Black trouser challenge 1

If you're a regular reader you'll be aware that my favourite places to shop are charity shops and vintage stores. That doesn't mean to say I abhor mainstream fashion, it's more that I enjoy finding individual pieces that make a unique statement as well as getting a bargain. The trousers I'm wearing today are from the high street, from River Island (see here), and to my mind they deliver the individual style that I love. 











Before we go any further let me say that this isn't a sponsored post. I've set myself this personal challenge to justify the £40 I spent on these trousers - not an extortionate amount I know, but still more than I'm used to compared to charity shops. Over the next few weeks I plan to wear them once a week to see how versatile and cost worthy they are. What can I drive the cost-per-wear down to?

I'm not a huge fan of black trousers, particularly in synthetic fibres as they remind me of school trousers or office wear. In fact I don't own many pairs of plain black trousers as frankly I do find them totally uninspiring. I have forgiven them and the fabric here however, because of these fabulous frills. These trousers are ticking a lot of boxes. The fit is great for my hour glass figure with this high waist and the cropped length is also perfect for my height. And last of all let's not forget to mention the side pockets to give full comfort factor.

To complete the look I've added a black retro vibe shirt from Sainsbury's (in the sale, sold out, sorry) and the apple green jacket was a charity shop find (Precis brand) along with my much loved black sandals from New Look a couple of summers ago. I've cinched the waist of the trousers in with a stretch belt to add definition and slipped on a couple of gold toned rings - all of these are from charity shops. 

I fancy that I may be preaching to the converted here as I suspect that the majority of my readers wear black trousers far more often than I do. For you, this feature will be a chance to observe me (hopefully) discover how versatile these will be in my wardrobe. I don't think I could enter into this challenge with bog standard plain black trousers as the very thought of that has me loosing the will to live, but the flamenco frills add fun and hence Anna appeal. 

Linking with -
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb

Anna x

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37 comments

  1. I am so loving those! How tall are you Anna? I might have to pop in and take a look at these. Knowing my luck they will be trailing along the floor! xx
    www.vanityandmestyle.com

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    1. Aren't they cute Laurie? I somehow imagine that we're pretty much the same size - I'm 5ft 5ins on good day and maybe a tad under when I'm having a Mrs Overall day. Give them a go, I could see you styling these up beautifully.

      Anna x

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  2. The are the best! And you wear them beautifully, Anna. Thanks for linking up, xo

    -Patti

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    1. Hahaha, and there was me saying Laurie would wear them beautifully! Thanks so much Patti x

      Anna

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  3. I only have one pair of black trousers and they are culottes! I love the frilled cuffs on these, Anna - these could make me go "to the dark side" too! I have many memories of horrible synthetic black "work pants". Ugh. Never again.

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    1. I know what you mean Sheila, but I forgot to mention that the weight of the fabric really gives them a good drape. I really hate synthetics too, but these have to be seen to be appreciated. I'm loving them, hence the style challenge.

      Anna x

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  4. I can definitely see how these checked all the boxes; those frills are awesome. What a fun outfit, which is even better since you've done it wearing all black. Those are incredible shoes! Hahaha, so good with this too. If you wanted to punch it up even more, I bet you could thread little necklaces through the holes in the collar. I love those holes!

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    1. I have a real thing about frills. I worry that the weekly challenge may have to be tempered by a frill count so that I don't overdo it. I love your idea for those holes, fab! The shirt doesn't look like it came from a supermarket does it?

      Anna x

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  5. These are rather lovely trousers, Anna. The frill definitely elevates them above the ordinary black trousers.

    I have two 'good' pairs of black trousers; one by Whistles but I rarely wear them and have attempted to delegate them to the charity shop bag, but something always stops me. You never know when you need a 'good' pair of black trousers!

    I love how you've styled your black trousers - love that green jacket; I thought it was yellow; and I'm looking forward to further posts featuring these very stylish trousers.

    Have a great week
    xx

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    1. I don't seem to have inherited that gene/need for a good pair of black trousers Vronni. Plain black trousers just seem so dreary and yet these frills seem to have overcome all my dreads in one fell swoop.

      I've had the day off work today and had great fun working out some outfits for the forthcoming challenge.

      Have a fab week too x
      Anna

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  6. You have a way of styling a ruffle that comes off classic and sophisticated and not girlie frilly at all. Those pants are the COOLEST!!! I love the understated ruffle /pleat in the jacket too. Then the funky holes and grommets in the blouse!! Styling magic, you've got it Anna!!

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    1. You may have to eat your words over the next few weeks Jude. Some of my proposed outfits are decidedly girly! I've taken such inspiration from these trousers and really can't wait to wear them the next time. And this from the woman who likes to mix it up, wear different outfits every week and surprise her readers, hahaha.

      Anna x

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  7. Ahhh, Anna, I've so missed your unapologetic style. The cuffs of your pants, paired with that delicious chartreuse, exude such a plush feel. Very luxe yet effortless.

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    1. Long time no speak Sheela! You're right these trousers are very luxe. I'm so excited about this challenge and do hope you'll drop by to see how I fare.

      Anna x

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  8. Love your candor as well as those frilly black trousers ;) As always, Anna, you've put your fabulous spin on this look and the result is smashing! Can't wait to see how you style these fun trousers in upcoming posts!

    Mary
    http://marymurnane.com

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    1. That's me Mary, honest and forthright, but with a good heart too. I'm so pleased to hear you like this. I know black is one of your default colours and therefore causes you no problems at all. Hope you like the next version!

      Anna x

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  9. They are brilliant!!! I find it hard to get trousers to fit my awkward shape! I have a great pair of ASOS ones which I bought a few years ago and I dread them wearing out- they just work for me. I did buy some adorable Miss Patina cat culottes (black) which are my current black trousers!!x

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  10. I do look forward to seeing how you style these!

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    1. I can see how a pair of black pants may well become indispensible - I'm already worrying what I'll do if these start to fade or show wear... Black culottes would work really well on your long legs - have they been on your blog yet?

      Anna x

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  11. I kind of love the frills on the pant legs. Anthro had some very similar I thought were cool.

    Very much still "you" despite all the black.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. I can't even afford to look at Anthro since the last (and first) time I followed your lead it cost me nearly £200! It's good to broaden my repetoire to these all black/all white ensembles - I hate to be too predictable.

      Anna x

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  12. Yes, I am one of those readers who love black trousers and I have many of them. I still find styling a tough job, not something that comes easy to me. Black trousers always work. Dead easy. I know you are up for more of a challenge. This look is very you inspite of the black trousers/all black. It is of course because of the frills, the cut, the fun shirt. Don't you worry, you will always spin an item around from normal to unique.
    Greetje

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    1. Isn't it strange that these frills and this cut can make me change my mind about black trousers? I still couldn't work out what to do with a plain black pair though - the very thought depresses me! I'm really fired up about this challenge and can't wait to get the next version on the go.

      Anna x

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  13. I love the trousers, they are the sort I would choose. The jacket is a wonderful zingy colour. I used to wear black trousers a lot but lately have struggled to find a pair I like, length wise.

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    1. Yes Gail, I could see you in these too. The jacket is perfect for the summer and will be worn a lot I'm sure. Good luck with your seach for the perfect black trouser - it's taken me a lifetime!

      Anna x

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  14. I will be keen to see your take on styling these black pants over the next few weeks, knowing your style it will be full of surprises. You are off to a good start with the interesting shirt and great chartreuse jacket. Unlike you I have never had a problem with black and find it the perfect base to work from.

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    1. Jill you look so at home in black, always classy and yet with an edge too. I'm keen to make each version truly my own rather than a copy from a magazine, so that will be the interesting part of the challenge.

      Anna x

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  15. I saw the words "Black trousers" and thought.... "BORING! Wake me up when you pop something colourful on"....ZZZZzzzzzzz.
    BUT,
    Imagine my surprise (and joyful face) after looking at these ruffly lovelies!
    This is how black trousers should be.
    Perfect.
    XXX
    Samantha
    Fake Fabulous | Style and Fashion, over 40

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    1. Ah, so here I have my first convert then? Black trousers did mean the exact same thing to me too Samantha, until these came along. Yes, of course I'm going to jazz them up with a splash of colour at some stage, but maybe not immediately...

      Anna x

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  16. I saw these, but not in black. Looking forward to how you wear them in the coming weeks. Wow a super blouse too, like a little 'Tu' clothing. Jacqui

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    1. I noticed that they have them in pink and red, but I thought I'd never get enough wear out of those colours. Did you try them on? Supermarket clothes are so trendy now aren't they and they don't break the bank.

      Anna x

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  17. Anna, I love everything about this look! You are so svelte it all looks great on you.. Im looking forward to swimming again, our pool has opened. The pants are so fun and chartreuse really is a fab color on you. LOve the design og your sandals.
    Thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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    1. Thanks so much Jess. I wonder if you'd wear something like these?

      I should think that swimming is such a good form of exercise for you. Being weightless must be a welcome relief to you sometimes. Does it help with your pain too?

      Best wishes
      Anna x

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  18. Love it! Love this like green pairing. I am so enjoying this series which kinda reaches out to me, as I'm not a huge colour mixer. Maybe it's because I'm basically lazy and colour requires effort, and that ain't me! But through these posts I'm getting a colour intro, a colour masterclass. Now retired, I wear black trousers maybe once a year, if that (had my fill of them when working!), but I can see all of your ideas working with black jeans of which I have several pairs and wear often. So I hope you keep this feature going as I guess there really is more to life than beige!

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    1. I'm really glad to hear that you're enjoying this feature. Black trousers or black jeans as you so rightly say, they're interchangeable. The black canvas, as opposed to blank canvas, is fun to add to and discover what works and what isn't so inspiring. I've still got one or two more variations to try out and do hope you can find something that makes you want to mix it up too.

      Anna x

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