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The background to this post is that as part of my regular M&S collaboration, I was challenged to style up something from the Classic range. Now before you brace yourself, I'm using the pants term in a US context - it just sounded better to say Nana Pants than Nana Trousers.
In my head, this felt like one I'd have to force so much that I'd not end up even taking photos so I was fully expecting not to meet the brief but I tried to keep an open mind and brought my stylish friend Danielle Donohue with me to help me find a Classic gem - which she did within minutes. Once again, I hark to the difference shopping with a personal stylist makes. Check out (pun intended) these gorgeous tapered 7/8 trousers.
They're so on trend for a start but being from the Classic range (and they definitely are, despite the link above saying M&S Collection), they have lots of design features that I wish they would consider for other ranges. Or maybe it's my age?! Starting with a little bit of elastic on the back of the waistband. Not a proper Daily Mail full elastic waistband but just enough to allow them to sit so much better on a pear shaped body.
The pleats at the front work too, making them less clingy across the tummy and they come in a petite fit, perfect for this short legged gal.
I of course pimped them up a bit with some seriously funky patent flatforms, also current stock. I've got a fab pair of Aldo patent brogues that are getting to the end of their life and I'm hoping these will be an on-trend replacement. Looking forward to wearing them with mini skirts and culottes and the bonus is they're great for the walk to work.
The round neck ribbed knit is another great spring basic. Perfect for wearing with pleated skirts and trousers now that the weather is (hopefully) getting a bit too warm for roll necks. Or in my case, your office is just too warm for them all year round!
I'm wearing a 10 in the trousers and an 8 in the knit. The shoes are my usual M&S 5.5/39
Bag - Hush Sample Sale Purchase
Challenge met I think and the lesson from it is to not rule out the nana pants - they could be exactly the trousers you've been looking everywhere for!
Oh and I have to mention the wee patterned popsocks which are not from M&S - they were a gift from a friend who totally rocks these kinds of ankle socks and challenged me to try them out. Another challenged accepted. I'm a convert - they are so cool and make all the difference to the cold ankle situation that I'm asked about all the time. I've since bought a second pair!
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Have found a few gems in the classic collection from time to time, are good staples for work wear
ReplyDeleteI thought the same - they had some lovely basic knits and the prices were great too! x
DeleteI have these Nana pants! Bought a few weeks bad to wear for work in the cold weather. They are so comfy and I still look professional. Feel pleaddp they have your approval
ReplyDeleteGreat minds! They just had a look of a pair of trousers that would work even on the hanger, which is always a good sign! x
DeleteLove this look Avtil, but feel a check ‘pant’ does nothing for the plumper thigh... I’ve tried quite a few with no success. Your thoughts please?
ReplyDeleteIt's all about the fit to start with - and getting the proportions right. Big bold checks are not good but a finer one like this works as it's not far off a grey trouser. These with a chunky knit would change the proportion hugely and make it less about the legs and more about the top. But yes, back to getting a pair that works for you - I tried on a tight pair in the same print when I was in with Katherin in VSQ and they looked awful on me. These seem to be cut to flatter my wider thighs - believe it or not, I am sturdy of thigh..definitely not my best bit! x
DeleteJust purchased these in the sale for £20. They are So Soft and perfect for pear's with a relatively small waist. OK they are not as flattering as black but I love them for something different Would never have looked at the classic range before, so thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteGreat bargain!! I agree that they are the perfect pear shape style with the nipped in waist and yes, black is always more flattering but I think a simple monochrome print is the next best thing and like you say, a bit different! So delighted you found them via the blog x
DeleteDo you know where to buy those patterned popsocks by any chance?
ReplyDeleteHi there - sorry it's taken me a couple of days to reply. I got these in Honey on the Lisburn Road. I don't remember the brand as I got them a while back and threw away the swing tag. Possibly Jonathan Aston or Fiore? If you're not local, have a look on UK Tights dot com & search for 'Ankle' and there are some similar ones on there! x
DeleteThanks so much, I will have a look online
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