Hi gals! And welcome to Dressed for My Day, where my goal is to inspire and help women like you and me dress beautifully and appropriately for our unique days so we can engage gracefully and authentically with those around us and influence them positively. Pardon me, but I just feel the need to state that purpose every now and again. It keeps me focused and on the mark! And to that end, today I’m sharing a cute alternative to wearing shorts – these comfy, sweet chambray drawstring pants.
I don’t know about you, but occasionally I need something with the comfort and casual feel of shorts, but I want a little more coverage for the particular outing or event. Does that resonate with you at all?
Maybe you’re attending a church picnic, an outdoor graduation party, a Sunday school cookout or a grandchild’s t-ball game. Or maybe you’re choosing something cool and comfy for a day at the outlet mall. This is the kind of outfit that I think is both appropriate and pretty for any of those outings.
No, this isn’t high fashion. These aren’t even my most favorite pair of pants. But there are so many times when I reach for these because they just fit the bill. Plus they’re feminine, cool, comfortable and sweetly casual.
I actually shared these drawstring cropped pants in this post previously. I’m styling them again today because I’m committed to sharing multiple ways of wearing all of my staple items.
I’m wearing a size 8, so they fit very true to size.
Today I paired my drawstring chambray pants with this sweetly feminine textured strip tie-hem top. This top runs true to size and I’m wearing a small. It has a relaxed fit and is made of 55% cotton, 45% rayon for a little stretch. You might prefer this top in the daisy print.
To elevate the outfit a little, I decided to wear my leather wedge sandals on this day. I’ve been amazed at how comfortable these shoes are…for heels. They run true to size.
But these cutout slides are certainly a beautiful and comfortable option as well. These classic shoes also run true to size. They are a tad roomy on my regular width feet, however, so keep that in mind.
Because I was envisioning wearing this easy breezy outfit for a day of strolling through the shops, I chose to carry my large leather tote. I also took this tote on my recent weekend getaway, and that proved to be the perfect choice. I slipped my small camera bag inside for a second smaller purse, but I was able to carry all the things in this roomy bag.
Nordstrom only has my tote in black with the brown handle now, but they have the zipper tote (which might be preferable) in the saddle leather brown. And here’s a more economical selection.
I had some readers comment that these pants weren’t their favorite in the previous post. Well, actually I think they didn’t like them at all. I get that. No offense taken. They’re not for everyone. But if you’re looking for options instead of shorts, these loose fitting, chambray pants are a versatile choice. They’re also available in a wonderful Tencel version in four different colors: black, navy, olive green and white. I tried those on, and they fit like a dream.
So what about you? Do you need cool options to wear besides shorts? And if you do look for shorts alternatives, why? I’d love to know because I’m preparing a future post all about shorts alternatives. But I need to know if you want those options because you don’t like baring your legs, because you don’t like going that short or just because, like me, you don’t always want to wear shorts.
Shop the look:
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Thank you for stopping by Dressed for My Day. And hey, I know I mentioned some negative comments I received about these pants earlier. But honestly, I want you to feel free to share your opinions in the comments. Yes, I do have feelings and sometimes I run to my husband and mope a little over comments. But he always sets me straight, and in the end all is good. So please don’t feel like you can’t share your true thoughts.
Have a blessed and beautiful day!
Blessed for My Day
Today let’s be sure to pause and thank the Lord for the cross. The most amazing thing about grace is that it didn’t cancel the debt we owed; it paid it. God didn’t wink at our sin and excuse it, like we often do or did with our own children. Instead, He sent His one and only Son to pay the debt for our sins with His own death. That’s how much He loves us. He paid the price He did not owe for a debt we could not pay.
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:18
Hi Kay! I hardly ever wear shorts out and about for several reasons. Due to my tendencies to have skin cancer, I don’t need to expose my skin to the sun too much. My skin if very very fair, so exposing my legs is not a very pleasant site, and I just feel better in other things. I hope you have a great day!
Thanks for sharing Ginger. I appreciate your willingness to share. ?
I always feel that with pants that have “more” at the waist (tie, elastic, etc.), I look thicker in the middle (and that is already my problem area.) I usually opt for a summer swing dress when I want something more than shorts. Maybe I need to be less critical about my body – that would be a great idea!
Ahh. Understandable. But I bet you probably are right about being overly critical of your own body. I think when we look at other people our eyes factor in the elasticized waist or tie, but when we look at ourselves we’re not as forgiving. ?
Yes, we, as women, are so critical of ourselves. It is something I am working on – a work in progress 🙂
Cute outfit! I like to wear shorts but don’t often do so in public because women in Austria tend not to wear shorts as much as Americans, so I feel I stand out too much. Plus, my 48 year old legs just aren’t as cute as they used to be! 🙂
Ahh. Good to know Alison. Thanks so much for sharing. ?
I haven’t worn shorts in public in years, but living in south Texas where it’s hot and humid 3/4 of the year I like to wear sheaths that hit at the knee or even sleeveless maxi dresses and sundresses in the summer. Also crop or Capri pants. So much cooler than jeans.
Good to know Wanda. Thanks so much for sharing. ?
I don’t wear shorts in public because I have “fat” knees and just done feel comfortable in them. So I wear maxi dresses and linen pants to try and stay cool here in North Texas. I like the idea of a chambray pant too though so will need to look into that.
As far as negative comments hopefully no one meant any ill will and were just speaking their opinion. And hey, we are all different with different tastes, so what works for one may not for another. And we certainly all don’t look good in every single thing. That’s what makes each of us unique. ? I appreciate you sharing what you wear with us and your honest comments.
Have a blessed day!
Oh no, they certainly weren’t being mean. And I do want everyone to feel free to share. Thanks for letting me know about your preferences. That certainly helps. ?
I just bought a pair of these a couple of months ago thrifted for our upcoming cruise next winter!! I figured they are lightweight and yet cover me!!
As for Tombstone…I was there with my mom when I was in high school…and I have the photos to prove it…haha!!
XOOX
Jodie
Hahaha! And it probably hasn’t changed one bit! ?
Hi Kay,
I prefer something that covers below my knees, I have patches of spider veins behind my knees. I have always had thicker legs also.
So crop pants, longer dresses and skirts are my summer go to options.
The website model reminds me of pants my mother would wear, lol. ? Elastic waist blue jeans. But the way you styled them with a really cute top and sandals looked very up to date & fashionable! And I’m sure they are really comfy & light too! ???
Good to know Kim. Thanks so much for sharing. ?
I’m sort of a new subscriber (following your blog for a couple of months now) but never commented. I’m in my early 40’s and think these are a great alternative to shorts. I do wear shorts on the hottest summer days, but I am always cold inside because my family loves to turn the temperature down on the central air. These would be a great pair to wear around the house and out shopping because I am usually cold there too when I just wear shorts. Thanks for showing an alternative! I don’t own a pair already but will be looking to add one to my closet for summer days.
Great to know! Thanks so much for sharing Ellie! It really helps me out when you gals let me know these things. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Thanks so much for reading Dressed for My Day! ?
Kay, you look gorgeous, as always. Unfortunately, those pants do not do you justice. In addition to the poor fit, they are also that 80’s mom-jeans wash. They do look better today than they did with the baggy, half-tucked pink shirt, but still not great. As an alternative to shorts, I would choose a denim skirt or flowy, boho-style dress or skirt, instead of something like these pants that would undoubtedly make me look even older than I am. I think these pants would make Jennifer Lopez look dumpy!
Lol! Well tell me how you really feel! Hahaha! No offense taken. I’m just playing.
But that’s why I asked why women don’t wear shorts. If women don’t want to bare their legs at all, a skirt or sundress won’t fit the bill. And really I think these pants look much better in person than in these photos. Anyhoo! They’re just an option. ?
I love that your’re just so down to earth and real because well, life is real! Your whole outfit looks crisp and cool for a hot summer day sightseeing or shopping! I do wear shorts sometimes but I’m not as comfortable in them as I used to be due to 5 long scars running down one side of my leg due a serious medical emergency I had 14 years ago. Not that I’m ashamed of my scars, just the opposite as God chose to preserve my life when I should have died, I’m actually considered a miracle, to God be the glory! Having said that, I feel my scars sometimes distract me from feeling polished and confident when going out in public in shorts. Hope this helps.
Thanks for sharing. Great to know. And praise the Lord for your deliverance!! ?
Hey Kay. Thanks for sharing these pant options. My old legs aren’t so cute anymore, so having a light-weight denim option is great. Regular fabric jeans are way too hot in the southern summers, so this option is a great one. I love the Old Navy top, too! Thanks for providing different options & price points. Have a blessed holy week!
Hi Candy! Thanks for letting me know. You bet! Have a beautiful Easter weekend!! ?
Kay, I really like these pants, so thanks for sharing! I understand that they may not be the most flattering pants ever made, but they are very practical. I rarely wear shorts these days. I would wear these because sometimes we just need to dress for life’s occasions! Thanks for keeping it real! ?
Good to know Julie. Thanks so much for sharing. Have a lovely Easter! ?