Sveta's Blog

Ask Angie et al: these drapey pants?

March 1, 2015

I was looking for upscale track pants for a long time. My usual problem with them is that they are too tight in the calf - or that I did not like the fabrication or style on me.
Here I am trying the drapey navy track pants from Banana Republic and I need some help here. The whole notion of ankle pant is alien to me so I am not sure if they look right or not.
The smaller size is on the left and the bigger size is on the right.  It is hard to see with the dark pants in the pictures. I think the bigger size is too roomy overall. The smaller size is still fluid but not baggy or slouchy, just has the right amount of ease - even in the calves. I think I am into more tailored trousers now because I am sure the bigger size would appeal more to me just a year ago...
...however the bigger size is longer. Not much, just 0.5" but still. The smaller size ends just over my ankles and the bigger size covers them a bit.
So which size should I keep? Oh should I just return both and look again? Or is this style is not for me at all? I get drawn to this style but not sure if it suits me. As  bonus I included the shots with these pants and two of my blazers. The fabric is different from my navy blazer but I think they work together. I like them but do they look ridiculous on me? 
I am perfectly confused now... :-(

Thanks in advance for your help!

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Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

30 Comments

  • Laura (rhubarbgirl) replied 9 years ago

    Of the two I prefer the larger, maybe because they are a tad longer. Speaking of which, I'm wondering if they are long enough? I know it's a pain to find longer pants in this style, because that's one of the reasons why I don't have a pair, but still...

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Love the smaller, shorter pair for you. The other is neither here nor there length-wise. For slouch both work for me, so if they both feel comfortable there you could go either way; and again here I prefer the more tailored look for you. Great pants! Certainly more luxe than sporty :)

    Which pants are these?

  • Ariadne replied 9 years ago

    Sveta, I love the smaller pair on you.

    I have these exact same pants sitting in my bedroom right now, tags still on, and am equally undecided!  Mine are size 10.  Will be following with interest...  

  • Jane replied 9 years ago

    I love the smaller pair too. They make you look neater and more styled. I think it may be because your ankles are more visible. It's a great look!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    I like the fit of the smaller pair. I prefer the length of the larger pair, but on pants lengths, I am especially challenged, so I will be interested to see what others say. I can see Aida's and Jane's logic.

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 9 years ago

    I much prefer the smaller pair on you too.  Particularly in the side view pic where the difference is more apparent.

  • Daria replied 9 years ago

    I prefer the fit of the smaller pair and the length of the larger one. I guess it's not really helpful..

  • Lucy replied 9 years ago

    These are not my fav style of pants, and yet I think these look GORGEOUS on you! 
    For what it's worth, I prefer the smaller ones, and I even like that they are a bit shorter - that flash of ankle looks great. 

  • lyn67 replied 9 years ago

    Wow, these are gorgeous for track pants DE LUXE, and I love the smaller size. Thus, a bit of more length would be icing on the cake-curious about Angie's verdict!

  • marianna replied 9 years ago

    Sveta, I really like these on you, and I prefer the smaller pair. Somehow that length looks more flattering and intentional to my eye. You look great!

  • crutcher replied 9 years ago

    Another vote for smaller pair...

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Definitely the smaller pair Sveta, and they look AMAZING. Have you done the sit- down test to make sure they are comfy on the knee and calf? 

    Cute with booties and ankle strap shoes too. Fun seeing those lovely ankles. 

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Also pick the smaller pair and want to see them with flats too!

  • Missey replied 9 years ago

    Another vote for the smaller pair!

  • replied 9 years ago

    I like the smaller ones, and second the motion to see them with flats. :)

  • AM replied 9 years ago

    Smaller. And great look with that bold stripe blouse and feminine shoes! And leather jacket definitely adds another level of sophistication.

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    I like the fit of the smaller pair but definitely prefer the length of the longer pair. Is this a tall size / do they come in a tall size?

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    You look terrific in these, and now I am excited because maybe you can help me style my own version, which I almost never wear. Mine are not ankle but full length on me-- maybe I should adjust them upwards, to show more ankle, now that I see yours! I haven't known what to do with mine, really. (Mine are the J. Crew Turner.) 

    I actually like these with the blazer. 

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  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    I like them both with a slight preference for the bigger pair because I think they are supposed to be a bit slouchy.  Speaking of which, the smaller pair look like they sit higher on your waist, can you push them down just a bit for that hint of slouch?

    If you keep the shorter, smaller pair, I would wear them with higher vamp footwear.  With the right booties and just a sliver of ankle skin showing, they would be perfect.

  • replied 9 years ago

    I think they look great on you! I kind of like the smaller size better even though it's shorter because the larger one looks a little bulkier around your waist and hips, and the shorter length doesn't bother me.
    But I can't see in the photo if the smaller size is pulling, or too snug in the rear view and if it is and it's not too much trouble you could have the larger size narrowed?
    Since I can't actually see anything wrong with them I'm saying the smaller size, and again, I think they look great! I really like this style on you!

  • sarah replied 9 years ago

    Sveta, I think they look really good on you, and I like the smaller size. I'm wondering how you envision styling them. Will you ever "reveal" the waistband? Or does the waistband need to be hidden with them. What sort of footwear will you pair them with? I've looked at the same pair many times, but have stopped short of adding them to my shopping bag because I haven't been able to answer these questions for myself. Maybe I need to "ask Angie"...

  • texstyle replied 9 years ago

    I'm also leaning towards the smaller size, but admit it is hard to see on screen. The smaller seems more figure flattering to me but I SO like comfort so it would hinge on that for me just as much

  • columbine(erin) replied 9 years ago

    I think the smaller pair look very elegant on you. I like your choice of top as well. 

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    I like them both. Great pants!

  • deb replied 9 years ago

    I vote smaller.

  • deb replied 9 years ago

    Sveta, did you get the tall or the regular?

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    Thank you for your feedback!
    I am afraid it is not visible in the pictures how really baggy the bigger size is. I do prefer the fit of he smaller size so if experts think the length is OK for the ankle pant then I think I will keep them. I got them on a great sale (1/3 of the current price) so I can afford to experiment at that price point.
    Aida, I added the link to the BR site - for some reason it did not went through for the first time.
    Angie, I tried the sit down test and it was fine but I think I will try again to be sure. I am really amazed that these pants are not tight on the calves  - my usual problem with tapered pants.
    Suz, I think yours fit more like the bigger size on me, don't you think?
    isabel, the smaller size is not pulling anywhere - or I would not be considering it at all.
    sarah, I don't feel the elastic band fully exposed but I think it is fine with the semi tuck or full tuck when the top is blousoned a bit over it.
    OK, so here is the thing: they are not available in Canada in Tall but there is Tall size in US. Angie, do you really think this length is fine in the smaller size or should I try to get the Tall somehow? They should be 2" longer according to the website.
    I have tried them with pumps, flat oxfords and booties, pointy flats and loafers and they seem to work with all of them. Denise, I can pull them down a bit to see lower from the waist and it seems to work well.
    OK, I am keeping them and making them my wild card for the spring. I hope they will be as useful as culottes were to change the outfit landscape for me. Now all I need to for snow to melt and for temps to go above freezing so I can bust them out!

  • frannieb replied 9 years ago

    late to the party but smaller size all the way. the larger pair are really baggy and sloppy around your knee. glad you went with the smaller size.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Yes, Sveta, I think maybe my Turners fit a bit like your larger pair. And mine are (of course) longer, also. I hope I can wear them in the spring. 

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    I like the larger pair a tad better, but if they're in danger of falling down...

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