Styling Simple Black Pants

If there's one thing you need to know about me, it's that I hate trousers. I hesitate to say pants because we all know my love for jeans and affinity for silk pants and joggers. However, I'm talking about the traditional pant, what one might refer to as a "trouser." I hate 'em. I have never found a pair that has worked for both my body type and style. I just don't find that I wear them well and they just don't suit me, my style, or my personality. 

That being said, I feel like not owning a pair of trousers is a terrible life choice. Who knows when I'm going to need to look somewhat put together and don't feel like wearing a dress or a skirt. We all know my ripped af Levi's aren't going to cut it. 

My old co-worker sent me these pants on a whim and honestly, they give me the warm and fuzzies on the inside. While they aren't the traditional kind of trouser, I find that the crepe material and cigarette shape are super flattering on me and make me feel like I'm not just wearing the bottom half of an ill-fitting and bland suit. And I'll be damned if these aren't easier to style than I thought. And I know what you're thinking. They're black pants, Francesca. No duh. And to that I have to say...nothing, because you're right.

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I think part of my issue with black pants is that I think they can look a little plain Jane. That's why I prefer the fabric choice and skinnier leg without them being a traditional skinny pant that's skin tight. Plus, these have an elastic waist which is both great for comfort and to accommodate any and all bloating. Automatically, the fabric and silhouette of the pants take it a step above a traditional pair and tailor them more to my style. 

I've worn these before in an Instagram photo. I paired them with sneakers, aviator jacket, and a men's short-sleeved button-up tied up in the front layered over my trusty black turtleneck. They almost have a casual relaxed style, like a pair of slim, trendy sweatpants. Except they're crepe pants and make me feel sophisticated af.

 

 

I like the idea of playing around with the simplicity of a white blouse and black pants. I mean, it's classic, right? The color combination and the two pieces in themselves. But since these are no ordinary black trousers, it only seemed fair to pair them with a fun take on the white blouse. Instead of a traditional oxford button up, I opted for my straightjacket-esque top from Topshop that boasts a mock neckline, fluted sleeves, ruched details, and ties. There's a whole lot going on with this shirt that just makes it edgier than a typical white blouse. 

(I also wore it back in September when I saw Harry Styles, if you want to see how I styled it back in the fall)

While I was playing up a more casual and "edgy" (take a shot every time I say the word edgy in this post) look, it only seemed fair that my baker boy cap and metal ring boots made the cut. The hat was mainly to hide my dirty hair (I'm telling you, sometimes dry shampoo just doesn't cut it for photos), but it played its part nicely! And the boots are just a new all-time favorite that just add something special to the look. And make me my dream height of 5'10". That's all I could ask for from a pair of shoes.

It's totally okay to go a more traditional route with black pants. But it's also fun to switch it up and style them from a new angle. I think this pair would look create with a simple graphic tee, messy beach waves, and a pair of beat up kicks. I also think they'd look great with a longline patterned blazer and a pair of sleek heels. The possibilities with black pants are endless, you don't have to stick to any one route. They're like...the choose your own destiny of pants. 

 

Top: Topshop (on sale!)
Pants: J. Crew
Shoes: ASOS (on sale!)
Hat: Epoch
Lipstick: NARS Train Bleu

This is generally how about 90% of all of my shots go. I'm never looking at the camera and I always look incredibly confused. It's like I'm sitting in the back of my pre-calc class again, questioning how I even got to that point.