Five Days of Colored Chinos

by Brittany on August 28, 2012

in Style & Beauty

I’m going to be honest, I am slow on the uptake with this whole colored pants thing.

As a plus size woman, I’ve grown up with the mantra that wearing bright color on the bottom is a no-no, plus I’m a bit of a jeans and flip flops kind of girl, so working colored bottoms into my everyday didn’t seem entirely realistic.

But, when Lands’ End debuted their fall chino colors in five different fits, and asked me to play around with some fun new looks… I couldn’t say no.  So, for five whole days, I stepped away from my jeans and out of my comfort zone. Challenge accepted, chinos.

Day 1: Khaki. Admittedly, I had to ease my way into this whole non-jean color thing, so to start, I opted for some wide leg chinos in basic khaki for my kid’s Open House. Fact, I could have slept in this outfit it was so comfortable. The chinos have built in tummy control, so no need for shapewear, and I paired that with a fitted white cami, a navy cardigan, some chunky necklaces and leopard flats.
Women’s Plus Wide Leg Chino with Tummy Control, Khaki $75
Women’s Lightweight Modal Cardigan, Navy $50

Day 2: Gold. Alright, I started to get a little braver, and tried a pair of mustard colored boot cut chinos with a crisp white shirt, a thick leather belt and some heels. I don’t have a lot of professional clothes, but this outfit ended up being  perfect for a business casual lunch at a local sushi restaurant, and I didn’t even drip soy sauce down the front of me. That’s a win!
Women’s Stretch Boot-Cut Chinos, Dijon Gold $60
Women’s 3/4 Sleeve No Iron Shirt, White $49

Day 3: Blue. I’ve been dying to channel some Kate Middleton fashion for some time now, but as a plus size girl, I just wasn’t sure it’d translate. When I picked out the blue slim ankle pant she’s been sporting lately, I was 90% sure I wouldn’t leave the house in them. I was wrong. They were super comfortable, surprisingly flattering and smoothing, and I got so excited, I even upped the color quotient by adding a pair of lime green moccasins. As princesses do.
Slim Ankle Chino, Mazarine Blue $60
Women’s 3/4 Sleeve No Iron Shirt, White $49
Women’s Driving Mocs, Bright Green $49

Day 4: Red. I was having a particularly fiery day, so I decided to step out to a television taping in a pair of deep red boot-cut chinos and some extra sexy leopard heels. Honestly, despite the color, the pants felt like a neutral, and as someone who always has to order tall pants, I especially appreciate that Lands’ End custom hems their chinos, because this way, I can make sure I always get them long enough to wear with heels, which is always a huge problem for me. I loved the red pants, and they held their shape and my shape (thanks built-in shapewear!) for an entire day of taping.
Women’s Plus Tummy Control Stretch Boot-Cut Chino, Red $75
Ashby Calf Hair Heels, Leopard $120

Day 5: Orange. I saved the brightest for last. Orange pants. Never in my life did I think I would wear orange pants in public, but I’ll tell you what, I wore this on a movie date with my husband paired with a layered navy henley, mustard necklace and the leopard heels, and it’s my new favorite outfit. The pants were so comfortable, they came up high enough that I felt held in and without muffin top, the color was fun, I got tons of compliments, and my hubby couldn’t keep his hands off me!
Slim Ankle Chino, Autumn Sunset $60
Rib V-Neck Henley, Navy $25
Ashby Calf Hair Heels, Leopard $120

Are you feeling color brave this season?

Chinos were provided courtesy Lands’ End, I was not compensated for positive reviews, and the opinions are my own.

Di August 28, 2012 at 7:25 am

I’m just starting to think about fall clothing, and feeling super frumpy about what I’m currently wearing. I have to admit, I LOVE your style. You’ve given me a bunch of great ideas here! You are gorgeous!

Brittany August 28, 2012 at 9:21 am

Thank you!

Kelli G. August 28, 2012 at 8:06 am

Do the Lands’ End pants run true to size? I love all the colors…you look fab! I want some of my own :)

Brittany August 28, 2012 at 8:19 am

Yes, Ok one thing I really wanted to do was try out the different fits and sizes. In the ankle pant fit a little slimmer, but I ordered my true size. It really depends how you want them to look. I could have sized up, but I wanted them tight on my leg.

The boot cuts and wide leg fit dead on as well, just a touch looser.

So for me, size 16 across the board.

Daisy August 28, 2012 at 9:17 am

I have found that the size chart Lands’ End provides online is really spot on. I never order anything from them without whipping out the tape measure and comparing it to the chart.

Brittany August 28, 2012 at 9:21 am

Yes, and I’ve actually used their live chat feature, and the people on there SAVED MY LIFE during swim season. They are super nice and funny and totally help me find my size.

Courtney Velasquez August 28, 2012 at 8:09 am

You pulled off EVERY color! Now I want some colored chinos!!!

Lisa August 28, 2012 at 8:53 am

SAME!

Meagan August 28, 2012 at 8:16 am

UMMMMMMMMMMM – AH MAZE ING!!!!

Im a pllus size gal and I have been SO SO scared to try some of the colours going on but i reallllly wanted too!!!!
Im just off to check if they can be shipped to Australia – because pretty much all of the above are freaking fabulous!!! You wear them SO SO well !!!!!! Praying they send to Aus xxxx

Brittany August 28, 2012 at 8:28 am

Oh I was scared also. Like super scared. I think part of why these worked for me was the fabric weight. It was the perfect weight in that, it was thick enough to smooth out (hi dimples and cellulite) my leg, but then not super heavy and hot, which is why I typically avoid khakis.

Robbyn August 28, 2012 at 8:40 am

You look fabulous!
I especially love the last two outfits.

Haley August 28, 2012 at 8:42 am

Dude! You look like a million bucks!!! And seriously…I was so sad that I couldn’t rock some colored pants because I have LOTS of curves on bottom and thought I would just look totally silly….but you have totally encouraged me!
:-)

Brittany August 28, 2012 at 9:08 am

I encourage you to give it a go, and let me know how it turns out! It’s all about finding a color you can treat like a neutral in your everyday wardrobe!

Katie August 28, 2012 at 8:44 am

Awesome! I love all these colors. As a plus-sized girl, I have to admit that I have draped my bottom half in neutrals for years. It’s time to break out into colors!

Now, if only Lands End would sell their shoes in larger sizes. My size 12 feet are itching for those driving mocs!

Brittany August 28, 2012 at 9:09 am

Personally, I thought the mocs fit big, and I am a size 11.

Katie August 28, 2012 at 9:17 am

Ooh! I may need to try them then. Crossing my fingers!

Kristy August 28, 2012 at 8:46 am

Just got a catalog a few days ago and was looking at their bootcut styles, since you are the resident Lands End expert, please tell me- Are the bootcut really big at the bottom or more reasonable (seems like a lot of bootcuts seem to be as big as flares lately)

2nd question is about that cardigan you have on, it’s something I circled in my catalog! How does it feel/fit? I have a zillion tanks and don’t get super cold so usually my winter wardrobe is not much different than summer, except instead of open button up cotton shirts or a super lightweight jacket thing I use a cardigan to go over my tanks. I don’t take it off so I’m hoping it’s comfy but not too warm!

BTW, you look totally hot in ALL of those looks with my fave being the red pants and sigh, I now have hair envy.

Brittany August 28, 2012 at 9:16 am

1. I am wearing the boot cut in the red and gold. I didn’t find either to be too bell like, for me, because I have thick thighs, I felt they fit me like I would like a straight leg pant to fit me, but never does because my legs aren’t straight. So in short, no, definitely not flare on me.

2. The cardi OMG. Ok, I was on the fence about this, but let me tell you, I LOVE IT. I want it in a zillion colors. It’s stretchy and soft and soooo lovely. It’s not heavy at all, so it’s perfect over all the 900 camis I have in my drawer.

And thanks, so much!

Becky August 28, 2012 at 8:49 am

I love that a REAL woman is modeling these, that you give the link to the specific item on Land’s End website and that you told us your size (because it gives me some reference. I’m an 18)

Cheers to you and Land’s End!!!

Brittany August 28, 2012 at 9:18 am

Thank you! I can honestly say, now that fashion designers are starting to notice us, I really TRULY love my size!

AmyT August 28, 2012 at 9:07 am

I love Land’s End wide leg chinos! I also have the same length problem. Being 5’8 and liking a small heel makes buying pants difficult. After a wash or two regular lengths are at my ankle and longs are sometime too long. LE lets you choose the inseam which is awesome! Plus, I’ve gotten some great deals on their chinos by checking their clearance/overstocks. I’ve gotten two pairs for under $20!

Brittany August 28, 2012 at 9:19 am

YES, they always have good sales, and the inseam and hemming saves me.

I mean, I still don’t dry my pants….but hey, I love have them just my size.

Jaclyn August 28, 2012 at 9:49 am

WOW you look amazing! You paired the colored jeans with awesome accesories!! I think I will have to try on some of these pants now!!

xoxo

Jennifer August 28, 2012 at 9:50 am

I love all of these looks, but I think the blue ankle pants are my favorite. I could totally see myself wearing that outfit on the weekends (stupid professional dress policy), and I could actually DO the ankle pants because Land’s End is one of the few designers that make plus size PETITES.

Jen August 28, 2012 at 10:17 am

These outfits are so awesome. I have plugged into the color pants look this summer and have been looking for ways to take it into fall. These are awesome.

Lara (DiPaola Momma0 August 28, 2012 at 10:21 am

Wholly hawt stuff, mama! I’ve long subscribed to the, “Bland on the bottom, big butt be hidden” mantra. I’m buying those orange babies, right NOW. And then the blue too!

Ana @ Ana's Attic Sexy Tales August 28, 2012 at 10:32 am

I love these! As someone who is about your size, I was always afraid to try Lands End without being able to try them on. Plus, it is rare to find me in anything other that black t-shirts and dark jeans (with cool accessories of course). I think I may have to try a pair though! Thanks! You look GORGEOUS!

Crystel August 28, 2012 at 10:53 am

Colored pants are perfect for teaching, in my opinion. Grey and black can get really boring, and I think adding a splash of color will not only be fun for me, but also for my students. I might have to go add some items to my closet now!

Jo August 28, 2012 at 10:57 am

You are a gorgeous lady, Brittany.

Kelli August 28, 2012 at 11:30 am

I love the gold pants. Sadly, I probably won’t purchase any fall clothes. Partly because fall in SD is hot and you can’t wear pants, but also because, well, my husband will kill me if I buy any more clothes.

ML@My3LittleBirds August 28, 2012 at 11:33 am

I love all these looks!!

Tawny August 28, 2012 at 11:44 am

Seriously, be my stylist. I think we need a Brit Fashion Camp.
Loving the lime mocs.

Future Domestic Goddess August 28, 2012 at 11:57 am

My husband doesn’t know it yet, but he hates you. Nothing personal, I’m just about to go buy me some colored pants. Of course if he says anything, I’ll blame you and claim I was completely helpless against their power over me after seeing this post.

Tarah August 28, 2012 at 12:26 pm

Leopard heels – WANT!

I tried salmon slim fit capris this Summer and although a p-sizer, and felt totally sassy. Rock the colors, girls!

Robin August 28, 2012 at 12:37 pm

They’re super cute. Loving the leopard heels. And the nipple shot. Not that I was looking at your nip or anything…

Brandi August 28, 2012 at 6:31 pm

Ohhhh, I love the blue and orange pants! I would snap both those outfits up in an instant.

J. Wagner August 28, 2012 at 11:13 pm

The khaki chinos are cute but too long. Did they drag? I wouldn’t want dirty cuffs at the bottom. Or the cuffs to keep getting stuck under an open heel.

The Kate Middleton look is cute but would be 200% better without the weird leg pose. Awkward. I have actually never seen skinny jeans work on a curvy girl.

Love everything else. You pull it off beautifully.

KristenS August 29, 2012 at 12:40 am

I was trying to pick a favorite, but I can’t. The wide-leg khakis? Look AMAZINGLY comfortable. The gold pants outfit? LOVE the way that shirt/belt looks on your (super gorgeous) curves. The red pants and denim shirt? I feel like I could pull that off in absolutely any setting. I want all. of. these. outfits. You look stunning! Too bad I’m stuck in awkward-fitting maternity clothes this fall!

Amy August 29, 2012 at 6:17 pm

Thanks for the great review! I also got the catalog and was hemming (no pun intended) and hawing over buying these but they look great!!! How do you measure the inseam though for the right length hem with a low heel?

Tam317 August 30, 2012 at 7:25 am

I’ve been watching these pants everytime I go to the LE website the last few weeks. Drawn to them I would stop and think – Really, big girl in mustard gold pants?! I’m now sold…

Oh, and nice orange and blue outfit – Go Detroit Tigers!!

Kristi September 3, 2012 at 6:45 pm

Just found your blog last night and I love it! And you look AWESOME in these outfits. SUPER chic. Makes me def. want to get myself a pair or five…

Karen in VA September 4, 2012 at 7:43 pm

I’ve been a LE shopper for years. As a plus-size tall (5’11″) woman, they are the only place I can get pants long enough. Their quality is good and the sizing and colors are consistent. Whenever they have sales, I stock up on tshirts – they’re soft and they last.

JenniferA September 8, 2012 at 9:29 pm

I was hesitant to wear colored jeans, first because of my size, and second because I’m 33. And didn’t want to pay a lot for a passing fad, but then I found 2 pairs of jeans, one red and one dark teal, for $10 each. Then I found a raspberry pair I fell in love with, and then I had to buy the green ones too because they were on sale. The last color I wanted to finish off my rainbow was the blue one, but before that I found dark purple, and couldn’t resist. I finally found the blue ones last night, on sale! I am officially done buying colored jeans. I’ve gotten tons of compliments on all the pants I’ve worn, so I’m glad I’ve added these colors to my wardrobe.

I love your outfits!!! I might steal some of your ideas!!!

Comments on this entry are closed.

{ 3 trackbacks }

Previous post:

Next post: