Day: Marisa straight leg pants – c/o LOFT, Saint James for Coach top and Coach bag, Bass loafers, Tom Ford Nikitas – c/o Shades Daddy

Night: Marisa straight leg pants – c/o LOFT, Corey Lynn Calter blouse, Kate Spade shoes, Coach bag, Ray-Ban glasses.

I’m generally a dress or jeans kind of girl, so when LOFT asked me to come to their store and try on some of their new pants, I have to admit that I was absolutely dreading it. Sorry, LOFT, but I was! While having lunch with a friend, right before my appointment, I remember thinking that I probably should have waited until afterward to eat…and I was eating and avocado and beet salad. That’s not okay! But honestly, trying on pants is akin to shopping for bathing suits. Maybe even worse, because nowadays, I only buy bathing suits online and don’t have to worry about awful dressing room lighting. Turns out, many women agree with me. That’s why they wanted me and several of my friends to come in and try their new pants, which come in three new silhouettes that they’ve crafted with the help of feedback from 10,000 women. Knowing this information (and being a total skeptic), I parted ways with my friend and told her that I’d probably be awhile, so don’t wait for me. I was back to meet her in less than thirty minutes and I wasn’t in tears, so I’d say that it went pretty well.

I wanted a dark (but not black) pair of pants with a straight, relaxed fit that could take me from day to night, and I ended up going with the navy Marisa (their most popular silhouette). What I found interesting is that the Julie (their curvy fit with a higher, nipped in waist) fit me really well, too – so I would recommend trying different fits and just seeing what you like. I went with the former because of the straight cut and lower waistband; it felt more casual. I took them out for a spin, over the weekend, styling them in a couple of variations. For daytime, I rolled the cuffs and paired with an oversized, striped knit top and red loafers for some leisurely bike riding. Two days later, I dressed them up for dinner with bright peep toe heels and a floral silk top. Now, I’m not saying I’m giving up my signature dresses or anything, but it’s definitely nice to know that I have options. It is a little easier to ride a bike in pants, after all.

p.s. For every pair of pants sold on 9/7, LOFT will donate a piece of clothing to
Fashion Delivers, an organization that helps women in need. So if you’re planning on making a purchase, please save it for that date! You can shop online or in store.