7 Days of Styling – Clyde Work Pant by Elizabeth Suzann

I have to kick off this post by saying – I love, love, love these pants. I have been waiting to buy them for a very long time (remember when I mentioned them wayyyy back when?). They are the Clyde Work Pant by Elizabeth Suzann. They are an investment, so I didn’t want to jump in before I was ready, financially or otherwise. But this spring I was finally ready to try them out and they have truly met my very high expectations. And I’m thrilled!

The Story: First I ordered them in my usual size 6, in the regular length, (which was suggested according to the size chart). I wanted them to be ankle length, and that’s just how they fit my 5’7″ height. I liked the size 6, but I didn’t love them. The fit was much much more generous in the thighs, and I went back and forth on my feelings about that. And after wearing them a bit, I realized there was a flaw in the construction – the elastic in the waistband didn’t have enough seam allowance to lie flat – so I contacted Elizabeth Suzann to see about an exchange. I also realized that if I were to size-down, maybe I’d like the fit better. The customer service team at ES was friendly and helpful, making the exchange very easy. For a made-to-order company, I was very impressed with the quick turn-around of about 16-17 days between order placement and delivery. My hat is off to this brand for making beautiful items, prompt shipping and excellent customer service.

The Pants: Guys, I love these pants! They are a true workhorse, which is what attracted me to them in the first place. I wanted a pant I could wear and feel stylish in that also accommodated my day-to-day life of playgrounds, bicycles and general kid-slinging. Beyond that, these pants look great dressed up for other activities too, coffee dates, happy hour, church, you name it. The color has really augmented my wardrobe options. It’s a warm olive green that goes with just about everything.

The Fit and Feel: These are very comfortable to wear all day and are great for moving around in. I got the second pair – seen in the photos – in a size 4, which gives me a silhouette I prefer (slightly slimmer in the thighs than the size 6). I definitely have to shimmy the waistband over my tush to get them on. But the snug waistband also keeps them at belly-button level, right where I want them. When I first got these they were tight on my calves, but the cotton fabric gave nicely after a full day of wear. The fabric is thick and slightly textured. In the first week of wearing I bumped into things that should have snagged the fabric but didn’t.

To test-drive these pants right away, and speed up my styling learning curve, I jumped right into 7 days in a row of wearing and styling them. (You can see my first 7 Days of Styling experiment here.)

Day 1  //  (Photo above.) I think I tried on about three different sweaters, and a few different shirts, trying to get the hang of this while still staying warm. Later on in the day, I put my leather jacket on. Loved that. Paired with: husband’s ancient army t-shirt (similar, size up for loose fit!), Zady Cardigan and Bryr Clogs in Sienna (c/o).

Day 2  //  Paired the pants with a rose t-shirt (similar). I picked up the pink and green combo idea from Lo, who has an amazing wardrobe. Shades that are opposites on the color wheel always work so nicely together! Topped with my Levi’s denim jacket and thrifted Cons (try these for an ethical alternative).

Day 3  //  Starting to get serious in my love and styling efforts for these pants. The kids were at the grandparents and I was feeling like I had a little more time to invest in getting ready. This is one of my favorite looks from the week. Clyde pants paired with my chambray shirt (old J.Crew, try this instead), cognac booties, Reformation leather jacket and Cuyana saddle bag.

Day 4  //  I probably wear this sweater at least once per week, which is amazing considering it’s about four years old and I regularly throw it in the washing machine. Super simple look for day 4 (story of my life!). Pants are paired with clogs (c/o Bryr) and a black canvas tote, a few years old from West Elm. This is why I love great pieces, they make an otherwise simple look come across as pulled-together and unique.

Day 5  //  Please excuse the tired face. It was the weekend, and I just wasn’t interested in bothering with makeup. Styled the pants here with another trusted sweater, the donegal crop by Everlane, which has been sold out for a long time. They do have a few similar crop styles right now that look pretty great. Also seen here: Anorak by Everlane (last season), thrifted Cons (ethical option), little black backpack, (c/o), linen and wood tassel necklace, (c/o Kate Whitehouse). This was another of my favorite looks from the week.

Day 6  //  Look at that guys! A true outfit repeater, in the same week even! I’m not ashamed to admit it, I am an outfit repeater. If it ain’t broke…

Day 7  //  These pants do tucked-in shirts so well! Even if I have to suck in my mom-tummy just a bit. And hey, there really isn’t anything wrong with a little mom-tummy. That mom-tummy brought me three kids. (Soapbox alert.) I remember years back when Kevin and I were touring art museums in Italy, whenever there were paintings of nude or semi-nude women, the portion of their bodies from hip-to-hip was never flat as a board, it was always slightly soft, rounded out a bit, the way most of our female bodies are shaped. And it was beautiful in the paintings. When I doubt how I look, I remind myself that this shape is beautiful on me now even if it’s not as flat as it once was. (End soapbox.) Here, another favorite look: ES pants paired with mules, (c/o Nisolo) and an old striped top (thrifted Ralph Lauren). Earrings by Fail Jewelry, gift from husband.

And that’s a wrap! Any questions about the fit of these pants? Do you have them, if so, how do you style them?

And I promise, this is the end of the mirror selfies. But this series has inspired some new content, and I’m excited to share that with you soon!