Trouser Crisis and Small Steps

Flashback Summer: Trouser Crisis & Small Steps - modern 1940s 1960s retro fashion look

I had recently taken a blogging break as I sought to navigate the murky waters of a wardrobe identity crisis, and in the midst of that time I determined that my greatest obstacle in achieving my ideal wardrobe dreams was trousers.  For a week or so I couldn't find ANY that fit my ideal shape and fit while also small enough to be my size.  They were terrible, dark days.  My husband was nice enough to throw my own words at me and tell me that my body wasn't the problem, the clothes were the problem.  That didn't put pants in my closet, but it is true and it was good to be reminded.

You see, in my fervor to revamp my wardrobe I began selling like crazy (and still am) to get the "seed money" for my new look.  I sold many of the pairs of pants I owned in this process, believing that the lack of trousers in my closet would simply motivate me to find replacements more quickly.  Little did I realize it would only leave me pantsless. (Which just meant I wore skirts, never fear.)

Flashback Summer: Trouser Crisis & Small Steps - modern 1940s 1960s retro fashion look

 I went to EVERY store in my local mall looking for high-waisted, skinny trousers in my size. Nothing. I looked online... nothing was small enough or high-waisted enough.  I ventured out and bought my first Freddies of Pinewood jeans... only to try them on and realize the rise needed to be adjusted.  Off they went to the tailor!  Still pantsless.

I tried sewing some from a pattern. It didn't work out, and I still can't figure out why. I found some pants in a store that were close to my size and tried to alter them... and they wrinkled weirdly.  I FINALLY found one lone pair of pants on a sales rack at Charlotte Russe that was close enough to my size, and here they are in these photos!  I brought them in at the waist, and now I love them!

Flashback Summer: Trouser Crisis & Small Steps - modern 1940s 1960s retro fashion look

Still, these are the only pair of pants I own that fit in the new look I want to have.  I was all ready to go gung ho on creating this whole new wardrobe all at once, but I've realized it's going to be much more of a "peach pit" process than I thought it would be.

So, I'm starting with trousers and summer shorts.  I need nice trousers for work, and I also need jeans for the rest of the time.  It's going to be slow going, but I've gotten denim fabric and the Ginger Jeans pattern, and I'm going to get to work making what I want.  When I get all the fit alterations right, I'll be able to churn these babies out in all sorts of fabrics!

Flashback Summer: Trouser Crisis & Small Steps - modern 1940s 1960s retro fashion look

I'm also going to work with a 1960s pants pattern I have made before. I like the fit of them, and doing them in some edgier fabrics will make them work beautifully in my new wardrobe.

I will admit, this slower process to build my new wardrobe is a bit frustrating. When I decide to do something, I want to do it all NOW.  I want it to be finished NOW.  Having this delay in adding to my wardrobe because of sizing issues is frustrating, but I'm embracing the slowness as an opportunity to increase my sewing skills and design pieces I absolutely love.  It will take several weeks to make a couple pairs of pants since my day job happens to get in the way of my sewing time (anyone identify?!), but I know it will be worth it in the end to have a perfectly-fitting me-made wardrobe.

Outfit Details
pants: Charlotte Russe
shirt: Wet Seal?
hat: handmade by a friend
lucite purse: gifted
heels: estate sale
lipstick: from F21

I've heard from several of you that you are also having wardrobe issues lately or have had them recently. Did you encounter any hang ups along the way? Have you had to slow down to baby steps with any of your goals lately?

19 comments

  1. You look great in your new pants Emileigh! The one thing that has prohibited me, at any time, from realizing various wardrobe dreams is lack of monetary funds. But! That made me think and reevaluate more exactly what it was that I wanted.

    Blessings,

    Brigid
    the Middle Sister and Singer
    boyerfamilysingersblog.com

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  2. What beautiful pants! I agree that finding trousers which fit is very hard. And finding ones with attractive style even harder. In female fashion, I focus more on dresses and look for ones that disguise my cylindrical shape. Fit-and-flare works for me.

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  3. I LOVE those pants, they are perfect!!! I totally understand about not having time to sew, and also about not being able to make the changes right away:) It is definitely hard to be patient, but in the end it will be worth it. The best of luck as you get started on sewing your new pants and continue to revamp your wardrobe...I can't wait to see the new look!!!:):)
    -Madison
    www.1minniemuse.blogspot,com

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  4. I have few pairs of pants outside of jeans, or a jean variant, like colored denim clam diggers, so I completely identify with the pant problem. I long for a slimmer cut in pants, but once I put them on my body, I loathe them, but also feel like new pants are the key to opening up other areas of my wardrobe, so I totally identify here! I also identify with the sewing/work conundrum, since after moving, I didn't want to touch my sewing machine, and now I am working!

    With my latest (and still somewhat active) wardrobe crisis, much of my pain came from trying to find new sources of clothing that met the standards I was used to or supported the business ethic I wanted to support. The last thing I wanted was to buy new clothing that I loved, but only to have it fall apart within a few wearings.

    Even after hauling out every item I owned and selling many pieces what feels like eons ago, I am still battling my wardrobe in attempts to revamp it. I think one key was to keep reminding myself to wear what I like, and don't worry about period accuracy, unless I really want to, depending on the event. Dress up and have fun.

    xoxo
    -Janey

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  5. Damn, sorry to hear about your Freddies! I was crossing my fingers for you!

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  6. Yeah, I've been having some issues with my wardrobe revamp as well. I'm on pretty strict budget so I've only made a small dent in replenishing but it's giving me time to think about what I really want in my wardrobe and not to just fill it up with a bunch of stuff again. The new pieces that I have purchased were all winners so I'm on the right track!

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  7. Revamping an entire wardrobe is always a bit of a struggle, though I am going in the other direction-more and more vintage looking items! I would like to say on the sizing front that I know Banana Republic offers many styles of work appropriate pants, none are quite high rise, but none are low rise in any way. They offer both short lengths and petites online and you can make returns in store (can you tell I am a sales associate there part time?). Good luck on the pants sewing adventure!

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    1. I actually stopped in to a Banana Republic store and tried several pairs on. I like them a lot, but none of them were quite high rise enough. I have mostly natural waist length shirts, so they'll be crop tops if I don't get high enough pants!

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  8. I think your new pants look great! And I can completely identify with the lack of funds and sewing time as well as sizing issues. I have exactly two pairs of jeans and that's it (they both happen to be women's US Navy surplus denims which might be another option for you for high-waisted pants on a budget.) I love the pair of 40s trousers I made for WWII events but somehow they don't feel right for every day wear. Not really sure why. I've been feeling frustrated with my wardrobe too but I think the long snowy winter and longing for spring are partly to blame. Like you I want changes and progress NOW but have to remind myself that things do take time. Looking forward to seeing more of your wardrobe revamp progress. :)
    -Emily

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  9. Oh lovely outfit!!! You're beautiful, "très chic" in french! it's perfect!
    I think it's very difficult to find good pants...I haven't find mine!
    Amitiés de Normandie, France.

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  10. great pants!
    the reason why I prefer skirts and dresses to trousers: trousers don't fit my figure. Buying pants is just depressing!
    recently I just found two great pair of pants at (tatatataaa) H&M. Hightwaisted, vintage look, comfortable as hell and affordable! I alomost lived in them the past weeks. I don't know, if they might fit into your idea of yor new wardrobe - but check them out on my little blog. They are still in the shops.

    Don't stress yourself with finding you new style ... a well filled and suitable wardrobe builds up slowly. the more you stress, the more you will end up with pieces that won't satisfy your wants and needs.

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    1. Your last sentence… I basically need to tell myself everyday. That's so true! I'll try not to stress!

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  11. After the baby I suddenly found myself without any pants that fit, and it was very strange for me to only have dresses and skirts at my disposal. I usually live in jeans! It was very good for me to be forced out of my comfort zone, but I am super glad to have a pair of jeans that fit again.

    I feel like I never realised how difficult pants are, until I really saw other people's attempts to make their own, and until I tried to get some that really fit well (as opposed to relying on stretch, or just wearing them baggy so it didn't matter). But when you look at people's bodies and how ridiculously varied we are, it isn't exactly surprising. Just frustrating!

    Good luck with the rest of your slow pants journey. You are off to a good start with these ones!

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  12. I am loving your blog! Those pants are fantastic, and the red accents are a needed addition. I have had some 'spring' cleaning going on for a while and I have finally got back into the swing of sewing. I cannot wait to create a new wardrobe. I am definitely inspired by many outfits you post here. Keep it up, I hope to hear more from you.

    www.originsofalandgirl.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Victoria Anne! I'm glad you're enjoying them!

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  13. Way to stick it out, dear gal! I'm sorry that finding pants that work for you has been such a challenge. I'm convinced that they're one of the trickiest pieces for a lot of ladies to find in a style and size that genuinely fits them well. They've always, bar none, been the hardest garment for me and my short, curvy shape. If not for a small number of wide legged options from a couple of repro/vintage inspired brands, I would be as a good as pants-less, and promise you that you have my total understanding on this front.

    ♥ Jessica

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  14. I feel your pain; I remember when I first started investing in vintage, I wanted a full-blown, all day, all the time wardrobe NOW. And I might be closer to that now that I'm four-ish years into collecting, but I'm still not there yet and I have to remind myself that that is ok.

    Yes, it's totally frustrating when you are missing staples you really need, but I hope you will succeed on your mission for pants and find a great pattern to sew up. :) ❤

    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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  15. Have you tried Land's End? They have high waisted, skinny trousers (in multiple colors/washes) with a retro side zipper. Very vintage-esque. If you haven't looked into them, they might be a good option for you! I believe they have petite as well. Hopefully you find the pants of your dreams! Lol ;)

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    1. I didn't even think of Land's End! I'll have to check them out! Thanks, Megalina!

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