I just noticed that the EF Harem pants are on super clearance for a price that I think I could swing.
But can my style handle them? I live a casual life, that sometimes needs to be business casual. I like the idea of arty drapey pieces, and they usually flatter me, but I honestly don't wear them that often. (Probably because I don't really have much in that style).
What are your thoughts? Should I try them?
El Cee replied 7 years ago
I just got them myself (from Nordstrom Rack)… and they are awesome, and soooo comfortable (like PJ's). I, like you, have a mostly casual lifestyle (and am mostly in jeans). I will be interested to see if I can make harem pants work for me. I will be playing in my closet this weekend. Take a look at Deborah's Harem Pants thread for styling ideas (if you have not already done so). There are some amazing outfits on that thread and lots of inspiration. And, keep this in mind… Nordstrom Rack takes returns, so we can always send them back if they do not work out. I see it as a fun, not very costly style experiment.
amiable replied 7 years ago
Oh, and I'm a size 8-10 range right now, would I want a medium?
El Cee replied 7 years ago
They are roomy, so I was concerned that I should go down a size on these… and probably could of… but I rather like the comfort of my usual size. They are not "falling off of me". Perhaps Deborah and ElizabethP will weigh in on the subject of sizing.
Elizabeth P replied 7 years ago
You'd want a small. I am an 8, and the small is fine. But I have NO idea how the medium would fit.
I got them, but am scared to wear them :) So I'm not much help. But I do think they are super cool, and I know I will. Try them!
Firecracker (Sharan) replied 7 years ago
Amy, I think these work really well in sporty-luxe outfits. They look great as shown in the casual look pictured. I like to wear mine with sneakers, a tee, and a jean jacket for all-day sightseeing on trips. They would definitely work for mom-on-the-go looks, and I can see you looking fabulous in them.
UmmLila (Lisa) replied 7 years ago
I bought a pair at that Rack price, too. I have not styled them yet, just quickly put them on to make sure they fit. I like them. They feel like wearing a long skirt that won't blow up.
catgirl replied 7 years ago
I've been avoiding these only because they are SO out of the norm where I live, and even for me and my relatively out there choices they seem like something my DH would hate. BUT I am in love with them on Deborah and Firecracker and everyone else who's posted them, and I'm sure I will love them on you too. I think these are one of those items that you can rock if you love them.
What I want to know is what the waistband is like. And , if the body of the pant is pleated into the w/b. I tried a pair from Bench (whatever, don't say it) on and they were laughable. The waistband was really wide, and the pants themselves were pleated - making them quite possibly the least flattering things I have ever tried on. I'm really interested in the EF ones too and keep thinking about them , but don't want to risk all the ordering, shipping, returning nonsense if they look like crap on me. I'm a little afraid that because my belly (UGH, i hate that word ) is no longer flat and that I am carrying a lot of extra weight in that area , that the roominess will only enhance that. I know, I whining her about myself and not helping you at all. Have you seen them in person?
UmmLila (Lisa) replied 7 years ago
The elastic waistband is about 1/2 wide. Mostly straight along with the fabric with a couple tucks.
amiable replied 7 years ago
Okay, order is placed! We'll see what I think when they arrive!
SarahTheWhite replied 7 years ago
I have put these in my cart and not bought them about 5 times. I am a little worried that this might be the tipping point that takes my new hair do from a cool personality thing to mid life crisis. But I want them SO badly. Arghhhhhhh.
Deborah replied 7 years ago
Late but pleased! You need these:). I think you will love them. Btw mine a lovely and smooth over the tummy x
Sally replied 7 years ago
My tummy is the area I worry about the most. I find it quite smooth over that area. I find I'm wearing them with long drapey tops though.
ma replied 7 years ago
I am tempted too but havent jumped, yet. I guess I am trying to figure out if this is fantasy life or not...and what in my closet I would wear with it.
SarahTheWhite replied 7 years ago
I just placed the order!! This will be interesting....
amiable replied 7 years ago
Sarah - I'm thinking it's a midlife crisis for me too - as long as it stays in the fashion realm, I'm okay with that :)
I don't wish to be an enabler, as there are plenty of people here who have bought but not worn or passed these on. But...I have had mine for 2 years. They sat in the closet for the entire season, labels still on, because I wasn't brave enough to wear them. Then I pulled them out for a fall trip to FL. They were the most versatile packing choice: I dressed them up for dinner the first night, wore them to breakfast another day, wore them to the Dali museum (where they fit in splendidly) on a very windy wet day, and made them a beach cover on our last morning.
Back home, I broke them out for weekends, then they boldly went to work. I love how they are comfortable but don't look like casual workout wear. In fact, I think I'll wear mine today.
Lisa, the elastic waistband sits flat on me, and I find the drape de-emphasises my tummy. It also sits nicely and doesn't buckle in the back. I have no idea how they designed these, but it's brilliant.
chouette22 replied 7 years ago
I just put in an order too! Thank you for everyone's input. We'll see how they are working out.
Elizabeth P replied 7 years ago
Oh, this is so exciting! I love that there will be so much more styling inspiration happening soon.
Come on, Lisa!
Beewee replied 7 years ago
Goodness gracious...y'all just talked me into trying them also! Order's in!
El Cee replied 7 years ago
Oh Yay!!! This is gonna be fun! I look forward to seeing and hearing about all the styling possibilities. Amiable -- I share with you in your midlife crisis experience. :-) I think this is a safe way to express it.
Nebraskim replied 7 years ago
I am loving how you are breaking out of a Nebraska style rut Amy. Go for it; be bold. Yes, you will get side-eye on these from women who think high fashion is bling-butt jeans bought at the Fort or the Buckle. Their opinions are of no consequence. I think you will rock this look. Aim high.
Word Lily replied 7 years ago
I ordered a pair too, eek!
RobinF replied 7 years ago
I am tempted also, love the idea of comfy knit pants that are also stylish BUT they are definitely not seen around here (SW Michigan) so I'm not sure I would ever wear them out of the house. I'm going over the check out the "how to wear" thread.
DonnaF replied 7 years ago
FWIW my tummy is all below my waist and the harems seem to hide it and drape softly. I am not into drapey at all but these are the exception. I think the trick is to wear them on vacation so as to overcome any self-conscious hesitation. They are more comfy than jammies but look so much better!
SarahTheWhite replied 7 years ago
I am loving all of the input from people on how these fit and style, especially Aliona. And yes, Amiable, I agree that this is a safe way for our mid life crisis to manifest. It's not like we are throwing over our husbands for a different model. :-)