Last week, I did a closet clear out (documented here and it’s a very beneficial read, if I do say so myself). While I’m usually pretty good at wearing all my clothes, it’s fair to say I have a lot so I can’t wear them all. While going through my pants, I did find a few I haven’t been wearing but I still liked and they fit well. So instead of just ruthlessly purging everything I haven’t worn, I made a point to wear these pieces within the next week or at least month. Not a reminder to wear them but actually wear them.
Sometimes I’ll set things aside to make sure I wear them but because they’re not my go-to items, I don’t go-to them and then decide I don't need them at the end of the season. And then I’ll probably buy something similar again. Or usually I’ll feel bad getting rid of it because I haven’t worn it so I’ll pack it up and remind myself to wear it next year (ha!). Sound familiar? Why do we do this? I believe it's because we haven't fully identified why we aren’t wearing them. Obviously we liked it enough to buy it in the first place so why aren’t we wearing it?
By forcing ourselves to wear them and then consciously make note of how we feel in it & how challenging (or not challenging) it was to style it, can we really identify what to do with it.
So I took my own advice and styled up these 5 pants to determine if they should stay in my closet. In the spirit of experimentation, I used different styling methods beside copying something from pinterest. That’s a technique I use all the time but I also see everyone else talking about it so I think that’s your go-to right now. But there are others that let’s you get creative within your personal style and flex that styling muscle. Let's dive in!
Day One: Flared 70’s Style Jeans
Styling Method: Wearing with new items
What I did learn from forcing myself to wear these jeans is that I have too many pants that need to be hemmed. I had purchased these on a massive sale from Madewell but they were crazy long. All I needed to do was take some scissors to them. But I didn’t. And while I wanted to wear them, I choose a different pair because I would always run out of time to cut them to the proper length. Since I finally did that, I felt excited to style them up with my new-to-me pieces I recently got, like this incredible 1970s coat.
Sometimes wearing your old pieces with your new pieces can be enough to inject life back into them. It's not an excuse to go out and buy a bunch of new clothing but I’m sure you have got something new recently, especially during the Holidays. If that’s what’s exciting you right now, then try pairing it with some older items in your closet that don’t light your fire right now.
Verdict: KEEP!
Day Two: Wide Leg Herringbone Trousers
Styling Method: Wearing your Nevers with your Always
To decide if these wide leg trousers I haven’t been wearing should stay in my closet, I took the advice of Allison Bornstein and styled them with a sweatshirt I wear often. It turned into another outfit I’m obsessed with and another styling revelation.
A casual look doesn't always have to be limited to a simple jeans-and-tee combo. Imperfection in formal clothing can add a sense of informality and comfort. This can be achieved by wearing items that are oversized, have signs of wear and tear, or have been quickly adjusted to fit. This approach can greatly expand the possibilities of your wardrobe. Experiment with wearing an oversized button-down with slim pants, or create a carefree look by messily trimming the hem of a pleated skirt (preferably a thrift store find). You could even fold over the hem of a longer pair of pants and pair them with flats for a relaxed brunch date.
Funny enough this was my most challenging styling method to try because the pieces of clothing I wear “most” are my pants. I’m actually pretty good at rotating between my tops so I typically don’t go for the same one all the time. But it’s still a very good exercise. Because if something doesn’t work with the items that you wear (and hopefully like) the most or you like the best for you, its time to evaluate why and if you need them. I also discussed how to evaluate in my closet clear out newsletter.
To be fair, I also just need to hem these pants so I have more shoe options.
Verdict: KEEP but hem those damn pants sooner than later :)
Day Three: Very Old Navy Floral Pants
Styling Method: Unexpected Color Combination
These navy floral pants from Ann Taylor are OLD (from 2015!) So by this point I’ve styled them in all the “typical” ways my brain naturally goes to. Yet I still love them so I wanted to challenge myself with a color combination I would have never instinctively picked.
Enter this bright tie-dye turquoise knit tee (recently thrifted, surprise surprise). PLAYFUL is probably the best word to describe it; which is right up my alley. POPS of COLOR is seen all over my inspo images so instead of pairing it with another bright color, I chose a dark shade for the rest of the pieces to keep the focus on the turquoise.
The accessories become important to connect the colors together. Purple shoes & necklace connect the Purple coat. Navy hat connects with navy pants. And the final touch, a white bag, connects with the white floral pattern in the pants.
This outfit is inspiring me to really PLAY with color in ways I wouldn’t normally pick but feels like the natural evolution of my style.
Verdict: KEEP and look at them like a “neutral”
Day Four: Vintage Camouflage Pants
Styling Method: Create lots of tension
What does it mean to create tension? I also refer to it as balancing the aesthetic of a particular item. We do that by pairing it with its opposite. A military camouflage pants in its original context is masculine, tough, work-wear, casual. By pairing it with something feminine, or light or party-wear or formal creates tension and therefore a more exciting outfit. It's my favorite styling technique because it extends the outfit possibilities of one item as well as makes outfits more interesting.
I'm a huge fan of camouflage military pants. I wore them often this spring, typically pairing them with small or fitted tops to balance out their bulk. Unfortunately, I haven't worn them this winter because I struggle to find outfits that balance while still staying warm.So my approach is to balance their heaviness with something streamlined.
I recently thrifted this sweater in the most beautiful red-orange color and it really did the trick. Then I sandwiched the pants with an equally minimal, chic, feminine shoe with these mary janes.
This me-made shell necklace was exactly the whimsical touch the camouflage print needed to turn in the look more playful rather than soldier-like. The neutral leaf printed tote also echoed the necklace. It's unexpected in the Winter because both pieces belong in the Summer. If you find yourself asking "Can I wear these together?" then you're on the right path, and the answer is definitely yes!
Finally, I pulled out this sweater coat which I also haven’t worn in a while. The bold, striking print was the perfect match to balance out my hefty pants. If I had gone with something more wispy and light on top, my whole outfit would have been lopsided!
I love the outcome of this outfit but it's clear these pants require a bit more styling work in the winter. I personally don’t mind since styling is my hobby (and I’ll wear it more in the Spring). But it's important to ask yourself next time you’re on the fence. You may have been able to make the piece work, but was it more work than you can give it?
Verdict: KEEP
Day Five: Green & Black Striped Pants
Styling Method: Use accessories
One of my style resolutions for 2024 is to think more about accessories when styling an outfit. Jewelry is my weakest styling skill and I always leave to the end when I have to be running out the door so I go with the basic or forget it all together.
But accessories can make a big impact in an outfit really make a look. The right jewelry can finish off your style personality. For me, I’m going to use my jewelry and accessories to add that playful touch I desire in my looks. So enter the shell necklace again! Imagine this above combination of sweater & pants without it. 70s minimalist is what comes to mind. Yet my words revolve around being relaxed, tailored and playful. The sweater checks off relaxed and the pants check off tailored. But without something fun, it turns into an outfit that’s not completely me. The jewelry really turns it completely around.
As for how I feel about the pants, I am still unsure. Although the jewelry provides more options, I am interested in exploring other styling methods for these pants.
Verdict: KEEP but try more styling techniques
That's all for now, friends. If you'd like to follow me at @stylingdarya, I'd be thrilled. Additionally, feel free to reach out via DM or the comments below if you have any comments or questions (just please keep it friendly). Thank you for reading this post, it means the world to me that you're here. If you're enjoying what you're reading, please consider sharing this newsletter with others. (And if you have a moment to like it, that would be amazing!) Your support truly means a lot.
Happy Dressing!
xoxo, Darya