6.12.2013

foundations: chic summer pants

lesantimodernes // foundations: the summer pants

while the concept of summer pants may seem like an oxymoron, a few pairs of tried-and-true ones are always indispensable in my wardrobe.


1. the cotton: my number one foundation is a pair of slouchy cotton olive chinos that i always wear cuffed. so very Emmanuelle Alt with a jacket and heels or strappy sandals. the olive is a neutral that goes with everything, flatters every skin tone, and the perfect canvas for a fun pop of color. the utilitarian chic slouchy cargo trouser is also a favorite of mine to dress down a blazer. i always pack it for travel too – something about having an extra pocket while on the go...bonus: both of these transition well with a leather jacket or blazer into fall and spring.


2. the jersey: for hot-hot-hot days, my current go-to is a pair of slouchy pants in a colorful print. the key: they should be in a breathable natural material (preferably cotton or light jersey), and easy to wash.


3. the chambray: i got a pair of drawstring waist chambray pants on a whim last summer, and they're the perfect alternative to jeans. looking forward to rocking Canadienne le smoking with mine soon.


*4. the silk: a bit of a wildcard option for summer nights and dressier occasions. i'm a fan of a tropical print version this season, or these elegant black charmeuse trousers, perfect with a white linen blazer.

if you're shopping for chic summer pants, i hope this is helpful! what do you think?

30 comments:

  1. Vicki B's pants at the top are perfection in my opinion. I now realize (thanks) that I am in desperate need of some slouchy olive green pants! Can't, of course, bring myself to buy them online without trying them on first so... the hunt begins!

    www.nomadicd.com

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    1. i think VB's style has evolved nicely over the years. i find the slouch factor makes shopping for these online MUCH easier than jeans. :)

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  2. Yes! One of my favorite summer trousers are a slouchy olive pair by Etoile IM. Definitely a summer staple, looks great with button-down shirts too. I also love Rick Owens Lilies jersey for hot, humid days, no other material feels better on my skin on those sticky days.

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    1. indeed - and would love to see your RO lilies on your blog soon!

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  3. I don't have slouch khaki olive chino type pants, I have slim ones. If I have slouchy, I look a bit poo poo pants unfortunately. And I have some chambray drawstring waist pants too. Gosh - I'm nearly all set for summer - woo hoo!

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    1. i think if you cuff the hem and wear with a heel of some sort the slouch factor sashays into Alt territory...

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  4. Wonderful post. I'm a huge fan of summer pants since they're a lighter weight alternative to denim, but I tend to go for slimmer /more streamlined fits. I love your examples and totally wish I could pull those looks off as well as they (and you) do! Now you've got me hunting for a pair of silk pants to alternate with my go to black skinnies for nights out, lol.

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    1. i'm sure you could pull all of these off given how tall and willowy you are! silk pants though - super luxe and one of my faves for a nice evening out.

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    2. Oh, thanks for the compliment! I think it's all just a trick of the eye though, I'm somewhat small (and therefore try to choose elongating silhouettes for clothes) and tend to get overwhelmed by billowy pieces. But we shall see, maybe I'll find the perfect pair :)

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  5. I love VB's pants - amazing! Any idea who they are by?

    I tend to favour pants in the Summer mainly because they tend to turn the air-con up in the office.

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    1. no idea. i think one's options are limited to summery pants or a dress/skirt for the office. shorts just seem less appropriate, no?

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  6. I'm pretty happy with my pants collection at the moment, but I don't have a khaki pair. I always thought that there was something missing-lol. Thanks for the idea. I've been on a hunt for a printed palazzo pants, and now I'll have to add khaki pants with that.

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    1. let me know if you get a pair!

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    2. I found a pair of chinos, but in a slightly different shade of green. However, I am not disappointed because they were on sale, and it's great quality- so soft to the touch (cotton and linen blend). Have a peek http://in-dubitably.blogspot.jp/2013/06/sale-time-first-find.html

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  7. I own so very few pairs of pants - every single time they just seem to look absolutely ridiculous on me. I'm convinced that I just need to keep trying!

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  8. Love the chinos, though I prefer a slightly dressier trouser for myself. I own three pairs - navy cotton-blend with fuchsia silk cuffs, olive cotton-blend with grey silk cuffs and burgundy cotton with purple/pink shot silk cuffs. Haven't felt the need to acquire any more trousers after getting these made by a designer friend in Delhi two years ago.

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    1. i can see you wearing them with your trinas :D also quite jealous of your custom chinos!

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  9. I have been looking for a pair of khaki olive chinos, but they've all been too short so far. I recently got a few new summer skirts though, so I'm all set! :)

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  10. yes a pair of olive pants is always a good staple.. i just snagged these yesterday from teh net a porter sale!

    http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/340931

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  11. I've been vaguely meaning to buy olive (so much harder to stain than tan) chinos for about three summers now. Maybe this will be the one!

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    1. haha the practical factor is key - another reason why i've yet to get white jeans...

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  12. I think you've inspired me to finally write a post that I've been dreaming of since last summer on drape. The drapery on VB's trousers is perfection. So inspiring!

    I find it so hard to find pants that fit well. I like an elegant, dressy trouser for myself. I own few pants. I had two bespoke pairs made a year ago along with my cropped J.Crew pair that I had tailored to perfection.

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    1. ooh looking forward to your post. i'm not surprised - a great tailor is so key...

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  13. I wouldn't mind a good pair of olive or khaki chinos, never found a pair where I like the fit. I was considering the J Crew cafe capri...love the fit of my sister's who's a size smaller than me, not sure if it will still work if I ordered it in my size.

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    1. you know jcrew has tall sizes too right? let me know if you find your chinos :)

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  14. I love my Hope news trousers in grey-green. Somehow, I can never get true olive to integrate with the rest of my wardrobe. This summer I bought a pair of Dries van Noten quilted drawstring trousers that I adore. They look dressier with a heel but I wear them to work with flats.

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    1. i LOVE DvN, especially his prints and silky trousers. i love how you're styling yours!

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  15. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post. I just picked up the J.Crew Scout Chinos in olive green for a song, but I am in desperate need of more ideas for summer dressing-- I can't wear shorts or short dresses often, as my legs are both scarred and very sensitive, requiring body makeup. The last few summers I've either suffered through denim or resigned myself to looking like a frump (it doesn't help that I live in Los Angeles, where summer is synonymous with displaying as much skin as possible), but your post has provided some lovely, truly stylish inspiration.

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  16. You've just reminded me of a pair of Uniqlo cargo pants hidden somewhere in my chest of drawers. I get stuck in a rut and ended up wearing the same things over and over again.

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