
Creating a sophisticated looking outfit with simple pieces
I’m been in a bit of a pant quandary: I don’t seem to have the right ones right now. I bet you’ve said this to yourself from time to time, that you don’t have the right something or other. What I have are jeans: distressed jeans, boyfriend jeans, blue jeans, dark indigo jeans, high rise jeans, white jeans, cropped white jeans…jeans, jeans, jeans. I have an orange pair of cotton summer pants that are a little on the big side. I have a couple of linen trousers; one in ivory, one in a gray blue. But I’ve been missing loose, easy breezy, summer pants.
Guess what? I found a pair that are just right! It’s an artisan paisley print, full-leg crop pant with lots of berry colors on a black background. It’s got an elastic waist and POCKETS! It swishes when I walk (I LOVE that feeling!). It’s super soft and from J.Jill.
I put this outfit together to go with Russ to Boon Fly Cafe, a restaurant we often go to on the weekends. It’s part of the Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa. While I was sitting next to Russ at the bar (avoiding a 45-minute wait for a table) I was admiring the print. This will be a great pant to go into warm fall days. The black background makes it an ideal print for fall. In fact, I’d wear this outfit on September 15th but probably substitute the woven vintage straw bag for a leather one. It will be important to me to have outfits that look like fall even while the weather is hot, hot, hot. This would do the trick.

Loving the easy drape of these cropped full-cut pants
One person’s easy pant is someone else’s hard one
Some of you may have drawers full of this kind of easy pant style. This pant is actually outside the box for me. I go for more tailored pants or slim jeans. All last year I tried to bust out and find a pair of loose-fitting print pants that looked decent on me and I NEVER found it!
For starters, this print is more up my alley. It’s a classic print and appeals to that part of me that likes classic things. I love the paisley, the colors are classic, and the shape is pretty classic, too.

Draped fabrics make me feel ladylike
Anatomy of my outfit
Because I like my casual outfits to be on the fancy side, what I saw in this pant was the invitation to build an outfit that leans on classic, sophisticated elements.
Paisleys have been with us forever. Originally they were worn exclusively by privileged people and were symbols of power and luxury. Read here about the history of paisley. And go here to see a graph of the historical timeline of paisley. In current times we see paisley in mens ties. In recent history women often wore paisley blouses with their suits to exude a sense of power in the workplace.

Taking it easy in my easy pieces.
I treated these paisley pants as royalty and luxury. I felt they called for some fancy and sophistication. How did I do that?
ONE. The clothing pieces–my Max Mara top and Eileen Fisher linen swing cardigan–are simple and drapey. Anything in black with soft drape says luxury and sophistication to me. For that matter, these pants have a soft drape to them, too, so everything was in harmony. (Note: I’d tried a different top and added a denim jean jacket and the print pants said, “Oh no you don’t; not with this outfit!”
TWO. I wore Alexis Bittar earrings that have crystals all around them which catches the light.

Sheen and shine pulls these accessories together
THREE. I wore a Sol Sisters necklace that has crystals and sparkly beads that are pretty and refined.
FOUR. My ring is arty and has little diamonds in it. My leather Calleen Cordero cuff is a little more rocker but I liked the texture with the pattern of the pant. (A nice little Beauty Bundle here in the earrings, necklace, ring and bracelet.)
FIVE. I added simple Gabor black suede wrapped ankle sandals. I tried on my platform sandals but they made the outfit too casual; not special enough.

This new to me bag strikes the ladylike note I want
SIX. Although this bag is vintage, it’s brand new to me. This was my first time using it! Inside the framed bag it says it was made in Italy. I like that! My daughters, owners of SAX, a consignment store, set it aside when it came into the store because they thought their Mommyfoxy would like it and buy it. (She does and she did!) It’s not a floppsie moppsie style. It’s got a defined shape that is quite tailored. It’s actually good-sized. I was able to slip the Sunday Style and Business sections of the NYTimes into it.
When I feel the way I felt in this outfit, I walk taller; I don’t rush; I take each step in a ladylike measured way. I’m not running around solving problems or trying to reach my 10,000 steps; I’m luxuriating in the moment. I’m breathing the air, admiring the flowers, listening to birds singing in the trees, enjoying the company of my love, Russ.
I’ve slowed down to the speed of life.
35 Comments
Spags
July 3, 2017 at 12:14 amI love these trousers! I also have trouble finding patterned ones that don’t look like jammies. These are very smart, sophisticated without being too formal. I’m envious, and as always Brenda you look like you mean business. Love it.
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 1:41 pmThat’s exactly how it made sense to me to style it. Yet they aren’t really too formal. That’s what’s great about fashion: you can manipulate elements to create the message you want to create. Glad you enjoyed it!
Kathy
July 3, 2017 at 4:08 amI love J.Jill!! The outfit is doing its job…I notice you first then the individual pieces of what you are wearing. You look happy! How wonderful that is! I agree the pants will be a great transitional piece for fall. Lovely you-lovely outfit…thank you for sharing.
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 1:42 pmThanks, Kathy, you’re so right about this too, how it’s important to notice the person and then the clothes. Thanks for sharing that tip! I can see wearing a berry colored sweater with these pants in fall, can’t you?
La semaine d'une gourmette
July 3, 2017 at 4:41 amLove the trousers! I never buy patterned trousers, and I don’t think I ever will, my very round bottom just looks bad in them. But I think they look terrific on you – and I love paisley!
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 1:45 pmDo remember that the bottom is covered in this outfit. I like the three layers, actually–the shorter tank top, the longer swing cardigan and the cropped pant. The eye gets to enjoy all the levels! I bet you’ll find paisley in other things. I feel like I’m just falling in love with paisley for the first time! I’ve appreciated it forever from afar but not worn it much at all. The floodgates are opening!
Ulla Portefaix
July 3, 2017 at 5:01 amLike all you have written!
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 1:46 pmThanks, Ulla!
Cindy La Ferle
July 3, 2017 at 5:05 amBrenda, I love those paisley pants on you — and am tempted to order a pair myself. I’m usually not a “print person” (unless you’re talking about Sunday newspapers!) but this paisley pattern, as you said, is sophisticated and the flow of the pant is very slimming as well. They are so much more comfortable than “skinnies” for summer, too!
I used to avoid wide leg pants because I worried that they would make me look heavy or dumpy, but I’ve recently found that if I get the right cut, the flow styles are not frumpy at all. Your post today makes me want to buy more of these!
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 1:47 pmActually, Cindy, my experience with this J.Jill pant makes ME want to buy more of them as well. There was such a hole in my pant wardrobe and like you said, the right fit is everything. These are not too wide either, not so exaggerated or dragging on the ground. They’re easy!
Pat
July 3, 2017 at 6:01 amYou look great, Brenda!
I too love Paisley….if only the JJill pants were in my colors!!
Have a wonderful, safe, happy Fourth of July.
Faithful fan,
Pat
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 1:49 pmHi Pat! Well, this item just came into the store so I’m guessing they were thinking ahead as well with this color palette. But keep your eyes peeled as they may switch over to the warm colors you wear so well in another shipment! You have a great 4th too!
Faithfully yours,
Brenda
Deanne
July 3, 2017 at 6:30 amFabulous combo Brenda! I am sure I saw those pats in the latest JJill catalogue and passed them right by as Not for Me. I will need to do a double back, they look fantastic on you and I could see wearing them into fall like you suggest. Now that I see how you styled them I can picture them on me also. This isn’t the first time one of your posts inspires me to look at something that is currently in stores. Thank you and enjoy the holiday!
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 1:52 pmI think it’s so easy to pass things by without giving them a chance. I was at least curious about these so that made trying them easier. This happens a lot with my clients. They don’t see what I see in a store that turns out to work for them. But I told my client, “You can’t see what you can’t see.” And that’s how it is. Oh funny, I just thought of something that happened yesterday with Russ. We were on our way to Boon Fly and Russ made a comment about a car that had just gone by that he loved. It was something remarkable but I had to admit, “I didn’t see it.” I don’t see cars much at all, even though they’re everywhere, but he sees makes and models and knows what price they’d be going for! I don’t know if that fits as a metaphor but I do think we need to try things that catch our eye because maybe, just maybe, it’ll turn out great! Sorry for the rambling!
Susan B.
July 3, 2017 at 6:39 amOoh, I like those pants!!
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 1:53 pmYay!! I could see them on you, Susan!
Karin Beamer
July 3, 2017 at 7:09 amI liked the pattern in the pants, but i would have preferred the length to be longer on you. I think it would have increased your length. I am 5 ‘ 4″ and I do not not like crop pants, as I feel they make me look out of proportion. The black tops are good and add length to your pants. Accessories are also a good addition. Keep those ideas coming. Do you really think that the fuller pants are coming back strong???
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 1:57 pmI do think fuller pants will keep on keeping on! What I like about this length is that it says “summer” to me. I like having my ankles showing. It feels so much cooler. I do think this pant would look great longer as well but I’d probably wear it in different settings. For cruising on a Sunday and having brunch with my sweetheart, I liked the more casual cropped length. I’m just one inch taller than you are. I think the trick to proportion is getting the top right with the pant. I tried one top on that was longer and the proportion was 1/2 – 1/2. Not a good look. So with the shorter top on the inside, it made it more of a 1/3 – 2/3 proportion which is better. Maybe look at it that way and you might try a cropped pant. One of my clients who is 5’2″ wears cropped pants but they’re longer on her which looks great too! Just more Anatomy of the Outfit!
Rosemary Davis
July 3, 2017 at 7:11 amPerfect! I adore these pants. Very seldom do I stray from solids, but these could be the exception.
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 2:00 pmI love the idea of print pants but have a hard time finding ones that I don’t feel silly in. Maybe you feel that way too? That’s why the sophistication of the print made me try it! I’ve got to check out your blog!
Oh, I love all the white you’re wearing! It looks great on you! Hey, everyone, check out http://www.distinctlysouthernstyle.com. And I love that cathedral so very much too.
Maggie Fieger
July 3, 2017 at 7:21 amYou look amazing but then you always do. I love the outfit on you. I’m afraid I would look kind of dumpy but I do appreciate that you show pieces that I can afford! Thank you for that
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 2:00 pmYou’re welcome Maggie. Best to check out the dumpy factor. You may be surprised and find that you look modern and fresh and not dumpy!
Christine
July 3, 2017 at 7:30 amfun and classy and different! I think this type of pant is more complicated than it looks — the cut and drape has to be just right, otherwise I’d end up looking chunky. YOU look so slim in them — we’re all going to run out and try them on now!
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 2:02 pmChristine, I think you’re right about this type of pant. Now I know that I’ll style it in a different way one day and maybe love that way just as much. But I do think the top two layers, tank and swing cardigan, slim them out just like you say. I think it’s worth a try!
Mary Ann Doerzbacher
July 3, 2017 at 8:50 amLove them on your tiny frame, Brenda, but for a larger size like me, they would just not look as good. Too much big print. I bought a cute pair of black and white tiny print ankle pants at my fav TJMaxx, designer name. Paired them with your top look of black pieces which I love, chunky sterling silver jewelry and my fav comfy Bernie Mev black elastic sandals. For a pop of color, I chose a sky blue designer name tote again from TJ Maxx. I love when I can feel “put together” as my mom used to say.
I love your ideas tho as they make me more conscious of my choices! Thank you!
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 2:04 pmTerrific, Mary Ann! I sure don’t think of myself as having a tiny frame though. I’m pretty medium in every way. I like the sound of your black and white print ankle pants though. And love the way you put it together! It’s really working in my mind’s eye. Thanks for sharing!
TGCHI13
July 4, 2017 at 11:06 pmI hear you both – Mary Ann, your style sounds delightful! And Brenda I think of myself as strong and fierce, but a lot of people think I am tiny…
You both are a force to be reckoned with and that is a very good thing! Happy fourth warriors.
Mary Ann Doerzbacher
July 3, 2017 at 8:51 amThis is not my picture. I do not know how to get it off my name, but it is not me.
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 2:05 pmThat is so weird. Did it just change one day? I was leaving a comment on another friend’s blog today and I can’t figure out how to get my picture to go with the comment. This is all a mystery to me! Do you have a nine-year-old neighbor who can fix it? I’m chuckling but it’s pretty true. The young ones know everything techie!
elena daciuk
July 3, 2017 at 4:21 pmi smiled when i read…’while i was sitting next to russ, i was admiring the print on my pants…” lol – love you! now…the bag…just amazing…wish i had a connection like that…things saved because they know it is right for you…
Brenda
July 3, 2017 at 5:53 pmI know, it’s all about who you know, right? My girls are very very good to me!!! Happy 4th, Darling!
TGCHI13
July 4, 2017 at 10:56 pmI love those pants and I adore paisley, unfortunately it doesn’t like me to the same degree. One of my favorite pair of jeans in the 90’s were mid-green paisley print, you know with the ankle zippers that are back in fashion with the 90’s influence…
But I have several pair of silk patten pants that this really helps me with styling! Thank you!
TGCHI13
July 4, 2017 at 11:08 pm*pattern not patten
cindy hattersley
July 6, 2017 at 12:13 pmThose pants look fabulous on you. I seriously could not pull those off because of my height. I am on the hunt for a pair of jeans in that same cut. Thanks to you! I love your accessories. I have been pining for one of Caleen Cordero’s bracelets as well.
Brenda
July 6, 2017 at 6:52 pmCindy, I figure my cost per wear on my Calleen Cordero cuffs is really really low because I’ve worn them so much! Go for it! And good luck with the jeans!