If you’ve been reading this for a while, you likely know I am a pants girl. I love a good trouser, nay, I LIVE for a good trouser.
You may also know I enjoy a men’s trouser - not men’s inspired, men’s men’s. Like many, I suspect, I buy a lot of stuff from the men’s side. And NOW! Now, my two passions have collided, and I’ve found….the best…BEST! Men’s pants for women. Or for anyone, but certainly for me, with a wide waist, straight hips, no butt.
Behold:
Because I’m embracing cringe I did a TikTok on styling these. I’m trying, yall. She’s on TikTok now.
But anyway, they are AYR’s men’s Pal pants, and they’re $225. They’re the perfect weight, straight leg, they have little adjustable tabs on the sides, and a nice pleat at the waist that isn’t too puffy. They’re better IRL even than there. They’re kind of sporty and casual, very running to the grocery store. Mine are one size too big in the waist, but they’re the 30” inseam. I’m about 5’8”, but they’d also be really great rolled at the hem.
The only issue is, they’re *so perfect* and so on-the-nose 90’s prep, that I have to be kind of careful with the styling to make sure they don’t lean too costumey, if you know what I mean? But I’ve worn them two days in a row now, and I don’t know how I ever got dressed without them before.
If you don’t actually like to wear men’s pants, or if you have a curvier shape, I pulled a few options that aren’t so straight.
1. Uniqlo, $50 - These are SO GOOD. No pleats, but wide leg cotton twill. They’re soft, but also structured, and not so floppy. As a Certified Pant Mom, one of my pet peeves is walking into the wind in wide-leg pants and the fabric just clings around your leg and then starts to kind of ride up because it’s so flowy. I hate it. These won’t do that.
2. Cos, $120 - These have a ton of structure and volume. I like that the pleats go out, rather than in, which I personally find more flattering. Very clean and minimal and interesting!
3. J.Crew, $128 - A true classic, 90s style chino from the OG source, J.Crew. These will look better, and better the more beat up and fucked up they get.
3. Frankie Shop, $201 - I’m pretty sure I linked to these when I went on the original hunt for THE PANTS, because they’re all around great.
4. The Row, $1,590 - These are also wool, and longer, but when it comes to this category of really clean, beautiful pleat-front trousers, you can’t not mention The Row. These would be, really, the only pair you’d ever need. Forever.
But then… what do you wear them with?
First, a belt.
Trousers like this really need a belt to lean into the sporty feel. And depending on which belt you choose, you can really dress them up or down, or in my case, make them feel very literal 90s Connecticut suburban soccer mom. For that is my destiny. A belt is critical.
1. J.Crew, $60 - a wonderful woven belt. Dressed down. This one also comes in black.
2. Anderson’s, $160 - a more formal option. This comes in a tan color too, that I find a bit too yellow, but the black is REALLY nice.
3. Nili Lotan, $295 - Ugh gorgeous!! A perfect belt, this is both casual and dressy, and feels vintage-inspired but not like a literal copy.
4. Toteme, $340 - This is a very clean, crisp option. I love the finish on it. Owning something like this (and using it) will make 90% of your outfits 75% better, and the only additional effort is unbuckling and buckling every time you have to pee.
5. Khaite, $480 - A very, very fancy option. This + little almond toe heels….the dream.
So now you have a belt, what do you put on top?
The obvious choice would be a tank or tee, but depending on which cut, color, and style, the effect will change dramatically. And as much as I love a button down, there’s something about button downs with khaki pants that I struggle with. I always feel a bit too much like a recent graduate going to her first day at her first job when I wear that combo. Unless I layer a turtleneck under it or something to not feel so OFFICE 1999! But also that’s probably just a personal barrier.
1. Gap, $11 - A buy-it-in-bulk tank, with straps wide enough to cover bra straps, and a sweet scoop neck. It doesn’t get more basic or essential than this.
2. Gap, $12 - I put this one in my T-shirt roundup, too. It’s a great boxy crop, and will give the pants a 90s tomboy feel.
3. Uniqlo, $20 - An excellent boyfriendy shirt with good structure. It comes in a million colors, but I like light gray, white or navy with the pants.
4. Vintage, $258 - Vintage Dolly Parton tee! This with the pants, a shiny belt, and flip flops or ballet flats - very cute.
Or a knit! Or a blazer!
With blazers, I’d aim for one in a dark color - anything too close to the tan of the pants might feel like an attempt at a suit, but of course unless it’s an ACTUAL suit, the mismatch might not be obvious enough and it’s like, not wrong enough to be right. You know?
1. J.Crew, $65 - Oof, a cotton knit in chocolate brown. The dream. This plus the tan of the pants would be so nice.
2. La Ligne, $295 - This is one of my all time favorite sweaters. It’s a great weight, and warm without being suffocating. And it’s mega soft.
3. Cos, $225 - At this point I’m including this blazer in every NL, but it really is so good, and an insane price. It’s the perfect amount of relaxed, too, for a tomboy prep school look.
4. Raey, $845 - A slimmer, more crisp version of a navy blazer, this is one that you would wear for years.
And now the shoes.
Wearing these with loafers feels like a pretty obvious choice. But when I put mine on it felt a little too close to the reference - too literal. I think the move here is something timeless, but neither here nor there in terms of being bohemian or cool or whatever. And, in my opinion, nothing that feels forced or like you’re trying to do a styling trick.
1. New Balance, $85 - Simply the best!
2. Mansur Gavriel, $395 - I loved the cracked finish on these and the slight shine. I also love how high they go up the front of your foot. Chiiiiiic!
3. The Row, $790 - The best Mary Jane of all time! I love the square toe box. I wear mine all the time and get better and better with age.
4. Saint Laurent, $925 - Excellent vintage-inspired clog. For something more minimal, I also love these (for $395).
5. Bottega Veneta - And behold! The perfect pump! I’m dying for these, even though I know I could a) not walk in them, and b) not ever find a place to wear them.
And that’s it! The pants, broken down. See it all come together here.
I’ll also leave you with this, which popped into my mind as I was leaving the other night wearing this outfit. Funny how our inspirations stay so close in your subconscious!
I love you!
Your friend,
Laurel
*Some of these are affiliate links, and if you make a purchase I might earn a commission. Which I appreciate!
hello! love this newsletter! what make / size is the tan knit you are wearing in the picture?
thank you!
Laurel! Can you pretty please do a round up on deep v t-shirts? I've been on the hunt for ages and haven't found THE ONE.