Once in a while, I’d find myself inspired to wear pants. As in, non-denim. Usually of a linen or wool variety. And maybe it was because people were so accustomed to seeing me in (and expecting me to wear) jeans, that when I would walk into the office, I’d be overwhelmed with “You look so nice”’s.
As I took a step back and looked at my outfitting routine, I noticed that in most cases I reached for a shirt first. At which point jeans would naturally immediately follow. Whether it be a vintage tee or slubby sweater (or mix of the 2), denim became the complement. So I decided to employ a basic but very interesting flip – start with my bottoms first.
And that, truly, has made a difference in my day-to-day (or day-to-night) look. No longer relegated to being the “denim lover,” though truth be told, I had to include a few denim options here. I feel empowered by exploring different fabrications, leg shapes and silhouettes, and welcome those compliments about my look more fully.
Here are a few of the bottoms I’m currently starting with:
STYLING 101
Why I’ve Decided To Start My Outfits From The Bottom Up
By: Carrie Yotter
Getting a leg up on getting dressed.
Confession: I am a denim lover. Pre-pandemic, you could find me in a pair of jeans pretty much from sun up to (or through) sundown, 7 days a week. Jane Birkin – the classic tee or button-up with great-fitting jeans – was my idol.
As comfort and loungewear took center stage in 2020, I acquiesced and began donning sweatpants and leggings in solidarity with my people – a trend that I still haven’t been entirely able to shake. (Which is OK.)
But…
THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THAN JEANS AND SWEATS, YOU KNOW
SHINY HAPPY WIDE-LEGS
Satin is not usually a go-to of mine, but… how fun to dress up a basic tee and flats (or sneaker) look with a billowy, loose pant with sheen (and subtle piping detail)? I can take these to the office, to dinner, to walking the dog… and back again.
My fave look: low-slung V-neck, a classic blazer (get ahead of this BIG fall trend, if you’re not already), and New Balances. For going out, a simple (and personalized) necklace tops this off perfectly.
My fave look: low-slung V-neck, a classic blazer (get ahead of this BIG fall trend, if you’re not already), and New Balances. For going out, a simple (and personalized) necklace tops this off perfectly.
A JORT STORY
So… I’ve just re-embraced shorts this summer. And I really can’t believe I waited so long. These Crusin’ Bermudas are perfect in that they marry my love of denim and not-too-revealing shorts. The jort, as it were, has found a permanent home in my summer rotation. With clean construction, ample leg (er, thigh) room, they’re a great transition piece.
My fave look: Because I’m a fan of big-on-big, I often grab the Freddie and engineer boots to embrace a sort-of “easy menswear” look.
My fave look: Because I’m a fan of big-on-big, I often grab the Freddie and engineer boots to embrace a sort-of “easy menswear” look.
"Once I started outfitting by choosing my bottoms first, it was like I was getting dressed for the first time?!"
LINEN: MY LOVE LANGUAGE
If it’s not denim, it’s linen. I LOVE linen’s versatility, breathability, and level of cool sophistication. And so, the Sweet Talk is a great option – again, with a flattering and easy wide-leg silhouette. Functionality is key for me, and these do double-time, easily taking me from casual to formal, or vice-versa.
My fave look: Since I tend to err on casual for most of my looks, I’ll share with you a fave going-out look. The Sweet Talk paired with a cashmere vest and striped espadrilles.
My fave look: Since I tend to err on casual for most of my looks, I’ll share with you a fave going-out look. The Sweet Talk paired with a cashmere vest and striped espadrilles.
PLAYING PEEKABOO
OK, so I know I was trying to make a point about moving on from denim. BUT… I can’t relieve myself of it entirely, nor do I want to. Wearing a denim skort really changes up my usual jean outfitting. And here I can still express my love for denim-on-denim looks, but via a more modern and summer-appropriate approach.
My fave look: The Gallivanting Peekaboo, with a PJ-inspired button-down and blue HOKAs for a true blue monochrome moment.
My fave look: The Gallivanting Peekaboo, with a PJ-inspired button-down and blue HOKAs for a true blue monochrome moment.
A FOREVER ODE TO THE BOOTCUT
My first introduction to bootcut jeans was about 25 years ago?! Everyone I knew, including myself, was out scouring shops for Levis 517s. Flares were a bit “much,” and straight-leg wasn’t really the right move for pairing back to our vintage tees. The look felt too “real.” But, the slight flare of the bootcut gave our look something fresh. And the Winward carries on this tradition of giving, but not too much. Though the front pockets, reminiscent of a true 70s pair, makes me happy.
My fave look: the Winward, plus a femme sleeveless style, classic belt, and Western boots makes the jean feel really elevated.
My fave look: the Winward, plus a femme sleeveless style, classic belt, and Western boots makes the jean feel really elevated.
BOTTOMS UP
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