I have a confession to make.
I’m over 40 & wearing beige.
Something I rarely if ever do.
I’ve had an aversion to wearing the colour beige pretty much my whole life. I’m a lover of colour. Not beige.
I knew if Sue Kreitzman said this,
“Don’t wear beige. It could kill you!”
It might be true.
And I believed that for many years.
Until now.
Maybe.
I bought these khaki/beige/oatmeal jeans about 3 years ago now while shopping for groceries (damn you Joe Fresh).
I got sucked into the whole, “The staple every woman needs.”
BS of khaki pants even though I wasn’t personally attracted to them.
So I bought them. I added them to my cart along with the lettuce, tomatoes and chicken stock I was picking up. Perfectly natural I told myself. Can you remember in “the good old days” when you just bought groceries at the grocery store?
Me either.
Anyhow…I didn’t wear those “every woman needs them” pants.
Not once.
In fact I didn’t even remember I had them until I came across them hiding in the deepest darkest corner of my closet where they had been languishing for years.
I got mad at myself.
Buying something and not wearing it is a waste of money. It was apparent I hadn’t tried hard enough to make them work. When I buy something new normally I’ll put together some outfits with the item right away, just be sure I want to keep it and that it works with other pieces in my closet. That day I was too lazy to do it. They were put away in my closet, folded under some other pants and never resurfaced again. Out of sight out of mind.
Until now.
Now I was pissed.
Not only were the pants telling me I was an irresponsible consumer and poor stylist, I was lazy too.
My challenge was clear.
I would show those pants who’s boss.
I sandwiched the boring pants in-between bold patterns for this outfit. I still have a bit of a feeling that the colour of the pants isn’t doing my body any favours. They aren’t “figure flattering”. It might be though that I just need to get over my preconceived ideas of what the bottom half of my body should look like. Wearing lighter colours on the bottom doesn’t “ground” you and can also add visual weight to your body.
Or maybe it is the fit of the pants.
Needless to say I’m still getting used to them.
I think I like them best here! LOL When they look like they are white because I had the wrong exposure on the camera.
Which makes me think…I don’t own any white jeans…and we need some eggs and bread…
Do you have some items in your closet that you’ve never worn? Did you buy them while grocery shopping?
Linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday Shoe and Tell
I like the humor on your blog because it’s based in truth. We laugh because we recognize the things you say and their absurdity. I, too, never liked beige (on pants or anything else). Great post.
You did it, you bossed those beige pants around. You look terrific, and I love the way you write – you capture my internal monologue so well! xox
I would never think to buy beige… and I’m not even a bright colour lover really! I think it’s the connotations, as you say… however, I think you still look great here with how you’ve styled them… but I feel like I can tell you’re not sure of them from the photos! I try to make sure I don’t buy things I won’t wear, but that just means I’ve got things I wear once, heh. They tend to end up at the local charity shop…
I’m thinking more and more that is where these will end up.
This post totally made me laugh, because I’ve given in to buying khakis over and over, just to have them sit in my closet until I give them away. And then eventually … I’ll try again. What’s that definition of insanity? However Suzanne, you actually look great in yours! I’m much more pear shaped and it really doesn’t do me any favors but you look great with your rockin’ bod! Pretty blouse and necklace too.
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Stupid khakis suck lots of us in apparently. LOL
Well I certainly think you did a great job styling the pants here. I’ve contemplated buying them many times thinking like you that they’re a great staple. Don’t think I’ve actually owned a pair though. But, I do love a good beige (if in the right tone) jacket. It looks better on me than white. I love your two patterns you mixed it all up with here. Maybe you’d wear the pants more often as a walking short by cutting off half the leg? I love a good knee length short that hugs the thigh closely. I think it would look great on you.
Yeah…I think they actually don’t fit well around the crotch/waist area. More and more I’m thinking they will go to the consignment shop.
Girl…you definitely showed those pants who’s the boss! Love this look!
Darlene
http://whosaprettygirl.com
Only you could manage to look sexy in a pair of beige trousers! Great work.
The girls and I were chatting about beige on Thursday, wondering if we should try dressing in it from head to toe, going out and monitoring people’s reactions. Would we be ignored? Wearing colour is the ultimate icebreaker and complete strangers always chat about our clothes. What would the reaction be if we wore neutrals? Not sure if it’s a challenge too far!
Did you manage to get the groceries without slipping something else into the basket? I’ve been to the bank today and come back with a bagful of vintage loveliness! x
I couldn’t agree more. I *wish* I had a vintage/thrift store next to the grocery store. I have to drive quite a ways to get to a good thrift store.
I managed to pick up those white jeans and I like them WAY better than these beige ones. So weird.
You should wear all beige just to see what would happen. No one would recognize you.
I didn’t know about that statement! I thought beige was a color like any other 🙂 But I will think of it now… it’s true, I have a long vest that I am kind of “refusing” to wear because it’s beige 🙂 It looks boring, but it doesn’t need to be – like now, that you paired it with a vibrant top in my favorite color (red) and that beautiful jacket! I love the outfit! I think you look amazing and very beautiful, plus you have an excellent taste and mind, I can see through your posts!
DenisesPlanet.com
I do have a few items I have never worn, and yes, I’m sure I got them whiile grocery shopping at Target! I had to wear a uniform for so many years in school that consisted of khaki pants that I will never wear them again. I think these look nice on you, but I know what you mean!
You do those beige pants proud. Excellent mastery.
You added attitude provides the colour, yes, plus the top and shoes.
I want to grocery shop like you do!
I might be in the minority here, but I love the beige pants! I love beige, but it has to be paired with something darker (like your jacket here) to look the best. Viva beige! 😉
I laughed throughout this post. I love your determination! I had to wear khakis when I worked at Starbucks & because of coffee stains I had several pairs so I haven’t bought any beige pants in a loooong time. You rocked it though, lady! 🙂
I feel that way about beige too- but you make them work here, so maybe we’ll both have to reconsider!
I definitely think you showed those pants who is boss! I think they look great on you. I love them paired with the bold prints. I have a similar pair in a more great color that I wear a lot, but I mostly just pair them with a white tee shirt. I am so boring. I need more bold prints in my life!
With your hair and coloring you look fantastic. And let me just say…you showed those pants honey!
Accidental icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
You are so entertaining Suzanne! Well, I’m not dead, so beige has not killed me. As much as I am lovin’ colour (my new post is bold red and black) and I have added lots of colour to my wardrobe, I still love beige and earth-tones.
I love your outfit, very well put together, but that’s what I’ve come to expect from you! As for me, I have clothes and several shoes and jewellery that I haven’t worn yet. I wore a black lace blouse for New Year’s Eve that I hadn’t worn since I bought it in 2006.
Happy Spring!
♥ carmen
Our minds think so alike! I had to laugh at your post because when I think of khaki pants, I can’t help but think of Target workers. I have a pair that I never wear because of that reason. The grocery stores that I shop do not have clothes so that’s a great plus for me. I don’t like the groceries at Target and have been avoiding their clothes as well since I’ve come to the realization that I have just been wasting my money on a lot of poor quality clothes. I am embarrassed to say I have way too many items in my closet that still has tags on it.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
We just don’t have the equivalent of Joe Fresh and Canadian Superstore here in the US. Target is not the same! Those pants look great on you, but if you’re not comfortable in them you might as well put them in the Sally Anne bag.
I make less of these mistakes lately, but it’s a process :))
I think you are right. They need to go.
I’m sad to admit that I have several items in my closet that still have the tags on them, long after they were purchased (hangs head in shame). Maybe I need to pull them out and show them who’s boss! I think you look great in these pants!
Ah yes, I know all about that Joe Fresh impulse danger. I don’t shop at Superstore much but I have been known to and to come home with a Joe Fresh item or two. You are definitely showing those beige pants who is boss! Love your style, your unique look and your blog writing! xoxo
Those pants look amazing on you and that’s a fact. Much love, Kirsten xx
http://www.thelifbissue.com
Like you, I try to style items immediately to make sure they work with my closet. So while nothing lays unworn in my closet, several pieces have been worn once or twice and never worn again. So clearly my mission of styling them immediately is not paying off in the long term. I have not bought khaki pants in years, nor do I intend to. This is partially because I hate pants and partially because finding flattering silhouettes and substantial fabrics in darker colors is hard enough.
I appreciate your tactic of livening things up by sandwiching the pants between two bold prints. I would do the same. Pants bore me. I’m hesitant to buy pants even from my favorite stores. I don’t think I could bring myself to buy them from a grocery store! I know plenty of people who buy clothes from CostCo, but I just can’t do it!
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
LOL I haven’t bought anything at Costco either. Joe Fresh in our grocery store looks basically like a store within the grocery store…and they do offer some nice stuff. It is better quality than H&M, maybe around Gap quality.
Talking ourselves into buying something when we already know we don’t really like it is silly. I realize that now. No more beige pants!
I just realized now that I never see you wearing pants. LOL
Suzanne, I want to be able to say that the pants look great, that you have done a marvelous job of styling them, but…I…just….can’t. They are BEIGE. Which is the saddest of all colours because it’s not really a colour. I think it’s a consolation colour for people who don’t want to wear white. I have never seen an item of beige clothing that I thought “oh wow, that is amazing – I would definitely wear that”. If wearing any colour could kill you, it would be beige.
The shoes, jacket and top are very cool. I know you are capable of looking so much hotter/cooler/awesomer than this. Step away from the beige.
Sorry beige, I hope I didn’t hurt your feelings – my beige-bashing is done. And to any of you out there who love wearing beige, you have my sincere apologies, and my condolences.
My favourite comment of the day!
Now tell me what you REALLY think Shelley ; P
Like you Suzanne, I like color and I dont wear much beige. I did in one post or min3 and thought the blood was drained from my face. You however, have BOLD color added to the beige, I like it!!
The top with its beuatul red/coppers and the brown jacket add color near your face and i think it looks well put together!
Thank you for participating in Turning Heads Tuesday!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I think you styled the heck out of your khaki pants Suzanne. I love all the different layers you have to your look – the cranberry floral shirt with the leather jacket and then what a fab necklace to put with that combo. And, to top it all off, your leopard shoes! Now, the question is will you wear them again?
Thank you for linking up with SHOE AND TELL on Style Nudge!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
I think they look splendid. They give the stage to that fabulous top and lovely leather jacket. Which is good cause otherwise they would be competing with it. And no they do not put on any weight. Don’t worry about that. It might be that you are used to very skinny trousers now, but that is changing again, so I wouldn’t have them taken in if I were you. They are fine.
Had to laugh a couple of times. It is what Shybiker says: you are funny in your writing.
Now… white jeans is something you need too… so of to Joe Fresh haha.
Greetje
You never look less that gorgeous, Suzanne, and there’s nothing wrong with the trousers really… they just aren’t YOU! We all know you are so much more vibrant and interesting than beige, love! xxx
Oh dear, yes, I do have such items – I tell myself that I haven’t found the right partners for them just yet. 🙂 We’ll see where this philosophy brings me.
I think you always look beautiful, no exception. Maybe you’re just not happy with the fit – you tend to wear really well-fitted pants and skirts, and these pants are a little roomier, yes? Beige by itself is not so evil. 🙂 I don’t think any singular thing is evil – it’s what people do with it. Definitely, beige, gray or black can be overdone and just plain dull. But, like someone mentioned here already, even if it is an alternative to white – what’s wrong with that? White can be harsh on some skin tones (like mine). Beige is after all similar to our skin tomes – and nude is beautiful, isn’t it? I think beige (at least warm hues) are sensual. One of my favorite beige looks Annette did a while ago, I found it for you – http://www.ladyofstyle.com/2014/12/how-to-wear-beige-without-looking-frumpy-in-winter.html I think she looks great, rich textures, playful layers – nothing dull about her look. But maybe I just take the discussion a little too serious, I know I can do it sometimes. 🙂 xxx
Stunning in that crimson blouse, and chocolate brown leather jacket ( how fa IS that!!).
I love beige, always have, it is only recently that I have loved color so much.
Loved this post, as always. your writing just makes me smile!
XX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Beige works as long as you don’t pastels. It just needs bright loud colors to make them pop
You look amazing in those pants. Found your blog through Elegantly Dressed Stylish. I’m an over 40 blogger who hosts a link up every Wednesday (still live) so stop by if you get a chance.
http://www.sydneyfashionhunter.com/
I hear ya, girl.
I too don’t like lighter colors on ones bottom half and darker colors on the top half. And I don’t like beige, although I did own some things in the past.
As for you, this look and these pants: you indeed made the best of it, I think, and it is not bad. But it does NOT flatter you, as you concluded yourself. It is not you, it is not figure-flattering and it makes you dull-looking, somehow.
I would say: toss.