WFH Pants That Will Work Later, Too
It probably does not need to be said, but it is a weird time to be a fashion blogger, particularly because I realize more with each passing day of social isolation that getting dressed is a performance.
I like people to SEE what I’m wearing. Like, in real life. I also like to see what they’re wearing. I like all of us to see and be seen, dressed in the things we like, moving through the physical world.
I am also a pragmatist in that I really don’t want to make extra laundry for myself by switching into day clothes, especially items that aren’t all that comfortable, just to maintain a sense of normalcy.
When Katie at Passion Lilie reached out to me to ask if I’d like to feature an item from the Spring 2020 collection, neither one of us was thinking about a possible reality in which we’d all be sitting at home all day every day.
Still, in an act of future grace, I chose these amazing wide leg pants in soft chambray. The original plan was to feature them in a wedding roundup as something you could wear to a bachelorette party or dress up for a rehearsal dinner. But when I realized that was no longer the most pressing topic, I still felt like I had made the right choice.
About the Pants
The Chambray Pants, $64, have an elasticated back waistband and a roomy, flared fit. They’re made of soft woven cotton that feels like pajama pants, but has the polish of a pair of slacks. I thought I would need a Medium according to the size chart, but Katie recommended a Small, which fits great. I would recommend sizing down from your usual size on these, even if you’re pear-shaped like me.
Passion Lilie works with fairly paid artisans in India, and they are making every effort to continue paying them despite the recent economic/health crisis. They have set up a Resilience Fund if you’d like to donate money to support worker wages.
As you can see above, they work really well in casual mode.
They also clean up pretty nicely…
I have to admit that, while I have been resistant to play dress-up in my home, putting together an “outside” outfit felt fun. Not the same as performing it in community, but at least a way of regaining some ground on what I enjoy.
I’ll be putting together a resource on how to support small businesses like Passion Lilie during this fraught time, so stay tuned.
Leah Wise is the founder of StyleWise Blog. She has been writing, speaking, and consulting on sustainable fashion, the fair trade and secondhand supply chain, and digital marketing for over ten years. An Episcopal priest, Leah holds a B.A. in Religion from Florida State University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. When not working, you can find her looking for treasures at the thrift store.