crazy pants” are not as funky as yours … I love yours and I think you styled them perfectly! xxx
Rebecca says
I am a huge fan of pull on pants and these ones are stunning! I adore the fun pattern and you have styled them to perfection! They really look stunning on you
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I love patterned pants and understanding how the print can ‘confuse’ the eye makes me love them more.
Suzanne, this post looks like a perfect travel wardrobe!
A great pair of comfortable pants, some knit tops….the cutest bag…and a selection of shoes! They’re all winners!
Anna Parkes says
Oh how I love these crazy pants and would happily snatch them right off you Suzanne! Love your styling of them too with the striped tops, the yellow one in particular. I had to look up Martha Stewart as I’ve not heard of her on this side of the pond. It goes to prove the saying that there’s no such thing as bad publicity eh?
Anna x
Vix says
You look fabulous in your funky trousers especially with the gingham dress and the Breton stripe top.
I’ve got two pairs of zig-zag print bell bottomed leggings which I bought from charity shops – I wear mine with massive wooden wedges, suede jerkins and billowy blouses. Luckily my hip’s been behaving recently so no medical appointments (sadly can’t say the same for Jon). xxx
Theresa Campbell says
Suzanne, I love these pants. The vintage-y print is gorgeous. I’ve been looking for a pair of pull on print pants for ages and have had no luck. I do have floral print leggings, but want something cut more like yours. I remember I had a pair back in the 90s in a pretty floral. Now I wish I never got rid of them. They were so comfortable.
Theresa
Ellen says
You are rocking these crazy pants. Actually there’s nothing crazy about them as they are exquisite , and I adore that they can be pulled on. How cool is that. I love them styled with a yellow stripe sweater. I also like your blue round bag. I hear you, a bag must be light weight. It is a pretty soft blue and having some pastels is wonderful.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com
No Fear of Fashion says
Those trousers are indeed a very good purchase. As is the cute bag. I totally go for mini bags and a round mini bag is even better. I would have gone back to buy one in another colour as well haha.
Greetje
PS I own about 4 trousers I can just pull on.
Nicole says
No yoga pants for me- but harem pants! They are my most comfortable item- and they are pretty loud and crazy too!
Anna says
The striped tees with the printed pants are my favourite. Radness all around! :DDD
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
Anja says
Great pants and I love all the ways you styled and combined them. Pants that you can pull on and of just like that are the best! I have several and I love them!