Hello dear reader. Before I let anything new into my wardrobe I check to make sure I can wear it with at least three other things in my closet. And I ensure that I already have shoes to wear with that garment, too. When I started creating outfits with these black and white Glen plaid pants from Talbots, I discovered that I could have created at least a dozen looks with no problem. But today I’m just sharing 5 ways to wear these classic but oh so fresh pants for fall. Well. Actually I have six for you. But “5 ways to wear” just makes for a better title. Ha!
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I thought we’d start out with the most conservative and dressy outfit and move toward the most casual. You’ll also notice that I tried to create a real variety of color pairings as well. I want you to be able to see how these sporty Glen plaid pants might work into your wardrobe, too, in case you’re interested. So pay attention to color combinations and how I worked them, even more than the particular pieces I paired.
The Glen plaid pants I’m featuring are Talbots’ Hampshire ankle pants. I’m a big fan of these classic straight leg pants with an invisible elasticized waist in the back. They come in a full range of sizes including petites and plus sizes. Glen plaid is a woven twill design comprised of small and large checks. You can find this traditional fabric in other color combinations, too, but black and white is very classic. These Glen plaid pants run true to size and they’re 25% off today.
For this first look I created an outfit that is perfect for a professional day or church. You also could wear this classy outfit to a funeral or other serious occasion. I discovered that these Glen plaid pants work really nicely with ivory, but you’ll see me wear them equally well with true white. I purchased the ivory bow neck shell last year and find that it’s such a nice essential to keep in my closet.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t wear a traditional cardigan. They’re classics and never go out of style. Of course they’re not the most modern choice, but that’s okay. Sometimes you just want to create a truly timeless look. And that’s what this classic combination does.
Next I created another office ready look, but I threw in just a dash of color. You could swap in a pair of pumps or flats in the color of your choice. Or you could add the bit of color in a handbag or scarf, too.
I’m wearing Chico’s fitted button up shirt for this look. Oversized button up shirts are trending, but it’s perfectly acceptable and sometimes preferable to wear a more fitted shirt. This button up shirt also comes in a regular (less tailored) silhouette. You’ll need to check the box for the shirt you prefer on the website.
Did you notice how the Glen plaid pants worked equally well with white and ivory? Brilliant! I’d say the pants are more ivory, but they play nicely with white because it’s such a light ivory. Oh, and Talbots did a great job matching up the plaid at the seams. That’s a detail you always want to look for when investing in prints. I don’t think I really showed those seams in any of these photos, but trust me. It works. These are the kinds of details worthy paying a little extra for.
Next I wanted to remind us that these Glen plaid pants will actually work with most any color in our wardrobes. I topped mine with a blue cashmere sweater (also in plus sizes), but you could also wear most any other color of sweater, top or blouse here.
I can definitely see topping these versatile, classic Glen plaid pants with red, light blue, pink or orange beautifully. Ooh! and yellow or green would work nicely, too.
Above I added my black ponte knit blazer just to remind us that a classic black blazer will work wonderfully with these Glen plaid pants.
Next I wanted to see if I could wear my favorite neutral, camel, with these black and white Glen plaid pants. Yes! Yes, I can.
I think the key to wearing camel with these black and white Glen plaid pants is to bookend the look with camel colored shoes. The black cap toes really help pull it together nicely, but it would work with just camel colored pumps or flats, too.
My cap toe slingbacks were from Express a couple of years ago, and they’re no longer available. But I found you several options. I do really enjoy wearing these shoes. I love, love, love these cap toe slingbacks from J. McLaughlin, but they’re pricey and almost sold out. If I were going to buy some right now, I’d probably opt for these washable flats from Rothy’s. But these Michael Kors ballet flats look beautiful and they’re a great price right now. And these Softwalks are probably very comfortable.
Next up I created a little more casual look with just a fitted black ribbed top and my black ballet flats from Sarah Flint (use code SARAHFLINT-BAKAYH).
If my form fitting black ribbed top is not your cup of tea, you could certainly substitute in any other solid black sweater or top for this look. And of course you could sub in other black shoes, too. Just a classic (but not boring!) black and white outfit.
And finally, I went full on casual. And oh so fun! I love the juxtaposition in this graphic tee, denim jacket and Glen plaid pants outfit. And you really could recreate this look with Glen plaid pants in other colors, too. Very fresh!
I originally looked through my wardrobe for a black and white graphic tee, but don’t seem to have one. So I was delighted when I realized that this black and ecru tee works just fine. Plus this is one of my favorite graphic tees. It reads, “Let’s go outside.” The tee runs true to size; I’m wearing a medium for a slim fit. For a more generous fit, size up. Ooh! And it’s 30% off today for Madewell Insiders. Sign up; it’s free and painless!
I completed the look with my denim jacket and white sneakers. I think this look is very fresh and fun and modern without looking like you’re trying to be a teenager. Ha!
I hope you enjoyed this 5 Ways to Wear post (with a bonus sixth option thrown in!). Thanks so much for dropping in today.
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Blessed for My Day
Today I’m at an influencers’ conference in Dallas. It’s an invitation-only conference and I know it’s an honor to be invited. But I have to admit, I feel a little intimidated and out of place among the mostly younger group of beautiful women who are attending the conference with me this week. And honestly, they wouldn’t even have to be younger and beautiful for me to feel out of my league. I tend to sign up for these sorts of things full of anticipation and excitement, but when the event draws nigh, I wonder what in the world I was thinking. Ha!
But after attending similar writers’ and speakers’ conferences for years, and then serving as the speaker at similar women’s events, I’ve learned the key to taking care of those feelings of inferiority and anxiety. The trick is to stop focusing on myself and turn my attention instead to helping other women feel comfortable and seen. When we fret over how other people are perceiving us and how we are fitting in, we work ourselves up over things that aren’t even real. But when we concentrate on getting to know people, listening to them and learning from them, we become more genuine and enjoy ourselves even more. Wish me well!
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 2:3-5
Kay, your hair looks BEAUTIFUL!
Hi Kay,
I know you will be just fine. Keep looking UP and, I agree, looking outward to others, is the key to relaxing and trusting that the Lord has you there to be a blessing to others (no matter how we FEEL at the time). I have felt out of place at times too, but just look for someone who is alone and ask them questions. That always helps me.
Thanks for the tips today. God bless.
Hi Kay! Interesting blog! I’m curious what you do when shopping and you find an item that works with 3 things if you do NOT already have the shoes? Second, how would I begin the rule of three when starting from scratch? Put together a capsule from what I already have, then ditch the non-3 performers?
Very helpful blog post and BFMD. Do you happen to have the BFMD posts archived anywhere? It would be helpful to read and re-read many of them. Thanks so much for all you do. You will be a blessing and encouragement to all you encounter this week!
Hi Jamie. No archive but I include one with every blog post. Thanks so much!
I read your “blessed for my day” comment about feeling somewhat out of place at the conference. And I just wanted to offer some encouragement. I worked with, and traveled on business with, people quite a bit younger than me. They were so sharp and much quicker than me, especially when it came to technical things. And although I was their boss, I felt a little inferior at times. But I did exactly what you did, focusing on getting to know them, and then offering them insightful advice on career development. I tried to be their cheerleader. What I found is they had so much respect for my experience and perspective on professional growth. They helped me and I helped them, and to this day, we are wonderful friends. You have so much to offer. “Our” age and experience offers level headedness and a sense of calm in stressful situations; their youth presents spontaneity and excitement. Together we are a wonderful balance. So you go out there and capture this experience, and those young girls will be right on your side, cheering you on and having fun with you!
Deb C — I was going to write a reply until I read yours. You nailed it! My feelings exactly,
I will turn 69 in a couple of weeks. I play golf with women 15 to 20 years younger than me. I do what you do. And, it is good for both generations. We learn from each other, which gives us the courage to try new things and forge friendships that ignore the time span between us. I believe that is what God intended. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Kay,
Have a wonderful time in Dallas. Sounds fun! Thank you for this post. Gives me ideas how to wear similar pants I have in my closet. Love all the options you showed.
How does one pin the photos to Pinterest?😊
Do you use a teeth whitening product? You have beautiful teeth.
Thank you. I think the good lighting helps. James doesn’t doctor my teeth in the photos, but the studio light makes them look whiter. I do use a Colgate whitening toothpaste.
Love these pants and outfits. Have fun at the conference. You such a wonderful Christian woman and they are going
to love you.
What size are you wearing in the glen plaid pants? They say ankle length but seem longer than that on you and I know you are taller than I am at 5’4”. If I order petite pants will they be too short for colder weather?
I’m 5’8” and wearing a regular misses size 10. The 8 fit, but I sized up for a little nicer fit.
The lug-sole loafer looks very much out of place for the these kinds of outfits. I am not sure how that became a fashion statement these days. I would never buy them. Sorry for the rant.
Love your comment about not focusing on yourself, but turning our attention, instead, towards helping others. I personally rarely think of my age when dressing for my day. I think “do I look good today…my hair, my makeup, my outfits, my health and weight in check.” Thank you Kay.