3 Looks with Tapered-Legged Pants

24 February 2020

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In the first look, I pair the trousers, which are made of viscose (so very cool to wear in the summer), with a sleeveless, cotton top. This is an old top from GAP that I purchased on a trip to the UK in 2016. It’s Broderie Anglaise, so quite on trend for this summer. Although I don’t necessarily buy trends, it is nice to know that my old and loved pieces, become trendy depending on the seasons and what fashion houses dictate. I wear this look with a pair of leather slides in a soft, tan colour from Dune of London. These are a great dupe for the very expensive Hermes slides, and are both comfortable and timeless. They are now about a year old.

In my second look, I add a cream, knitted and thrifted top. I love this item. I purchased this last year from “The Vintage Square Thrift Fair,” at Duncan Yard, for anyone staying in Gauteng, South Africa. This is in Pretoria, near Tukkies University. Although I adore this piece, I tend to wear it more in the winter as a layering piece because our summers are just too hot to get away with this in the summer. But I do love how it looks, worn here with a pair of nude heels. These pumps were purchased last year, when I visited my cousin in Zambia in April. They are so comfortable and can be worn with almost anything. These are from Bata and anyone who is over 45, will remember that years ago, there weren’t many shoe stores available in South Africa. Bata was one of the first, and has stood the test of time.

My final look is another thrifted one. This shirt is an old “Witchery” number that I purchased from a pre-loved store in Castle Walk shopping centre in the East of Pretoria. It’s no longer there. The woman who owned it, has now closed the store, but I’m so glad I was able to snatch this one up when I did. It is completely sheer but I think it can work with a nude bra, or with a lacy bralet underneath. Because of the ruffle detail on the front, it’s not very sheer there and the ruffles, which I normally can’t wear due to being large-busted, works with this shirt as the material is soft and drapes easily. I love the details on the sleeves and the tie at the wrists adds a little touch of femininity too. I’ve worn this look with a pair of snakeskin flats from Zara. These wee also purchased last year in winter. They are a fabulous neutral and work with so many items in my closet.

So let’s talk about these pants. I bought these pants in three different colours from Woolworths about two years ago. They are so comfortable, breathable and easy-to-wear. They are only slightly gathered at the front of the waist, have a zipper closure and I like that they are tapered because, being a short person, they help to make my legs appear slightly longer than what they are. They are a mid-rise, which works best for my frame. Hipsters make my legs look shorter and high-waisted pants, depending on the style, can make me look very wide in my middle, as I’m more a rectangular shape and I have a short waist. I like that these pants particularly, are a neutral shade and can honestly be worn with so many of my tops and shirts.

It would be interesting to read which of these looks are your favourite. I have a favourite look too, although I must admit, I enjoyed each of these for various reasons. If you comment below, I will share my favourite with you. If you’ve read this blog post this far, you will notice that all my items in my closet, have a story. This is also something I’m beginning to appreciate about slow fashion. Things don’t just randomly enter my closet and just sit there, not being worn. Each item is purchased with sustainability in mind. I have also seen that I’m very drawn to neutrals and a more classic style. Prior to this journey, I didn’t know that about myself. I bought many Bohemian shirts, and although I still love that look, I tend to wear those few items I’ve still kept in that style, as holiday beach-wear, rather than my everyday-wear. I hope in some small way, to have inspired you to try on different tops with the same bottoms, to see what works best for your own body.

Belinda xo