Requesting a fit doctor - fr*nch work pants edition
Dear Abby,
I've come into some sick ass french work pant repros from PRL recently (two different pairs) that I've been trying to make work but it feels like I'm not quite there yet. So let's do a "docteur du fit" about it!
I looked at some inspo as well and came to a few conclusions from there:
- A lot of times theyre paired with more french workwear on top, which is something I think is a little boring
- White T-Shirts are a favorite for these
- Olive green and beige are often seen with french chore jackets, this could be worth reversing.
-These should be easier to style in F/W with sweaters.
My main struggles are currently:
-Finding a cool cut of jacket to go with these (esp. the straight big pair). Longer jackets seem to work, but I'm not entirely happy with what I was able to make happen in the context of shorter/regular jackets. So I'm definitely looking for cool jacket recs.
-These pants should be super versatile. Color-wise they should read the same as many jeans, but I'm really struggling to make these work with things that aren't white T-Shirts. I'd appreciate some tips.
I've attached some test fits as well. The birks are just placeholders really. Shoe-wise Paraboots and Vans should cover these just fine.
Thanks in advance y'all.
45 Replies
i'm gonna be straight up, all of these fits look solid
loving them with white tees as much as the colors you've chosen
as far as a jacket, I'm big influenced by sillage/city boy/anglan for pairing with wider cuts
Oversized very casual blazer
Oversized tucked or untucked shirts
(like a size up from the white bd you're wearing there)
im imagining it roomy like this
and then choose what you want to lean into stylistically
I think straight off a cropped/boxy denim jacket in ecru would look solid
yeah my next comment was gonna be about maybe something crop length since you're rocking the higher waist
Similar to that for autumn/winter I'd be looking at wool sweaters in cream/light brown or beige, maybe grey
I think I just got really into my head after struggling with them yesterday evening - but I’m starting to see the vision as well.
Also what shrimp said the fits posted aren't bad at all
Big shirt is definitely a vibe for these, yeah. I definitely can make something happen - natural EG work shirt possibly.
this guy on insta, he does a lot of cropped length tops
You could also pair them nicely with a cream/white work or western style shirt I think
Cropped-ish jacket in ecru/beige is definitely something I should look into, not only for these pants.
A Harrington might work as well, but that’ll probably depend heavily on the individual piece.
Possibly something like an OG107 shirt if you want to do the reverse thing you mentioned, short sleeve version would work nicely for summer stuff
Yeah I love this guy!
Ngl it’s been a long time coming anyways
crop length leather is also a vibe
in many different styles
I half expected you to say you already had one haha
I personally have been searching high and low for a sort of bomber shape one
but his moto shape one is cool
It’s finally time to convince twiggy I do need that 1k leather jacket.
Secondhand aero
sorry, there are tons used
no 1k leather jacket for you
1k jacket for half or less
😦
Ngl I’d have never broken in a new one properly anyways
Exactly, just buy one secondhand that's older than you and it'll look perfect already
An A1 or a kind of fucked up A2 is probably what I should be looking for.
whatever you like, but the black and blue is highly underrated
Thanks for the help guys. I think I definitely got too into my head about this yesterday.
you look great man. keep goin 🙂
big fan of both pairs of pants btw
the wide and the taper
they fit you really perfectly
Wondering do you have any lighter brown shoes @Holfram?
Yeah, some but not a bunch
I was just wondering how the blue would look with a lighter shade
I got my loafers that I could try. Idk if those aren’t too sleek though. Might check it out later.
Just another idea of something that could pair well with the pants, I think something like this could work nicely (not necessarily this specific one or colour but you get the idea)
soup trying to pass on his fisherman smock brainworms lol
But I see the vision!
And also have brainworms but have not found the perfect one yet and also don't need more clothes lol
But these come in very nice bold colours and could make a very fun whimsical workwear fit.
honestly love all of these, but especially the last one
I was also going to suggest smock! I agree with the prevailing opinion that the fits you posted are solid, but if i were to try and pinpoint why the outerwear is challenging I think it comes to the uniformity of the silhouette. When i’ve tried pants that are high waisted, pleated, and relaxed fit (but not oversized), especially ones without drape and heavyweight fabric, it can feel kind of bulky and undefined almost like snow pants or something. I wonder if the tees are feeling best because they, contrastingly, sit close to the body which gives the overall silhouette dimension and makes the shape of the pants look more intentional? Like others suggested i think cropped outerwear would be another good way to play with shape. Another idea is going more oversized, lighter weight (like the smock), or structured like a suit jacket. All things that add some contrasting shapes.
Vibes wise i also think you can lean into an overtly retro look with these, i’m thinking ringer tee, vintage baseball jersey, or suede jacket with fringe.
I was also thinking a very vintage looking, maybe even beat up tee or other casual top
Ayy, the 2nd pair are basically the same as mine, also PRL repro. As featured here https://discord.com/channels/1116793467654381685/1289384841346814052/1305204485924327495
I pair them with short denim jacket pretty often
Peering into my community informed crystal ball, I see a cropped jacket in my future. I’m probably going to look for corduroy, seems like a great vibe match. I’m thinking something that sits close around the waist and doesn’t just hang there - possibly a ribbed hem.
That or a cord blazer-ish jacket might also work well.
Possibly I’ll also try my short denim jacket again. As it stands now I thought it might’ve been too dark but I’ll give it another try.
For a smock I’d have to dial in the length just right, if I happen to find one, maybe. Same goes for leather. I’d want to stumble upon the exact right jacket, I guess.
Ringer tees and baseball jerseys I like - might give those a try as well. A thermal and a flannel when it gets colder might be a look as well.
Denim pullover could also work, or a gunner smock if you want to spend money on some Cabourn
Possibly if they ever reopen the online store lol
I want a cord cropped jacket so bad! Let me know if you find one? The place I got my 30s inspired cropped jacket (very fitted waist!) has plans to make one in cord, but it may be a while.