Summer is coming, and I prefer…Not Shorts for most of summer. I mean, I will wear them when it gets hot but they aren’t comfy to me: they stick to my thighs, they ride up, and honestly I don’t love my knees. That sounds really dumb writing it down, but we all have those ‘things’ that — as much as we practice self-love of our amazing bodies — we just don’t think are flattering on us. Whatevs. Who cares. I prefer pants, y’all!
Anthropologie Summer Pants Try-On Sesh
What I find myself searching for each year is a nice pair of lightweight pants that aren’t leggings, joggers, sweats or the like. A casual pant that isn’t jersey knit that could possibly be dressed up, but mostly is just comfy and good for summer. Lordy, that took some explaining. Let’s just check out some cute options from Anthropologie, shall we?
The Comfy Lightweight Cargo Pants
These are super-soft Tencel, comfy and lightweight. Check. The rise is a little low, but they make your butt look pretty good. I’m always on the fence about cargo pockets, but I think these are well-placed and don’t add bulk like some. On sizing, I’d say if you’re typically between sizes, go up in these. They’re slightly tight across my hips. Can we talk about the top though?! LOVE. Super-cute and summery and lightweight and perfect. It came home with me.
The Soft Joggers in Blue
These are fab. They are a similar Tencel, super-soft fabric but I think I like the cut a bit better than the first pair. I’d style them kind of like a blue jean since their color is similar, but they do come in a good light olive green that I like, too. They come in a light gray, but I wasn’t as drawn to that shade.
The Paperbag Waist
OK, again in the soft lyocell-type fabric, these paperbag tie-waist pants are super-cute from the front, are soft and fit well. From the side? Eh, maybe I could have tied the bow a little differently so as to not add so much fabric right at my belly. They’re slightly too high-waisted I think for my liking, but these are a solid pant if you don’t have a short torso. LOVE the metallic thread detail on the belt.
The Summery Linen Blend Pants
These. Are so cute. Why did I not bring them home?! Shopping fail. I think they fit what I’m looking for in a summery, cool breezy pant. I wasn’t sure about the rope tie at first, but it adds that slightly nautical vibe and I think it’s cute on. I like them with the blouse, too, and I think I’d put on my silver Birkenstocks or go with a nude gladiator sandal.
The Super-Soft Joggers (For Taller Mamas)
These. SEEMED so good. But they’re too high-waisted for me, too long (they don’t come in petite) and the pockets show in the back. Womp womp. They are INSANELY soft though. Maybe if you have a thin frame they would hang better on you. This mama has a booty and yeah. No.
The Super Wide-Leg (Yeah, Not For Me)
Hahahahahahahahaha. That is all I have to say. Also maybe “argggg!”
The Stretchy Pants With The Outdoorsy Vibe
These are pretty cute. I think I’d size up in them for a more comfy fit, though. They aren’t super-lightweight, but they are comfy/stretch. The tag didn’t say petite but I think maybe they were. Yes, size up and snag these for a bit of an outdoorsy vibe. Love the color.
Shop Non-Jeans for Summer
Are you a summer pants fan, too? Please point me in the direction of your favorites to wear. These were some cute finds, but I’m not sure I found exactly the pair I want to live in this summer. Still on the hunt.
Side note: my little Sienna turns SIX on Monday!!! How did we get here? I know all of us mamas say that at like every birthday, but whoa this jump seems like a big one. She looks like a little kiddo now, no more cheeks left, no more glimpse of toddler left, and almost done with her first year of elementary school. I will say though this five year has been one of my favorites so far. I will miss it! She still needs me, but is so curious and independent in just the right amounts. I think six will be similar, but I can see the independence growing already. Happy Birthday, my little spicy! (her forever nickname) Don’t lose that spiciness! Until next time, friends…
xo,
L
Hey, friends. Hop on over to follow me on Instagram @laurajansenstyle to see more of what I’m up to in Portland, Oregon. And don’t forget about LikeToKnow.It for easy peasy shopping of the looks I’m loving!
I picked up a pair of linen, black, wide leg, tie waist pants. Sort of floaty but structured enough to not cling and not look like yoga pants. Grabbed them at old navy while I was picking up new white tanks. Might get me through the not in the mood for a dress, skirt, jeans OR shorts kind of days this summer…
Ooh they sound good.
Old Navy has a cropped linen blend pant that is so good that I bought it in three colors and then bought back-ups. These are honestly the first non denim pants I have owned in years. I have long legs and a short waist, so Gabe a hard time with all the high waisted pants. But the rise in these is perfect.
I picked up Everlane’s Summer Jean recently, and it’s kind of perfect — boyfriend jean style but a THIN denim fabric. I haven’t worn them yet but they are super promising. (I ordered both my size and the size down, actually ended up keeping my regular size because it has a looser thigh fit. Although I might end up needing to get the waist tailored.)
Ooh, I didn’t know about this, but love Everlane. Thank you!! Def checking them out.
Thank you for this story! I have been searching for pants and especially a summer jogger which never seem to fit right.
Just tried a couple of summer joggers on at Jcrew today and I agree. They’re hard to fit right! I’ll keep looking! Glad this was a little helpful hopefully!
I sew my own linen pants.
What pattern do you use?
Great post!! I am not a shorts girl either. I can’t believe that kindergarten year is almost over. My youngest was six in January. I love seeing your posts with your daughter. You can tell she adores you!
Aww thank you so much Lindsey! That means a ton to this mama. Congrats on us making it through Kindergarten!! xo
Thanks for the post. I am also a non shorts wearer (most of the time). But living in hot, humid North Carolina presents challenges. Even though I am tallish (5’8) and fairly thin (130 lbs or so), I do not have a defined waist, and most elastic waisted pants just look awful on me- imagine a monolithic upper torso situation. Not good.
I think I am going to be living in these two pairs of wide leg pants this summer from Anthro. Both pairs are thin, airy, and not hot- must haves in NC heat. And they give me a waist!! And they wash rally well- I even put the chino pair in the dryer. I sized down in both pairs- 26 in the Paige (usually a 27, sometimes 28) and a size 4 in the Chinos.
https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/pintucked-chino-pants?category=pants-wideleg-culottes&color=031&quantity=1&type=STANDARD
https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/paige-nellie-high-rise-culotte-jeans5?category=denim-flare-wideleg-jeans&color=093&type=STANDARD
Ooh thank you so much, Rebecca! Totally checking out these options. I am dying at your description of monolithic upper torso because I CAN SO RELATE. Thank you so much for these options!
Happy birthday to little Sienna! I recently picked up a pair of the paperbag tie-waist pants from Madewell that I think are super cute and flattering for the warmer weather. I do recommend sizing down one size, I had to go with a 4 instead of my usual 6. https://www.madewell.com/paperbag-pants-in-deep-indigo-stripe-L2998.html
Thank you, Karen!! Ooh and I’ll have to check those out. Cheers!
Love the look on your face in the wide crops. I had a very beloved and heavily used pair of french terry wide leg crops in the mid ‘aughts, but I haven’t bolted for the current trend which are so much wider and flowy.
I don’t do shorts in public and am determined to expand out of a pair cropped active leggings that I wear 99% of summer weekends. I want pull-on and no decorative waist (I’ll mainly wear untucked shirts). I bought a few to try at REI, including the The North Face Aphrodite crops which I’m hoping work and have my eyes on Caslon’s linen joggers.
Haha those wide pants omg. I’ve been eyeing linen joggers, too! Thank you!
It’s so great to hear from someone with a similar body type! High waisted doesn’t really work for me either.
It’s tricky for sure! It seems like some high waisted jeans are great, but certain pants don’t work at all. Glad to be helpful! Thanks for your comment!
Did the same hunt and kept the Lucky Brand Boyfriend Utility pant. Comfy but still give good bum. 😉
Ooh nice thanks!! Gotta love a good bum.
I just discovered cloth and stone and LOVE it! I may have to look into those cargo pants! I also just bought these and though they are not a “Summer weight” are super cute and comfy on!https://www.sanctuaryclothing.com/clothing/pants/pull-on-trooper-pant-16437.html
Right? The fabrics are so so soft. Love those pants!!
I bought some of these North Face cropped pants last summer and love them! They do run big and stretch so definitely size down! They are on sale right now at REI’s anniversary sale so I am stocking up on more colors! https://www.rei.com/product/111637/the-north-face-aphrodite-20-capri-pants-womens
I would love to know the brand of those super cute shoes you are rocking!