Talking bottoms

As in trousers.  As in, an alternative to jeans......, as in helping out my poor friend who has had a hip operation and can only wear loose fitting trousers.   

I looked at my wardrobe this morning and saw the plethora of jeans sitting there patiently waiting to be picked.  I also looked at the Topshop dungarees which are sat there forlornly in their bag, not knowing yet whether I'm brave/stupid enough to wear them..... (still very much on the fence.  Half of me says, oh just wear them and be done with it.  No-one ever died of laughing.  And the other half says, you are too old and will look like a prick.  Fact.  As you can see, still on the fence) 

But I am definitely definitely in the loose trouser camp.  I have been a fully paid up member of the harem, jogger, utility style cargos for years now.  So why don't I wear them?  Good point well made, may I say.  I have no idea. 

However I am now definitely having a hankering for all things khaki (I know we've been there done that, but we're back there again.... with specifics..... seeing as I have the khaki scarf to get me through the next couple of chilly weeks, I can match it with bottoms....) and I am looking for ideas on how to wear my collection of khaki loose trews.  I think, on last count, I have three pairs... silky FCUK ones (that I tend not to wear as they need a lot of ironing.  I appreciate this is the most pathetic excuse ever but there we have it.  Who would have thought laziness would trump fashion?), a loose linen cargo Topshop pair and my (much beloved by me and not so many others) paint splattered, very loose kahki chinos from Zara. 

I needed to reinspire myself on how to wear these.  I need to break out of my jeans rut (yes, this is this week's obsession) and break out the khakis.  Of all varieties.  

So I thought I would turn to my, usually reserved for the realms of interiors, Pinterest to see if it was possible to wear loose trousers as smart. 

And hey presto it so is.  

Starting with La Beckham.  A black blazer, grey tee and nude shoes.  Easy peasy chic.

Goddess Alt (ok so these are slightly tighter but I think it would work with looser ones as well.... black top, black leather jacket, but I'd also go a blazer and boots)



And as if by magic, we have a looser pair with swoon shoes.



Just to prove it doesn't have to be all about the heels.



So here is what I've found on the High Street. 

Starting with a place I wouldn't usually look but these fit the bill perfectly so long as you're not wedded to pockets. 

Principles by Ben De Lisi £30






New Look Khaki Soft Tie Waist Utility trousers £19.99 One pocket here at New Look, I love the look of these for a bargain price.  These are also rolled up and not cuffed - I have to say these are up there as one of my top two faves.  Definitely most like the VB ones.... I love the look of the fabric - not too silky but not too stiff.



If you're into your zips, then these from River Island in a crepe fabric may be up your street. 

Khaki zip side joggers from River Island £38


These look very much on the drapey side and with their neat waist, I would say probably a smarter look from the off.  But hell they still look super comfy - like going to work in your jamas.

Wrap front jogger trousers from Topshop £30


More expensive at Karen Millen but these to me are the most Emmanuelle Alt ones out there.  I would love to try these - and they're machine washable (even though they probably/definitely need ironing... hmmmm.  For a pair I LOVE, I would)

Karen Millen Soft Military Trousers in khaki £115  Actually rather liking the look with the cork wedges.....





Now I know that most people loathed my paint splattered khaki trews from last year so these may well prove as popular as a bowl of sick but I love 'em. 


Relaxed Utility Trousers from Topshop £36



Finally and don't laugh, very near the top of my list is these from M&S.

Tencel Track Pant in Khaki from M&S £29.50 - I know, I know, these are probably made for people who have had some sort of orthopaedic procedure but I think these look ace.  I also love the fact that they do them in different lengths so you can have them longer to tuck into the top of ankle boots if you would like. 

This though, is the perfect example of styling with flats.  Add a blazer, biker jacket or denim jacket for every day casual.  And yes, I just said perfect styling from M&S.  Without Cara Delevigne in the photo.  Woo hoo, times they may be a changing.....





Is anyone else feeling the khaki love?  I think, in the sea of frilly floaty femininity that we're being bombarded with, this is a great masculine alternative.  Like the Whistles blog from the other day - a cleaner look.

It may have given me more food for thought for my whole Spring wardrobe. (not that I buy a whole wardrobe, but just what to add in to ring the changes)  I'm just wondering if perhaps the whole full on boho vibe may be over for me already.  To be honest, not that it exactly started but I think I might have peaked too early.  I feel a cunning plan coming on.....

Pic from yesterday.  Like I said on Instagram, I've no idea what I'm finding so amusing as I was absolutely freezing.  The sunshine over the weekend foxed me and I was caught a cropper yesterday as it was cold.  Very cold.  Back in the woolies today for sure.