Happy Spring! Today we’re continuing our 2025 style series, Styling the Classics for the Modern Woman. I know that many of my readers enjoy wearing the classics, even if their personal style aesthetic is broader than that. While classics are, by definition, timeless, I do think it’s smart to style them in modern ways so that we look more current when wearing them. Today I’m sharing two pairs of navy pants for spring and I’ve styled them in a trending way for 2025.
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Classic Linen Navy Pants in a Full Length, Wide Leg
Both pairs of pants I’m sharing are from J.Crew, where I always count on finding classic selections in modern silhouettes. First I’m styling their Carolina flare pant in a stretch linen blend.
This timeless linen pant is constructed in 67% linen/33% Sorona® bio-polyester, giving the pant a really nice density. The fabric has great body, so it’s perfect for the office, church or lunch out, especially on a warm, humid day. I appreciate the zipper and hook closure, belt loops and pockets.
The Carolina flare pant runs true to size; I’m wearing a classic 10 very comfortably. They also come in petite and tall sizes, and in a full range of options from 00 to 24 (in the classic fit). The Carolina flare pants are also available in a few other colors, including white, flax, ballet slipper pink and black.
If you’re looking for a similar trouser but prefer 100% linen, I suggest the J.Crew wide-leg essential pants in linen. They come in even more colors and a fabulous red and white stripe. Plus, those are on sale right now!
Style Tip: You don’t need navy shoes to wear with your navy pants. I love cognac shoes and accessories with navy, but you can also wear taupe. And this spring and summer white and ivory shoes are actually very on trend. The key is to wear accessories in a neutral that pops against the navy without drawing too much attention. I’d steer clear of pairing red or other colorful shoes with navy if you want a more understated look.
With both pairs of navy pants I’m featuring today, I’m wearing a lace-trim button up top from J.Crew. The sheer shirt comes with a silky camisole in the same color. And I appreciate that the camisole straps stay in place with snaps at the shoulder of the shirt. My shirt is ivory, but it also come in Persian Red and a navy Dark Evening, which features tasteful tiny white polka dots.
Keeping with the feminine vibe of the shirt and the classic lines of my navy pants, I wore dainty but impactful gold, diamond and pearl jewelry. With another top I might would bolder jewelry, but I think these pieces work nicely here.
Next I’m wearing J.Crew’s Kaya bi-stretch cotton blend pants. I love the flattering ankle length, especially for the warmer months. And the kick-flare ankle adds a truly modern touch to these classic navy pants.
The Kaya has more of a mid rise at 10″, whereas the Carolina I wore up above has a 10 7/8″ rise and the wide leg essential pant in 100% linen has a true high rise at 11 3/8″. I find that choosing the best rise for you really is the trick to finding great pants. You can generally have pants shorted in length (the inseam) if needed. But the rise is the number that will help you choose trousers that sit on your body just right. These mid rise Kayas are a little low for me, but I do love the silhouette and the subtle stretch in this silky cotton fabric.
Style Tip: A heeled sandal is my number one choice for what to wear with trousers of any length this time of year, especially if I want an elevated look that is still fairly casual. For the office, you might prefer a closed toe slingback pump. But for my casual lifestyle, a block heel, strappy choice like these Andie chain link sandals will serve me well over and over.
I’ve collected more favorites from J.Crew in the shopping widget below, as well as everything that I’ve worn here. Today’s blog post was not sponsored, but I do love shopping J.Crew for modern classic styles I can wear confidently and comfortably. And right now you can get 25% off select cashmere and linen pieces. I’ve included some of those in the shopping widget below, too.
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Blessed for My Day
It is one thing to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus, but it is quite another to sit in the presence of your Savior and learn from Him. When Jesus traversed this earth, many people followed Him long enough to be fed or healed or relieved from the demons that haunted them. But many fewer people followed Jesus long enough to take in His teaching and grasp the fullness of His message. Few yet were dedicated enough to Him to sacrifice and commit to the Kingdom He promised.
Which will you be today? Someone who knows Jesus from a distance? Or a true disciple? A disciple is a follower who sacrifices all to take on the character of his Teacher. Ask the Lord to increase in you a desire to truly know Him and His Word. See where that takes you. You might be surprised.
…and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. ~ 1 Peter 2:2-3
Loved the sandals with the chains. They looked great with the pants.
I wear navy pants to work a few times a week. Thanks for the styling tips.
Oh, I really love the look of the Carolina Flare pants with the sheer blouse. Very classic look that I will gladly duplicate. The perfect less is more ensemble!
I love wearing navy. I prefer it to black, especially near my face. I really like the first pair you modeled. I have a similar pair from Talbots I got last year. I wear them with tan or cognac sandals. Very versatile and comfortable.
I love a good pair of navy pants! So versatile. Thanks for the styling tips.
I like navy pants for Spring but I am looking for linen navy pants in a straight leg and maybe high waist. I am short 5’3″ and the wide leg pants do not look good on me. I am long waisted and have short legs.
Oh, that first outfit is so beautiful on you! Thank you!
I do love navy for spring!
Thanks for featuring these beautiful pant choices for spring and summer. I’m going shopping!
Your legs look a mile long in those linen pants! Good choice!
We are planning a European river boat cruise in May and the navy ankle pants look perfect!
Navy and white/ivory is such a classic, clean look. I like the styles of both pants but the high-rise linen pair will fit me best. Thank you for all the tips – your style and flair is perfect.
Happy Friday Kay! Love all these styles and fabrics in the navy pants. It will be fun shopping for Spring/Summer. The cognac accessories look so smart. Will you be doing a blog/video on skirts for summer? If you already did, I will look for it. thanks for all you do!
I do intend to. Sometimes plans get derailed. But it’s on my list! 😉
Thank you, Kay. Crew is a store I haven’t dipped my toes into yet. I do know they carry some pants in tall sizes so I’ll check these out. Thank you. Beautiful Arizona vibes in the background . 🥰
Kay, thank you for always sharing outfit inspiration plus tips on recreating them at home. I like the ankle pants especially for the warmer months ahead!
I love ankle length kick flare pants every time I see them advertised ! They have that little twist of fun in them! Wish I could wear them. They look great on you! Unfortunately I’m just shy of 5ft and fear they won’t look good on me even in petite sizes. They’ll probably be even longer than a regular pant and I’m not sure it’s one of those pieces that would hem easily and still look as sharp as they are supposed to. Bummer for me.
Great timing… Just yesterday I was shopping for a pair of summer pants in navy. Thanks for the reminder to try current styles, lengths and fabrics. The search continues.
I was just bringing out some of my spring clothes this morning and found my navy pants from last year. I’m looking forward to wearing them again. Hope you have a great weekend.
Love the outfits you wore in this post!
Thanks Kay for the timely tip, as I decide not to replace my navy shoes this Spring! Would have liked your thoughts on a completer piece but I guess with navy and that shirt almost anything goes – matching jacket, sweater, jean jacket, utility jacket? Thinking of layers for travel.
Yes, I regretted not photographing a completer piece with those outfits. But I think all of the ones you mentioned would work well.
Kay why would you hesitate in telling people what you do? I think helping women who seem to really enjoy your blogs and video is a great profession. You are not forcing anyone to buy any article of clothes and you are up front in the commission you earn. It’s a great service and I appreciate you!
Thank you for that. I guess it’s just because it’s such a new profession and I always wonder if people really get it. But judging from the response at todays Woman’s Club meeting I’d say they do and I’ve underestimated people. 😉
The devotional message is something we discussed in our women’s Bible study yesterday. I have 4 navy pants in different styles. I love navy in the summer. I love how you styled yours. My favorite is the first look. I love high waist and full length pants. Today I’m supposed to receive the pink T-shirt from Madewell that you styled last week.
I enjoy reading your blog every morning. Last year I was inspired by you to wear linen pants during the warm days of summer. I found that they did indeed keep me much cooler than my jeans. Today’s blog has inspired me to look at some in navy.
Kay, It may be hard for you to describe what you do, but when I refer people to your blog, I tell them. “She’s the Martha Stewart of fashion for women over 50” I explain how you analyze body types, styles and brands that make me appear more attractive and feel confident every day. Thank you, Kay. I never miss a post or a video!
Navy pants are so versatile, classic, casual or dressy. Thank you for showing how we should modernize our outfits. Blessings.
How exciting to be speaking in front of the women’s group today. I bet it’s fascinating to hear about your business! I loved the first outfit. The pants looked beautiful on you. Thanks for all you do!
Navy is a great springtime color!
Both outfits are great, but the first outfit is sheer perfection! It’s classic, feminine, understated, and very chic. I have a lovely pair of navy trousers, and have been eyeing that ivory blouse you’re modeling. I also like wearing tan/cognac accessories with navy.
Thanks, Kay, for the comment about not having to wear navy shoes with navy pants. I always seem to think that everything in your outfit has to match!
Thank you for the Cincinnati Woman’s Club visit. I knew your presentation would be great, but you certainly exceeded my expectations. I saw people taking copious notes. Your presentation showed the same care as your blog posts…very carefully done with helpful information and tips. I felt bad that our Wi-fi was not working well and apologize for that. I’m so glad I recommended you to our education committees.
Thanks so much. It was such a joy to be with you lovely ladies. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Thanks for having me. 💙
I always love an outfit with navy pants! A fresh looking classic for spring and summer that is a welcome change after a winter of black pants.
Just bought a pair of navy cotton poplin pants at Talbots last week and am looking forward to wearing them soon!
Thank you for showing how to style navy pants! I have a few pairs and it helps to see new ways to style them.
I love J.Crew for their preppy/classic style. The navy pants are wonderful, they fit perfectly. Also love the lacy blouse.
Hi Kay,
I really enjoy you! Question- can you talk about styling plus size body types? I am a 3X apple shape. A great example would be the wide leg pants. Should a woman my size even wear them? Is there a better option that looks modern?
Thank you
Cindie
Hi Cindie, I can do my best in a future post, but I’m not a body shape or size expert at all. I would like to recommend you watch Melissa Murrell on YouTube. Here’s a link to her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mmpersonalstyling She is a stylish who styles all body shapes and sizes in her programming. I think you would gain so much for watching her. I know I do.
I also love navy for spring. Just yesterday I bought navy pants with a wide leg. They are a linen blend ( 55%linen.) I’m a bit worried that they will wrinkle.
Love the modeling from JMcLaughlin! So nice to see how the outfits really look!
I often feel that navy would be repetitive in my closet because of my large denim collection but I like your style ideas. I love cognac accessories with the navy!
Kay, thank you for showing multiple silhouettes of navy pants! I wear a lot of black and khaki, so adding navy is a breath of fresh air for me!