Breaking the Rules…

 

Have you ever tried a style that went far outside of your comfort zone and “rules for dressing”? Wide legged pants have long been on my list of no-go’s when it comes to style- while they looked amazing on long legged Amazonian models, I feared they would overwhelm my petite pear shaped frame and give me a “tented” look. As a result I’ve always steered myself toward a bootcut or skinny leg pant, avoiding anything that looked too voluminous.

Recently, however, wide legged pants, culottes, etc have become extremely popular, and when Kennis posted a testing call for the Samara pants, I decided it was time I give the style a try. All I had to lose was some fabric and my online dignity, right? Right!

I purchased some deep turquoise linen from JoAnns and got to work, hoping I’d be able to pull them off. As the tester images rolled in, I became more and more hopeful- they were delightfully flattering across a wide variety of body types and heights. As soon as they were done (which was relatively quickly, as linen is a very cooperative fabric and there were only three pattern pieces to deal with) I pulled them on and marched toward the mirror in all my swishy glory- and promptly crossed off the “no wide legged pants” rule in my petite fashion guidebook.

Not only were they comfortable and great for hot weather with the improved airflow afforded by the wide legs, but they were actually stylish on me! I was beyond thrilled, and wore them three days straight (after photos, of course!)

You’ll notice some wrinkles in these photos- despite ironing the heck out of these pants .0001 seconds before the photo shoot, they creased up a bit, as linen does, as soon as I moved. I’ve decided to embrace it- the breathability and durability of this natural fiber can’t be seperated from its tendency to wrinkel like the dickens, as my mom would say!

The width at the bottom was perfect (I removed 5″ from the hem per the pattern instructions)- easy to walk in, and a great length for me to wear with low heeled sandals (I tend to turn into a gangly teen in any heel over 1″, and basically live in flip flops during summer).

The rise was also excellent- something I’d been dreading needing to adjust- no pants fitting tales of woe here!

My only complaint (which is pretty minor) is that I found the waistband didn’t sit quite as flush with my waist as I would like- it’s a straight rectangle, and I have a fairly curvy figure (meaning my waist to hip difference is about 10″, so I really need a contoured band to match my body contours).

This would be fairly simply to adjust, and isn’t really noticeable anyway, especially if I wear a belt.

In a future version, which really needs to be in a rayon challis- the flow would be heavenly- I’ll add belt loops and contour the waistband in slightly in the middle.

I may also give some thought about adding some patch pockets, because I kept trying to put my phone away while wearing these, and didn’t have a spot for it. The pocket shape from the Burnside bibs (blogged here recently) would be flattering, don’t you think?

Oh, and as a side note, if you’re nervous about installing the invisible zipper, I found the instructions to be excellent, and simple enough for a beginner to tackle (invisible zips are the easiest type, in my opinion). I hadn’t installed one in a while, and needed a little refresher, and I’m quite proud of my effort!

Can you even see it?!

I can’t wait to make another shorter version for summer- I might as well break my “no culotte” rule while I’m at it!

Samara Pants Video!

It was super windy when we took these photos, but I tried to capture a little video so you can see them in action. It was crazy windy during our photoshoot, but I think that just gives you an even better idea of how they flow!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether you’d like to see more videos like this!

What fashion rules have you thrown out recently! Share with me in the comments!

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And if you’re curious what the crew was up to during our photoshoot…they were tracking “wild beasts” and trying to steal the limelight, as usual!

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8 Comments

  1. Janet Murry on May 16, 2019 at 4:56 am

    You look great in these and I like the video- plus your kids are too cute!

    • Sarah on May 19, 2019 at 10:47 pm

      Thank you so much! I’m a lucky mama!

  2. Rochelle on May 16, 2019 at 5:50 am

    The video is cool. It’s nice to see the clothing g item and how it moves. The kiddos are so cute! And I think I’ll be making a pair of these for myself!

    • Sarah on May 19, 2019 at 10:47 pm

      Thank you! Enjoy the project!

  3. Randrox on May 16, 2019 at 9:27 am

    I tend to skip most videos, usually prefer written instructions, etc. as it takes longer to load video on my little phone. But I do like the short vids on retail fashion sites that show the movement of the garment and are helpful in determining if you like the fabric it’s made from. Plus, in the still photos of your cute wide-leg pants, I was thinking, “Wish I could see them in motion!” And voila! You were a step ahead of me! LOL So, yes, I like the video idea on your blog, as you are showing the fabric and design.

    • Randrox on May 16, 2019 at 9:34 am

      And p.s. I never thought I’d like overalls on myself, as the last I wore back in the 70’s were men’s denim, blocky ones. Big no! But I recently found a cute floral pair, slim cut, and actually like them. I enjoy finding new fashions or trends that suit my body and age. And, I definitely think patch or inseam pockets are indicated on your pants! I won’t wear a piece if it doesn’t have pockets!

      • Sarah on May 19, 2019 at 10:46 pm

        I agree- pockets are a must! And I think changing the fabric/print can really update a style, as you just found with your new overalls!

    • Sarah on May 19, 2019 at 10:46 pm

      I’m so glad I had great timing! I will try to do more of these!

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