WARDROBE NOTES: WILL I EVER WEAR REAL TROUSERS AGAIN?

Wardrobe Notes is a recurring feature where we share a journal-like journey through our personal and The Ceiling Wardrobe. This is our first (fall) edition.

Charon: If I were a sweater, I’d probably be this one. This Maison Margiela wool and cashmere bodysuit has been on my wishlist forever, but my credit card limit—and the warm weather now that I’m back in South Africa after a Dutch summer—keeps getting in the way of this dream purchase. I love how this single piece can transform into at least three looks: worn open and slouchy, tucked into trousers, or layered over bare legs or a nice pair of stockings.

CARVEN Belted faux-shearling coat ,MAISON MARGIELA Wool and cashmere bodysuit (in gray here), CARVEN Cotton-blend straight-leg track pants (or try this pair) and BOTTEGA VENETA Domenica wool blend knit sock boots

On the topic of stockings, I’m currently fixated on a five-toe pair—a simple yet edgy accessory that takes my Tabi conviction to the next level. They pair effortlessly with any open-toe shoe or thong sandal, making them ideal for styling summertime favorites like shorts and skirts through colder seasons. In my opinion, this pair is one of the few ways to truly look cool in stockings, especially when styled with the Hoda Kova Inside out blazer mini skirt. I haven’t found my pair yet, but I’m far from giving up.

A Tabi sock tip: If, like me, you wear Tabis daily and want to buy Tabi socks in bulk, check out boxing/fight-sport webshops, like this one, for affordable options.

THE ROW Idaho XL leather tote bag (also in leather-trimmed twill)

Elastic-waist pants are the only pants

As I unpacked my suitcase for what feels like the hundredth time this year, I noticed that nearly all my bottoms have elastic waistbands. Am I still clinging to my pandemic-era sweatpants, or have travel and outdoor adventures simply made me crave more comfort? Most of the time, I start an outfit with whatever’s on top of my luggage or whatever first comes to mind, then mentally browse my memory for styling options (I just realized I rarely even look at what I actually own when getting dressed). Throughout the week, I experiment with variations of the same outfit, adjusting for weather and mood—that’s pretty much how my looks come together. One thing’s certain, though: I do own proper trousers, with zippers and buttons—I just don’t seem to wear them anymore.

It all started with these wide-leg jersey pants by Amsterdam based brand Reyèm. I’m not exaggerating when I say I sometimes slip them on first thing in the morning and keep them on through the day, all the way to a chic dinner date. Let’s just say, once you try them, it’s hard to take them off. Bonus: as someone on the taller side, Reyèm altered mine to the perfect length.

After this wholesome pants experience, there was no turning back from (bottom) leisurewear. I'm still fully in the middle of my elastic-waist, chic gray sweatpants era (remember When to Splurge and When to Save where I tipped these COS barrel-leg joggers and Dries van Noten straight leg sweatpants?). I just stumbled upon these Carven cotton-blend jersey straight-leg track pants and T-shirt, so obviously, I have no intention of leaving this state of comfortable wear anytime soon. On that note, I must also highlight the Adidas x Wales Bonner track pants in shock cyan and the Maison Margiela Wide-leg wool pants (currently on sale).

RHEA V-neck (definitely check them out—they have the softest, most affordable merino classics), COS Elasticated linen shorts in white (long version here), my LOEWE Oversized square sunglasses, THE ROW Idaho XL leather tote bag (DIY and pre-loved bag charms) and KHAITE Marion leather thong sandals

While The Ceiling Wardrobe is filling up with more cozy bottoms like these Norma Kamali Elephant cotton-blend jersey track pants and Leset Barb satin wide-leg pants (or here) and La Ligne recycled-crepe wide-leg pants (I definitely feel the urge to try these one), I’m wondering if this is just a phase that’s stretched on for a while or if it’s my new way of dressing. It definitely has something to do with the effortless flow of wide-leg pants, but even more with the comfort of a flexible waistband (hello, fellow moms and moms-to-be)—leisurewear pants expand and move with you, making them incredibly versatile.

Writing this while wearing jeans (just giving it a try for research)—half unbuttoned, I kid you not—I can’t wait to slip back into my chic, comfy pants. I’m not sure if this pandemic-accelerated trend has liberated me from daily discomfort or simply made dressing up feel obsolete. Most likely, it’s a bit of both.

RHEA Grey cardigan, RHEA Grey V neck worn as a skirt, REYÈM Wide-leg trousers in black, THE ROW Idaho XL leather tote bag, KHAITE Marion leather thong sandals, my every day SOPHIE BUHAI gold vermeil hoop earrings (if you want to go smaller, these are great) and STENN Josefine bracelet

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