It has been a blended bag of a 12 months, hasn’t it? Ups and downs, let’s say. That’s most likely probably the most optimistic spin on 2024. However when instances are difficult, it’s extra essential than ever to have fun the small wins. And for me, one of many deep joys of this 12 months has been rediscovering absolutely the life-changing brilliance of getting a pair of trousers that go together with the whole lot that you just actually like.
My favorite loose-leg trousers have been my north star this 12 months. They work with the whole lot, they usually make the whole lot work. I put on them with loafers and with trainers and ankle boots. With T-shirts in summer time, with shirts in spring and autumn, with sweaters now.
My favorite pair are from Jigsaw (I have written earlier than about my love for Jigsaw trousers, sorry to repeat myself, however it’s the reality) and are black, wide-legged, with a crease down the entrance, and belt loops. I’ve found, via trial and lots of an error, that that is what works for me.
I’m not tall, and I discover that straight or large legged trousers look shapeless on me except they’ve a entrance crease. And a belt is crucial to make them sit how I would like them to take a seat all day, quite than wanting droopy after a few hours. Those I’ve are outdated, however Jigsaw’s Kemp Huge Leg Japanese Wool trousers are comparable.
They’re £220, which seems like a hefty worth for a easy garment from a model most of us would take into account excessive avenue, however then they’re 100% high quality wool, which isn’t simple to seek out as of late. (Once I final checked they’d been decreased to £165.) A extra inexpensive model is M&S’s Tailor-made Straight Leg Trousers (£39.50), though they at present appear to be accessible solely in vivid crimson. I actually just like the Reiss pair (£138) proven right here, too. And the matching belt makes them really feel very pulled collectively, no?
Your go-to trousers is likely to be a special fashion altogether. A palazzo pant or a flare or a cargo pant. The purpose is that once you’ve discovered the trousers that make your life simpler, you don’t wish to allow them to go. I pack mine every time I journey, as a result of – similar to Yorkshire Gold teabags, which I additionally take – they provide me confidence {that a} day will begin off on the precise foot, even when it could go to items in a while. This a lot, garments can do. It’s not the be-all and end-all, however neither is it nothing.
Anyway. Having discovered the pair which have your again, it’s actually fairly irritating to need to abandon them in December, which is probably the most demanding little bit of the entire getting-dressed calendar. In get together season, all of the issues which were good about your finest trousers – their bread-and-butter reliability, the below-the-radar steadiness which makes it doable to put on them 5 days in a row whereas wanting totally different every time – makes them tough for going out.
However making an effort doesn’t need to imply making life exhausting for your self. We’re accustomed to get together garments which can be exhausting work. However permit me to share a hard-won piece of knowledge that I’ve ultimately found out, which is that get together season is simply as a lot enjoyable, and rather a lot much less of a faff, as soon as you determine some low-impact outfit formulation.
That is extra essential as you grow old, I feel. My urge for food for being out late on a faculty evening isn’t what it was, however often I’m required to Present Up. Does this sound acquainted?
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If that’s the case, might I suggest basing a celebration outfit round your favorite trousers: swap your chunky loafers for pointy kitten heels; your shirt for a fitted waistcoat or a glossy physique; your work bag for one thing lighter. Retaining your trousers on makes the turnaround faster and easier. (No shaving your legs, or on the lookout for tights with out runs.) You don’t have to put on a princess costume when you don’t wish to. Your trousers, like Cinderella, shall go to the ball.
Hair and make-up: Sophie Higginson utilizing Davines and L’Oreal. Styling assistant: Sam Deaman. Mannequin: Claudia at Milk. Velvet high, £78, Reiss. Trousers, £138, Reiss. Hoop earrings, £85, and bag, £265, each Lulu Guinness
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