High Waist Plaid Trousers Styled Two Ways

I remember hearing the phrases "that outfit's too loud" or "that's too busy" a lot growing up.  I don't know if anyone ever said it about me, although I'm sure it happened at least once or twice.  I don't hear those kinds of things said too much anymore.  The fashion world has done away with so many of the old rules and embraced lots of ways to express oneself through fashion.  It's a great and very fashionable time to be alive.  In April, I did a post called 4 Do's for High Waist Trousers which you can check out by clicking the link.  As reluctant as I'd been for so long to jump on this fashion bandwagon, now that I've finally done it, I can't get enough.  I really love what FemmeLuxe's high waist trousers do for my figure.  They make my bum, which I've always considered a "trouble spot" look pretty darn amazing and suddenly it's something I'm proud of.  Not to mention that OMGolly are these trousers ever comfortable.  In today's post I'll be styling a pair of black and white tartan print high waist trousers two ways.  These trousers are made of a nice thick fabric that has some stretch to make them comfortable.  The print is tasteful and flattering and they come with a removable belt, two front pockets, and tapered legs.  

Style One: The first style is a classic look, and it looks rather posh, but when I start with such a great piece that the rest is so minimal and easy to create something chic that it almost feels like cheating.  

A slim fit black turtle neck and a chunky pearl necklace with some black pumps with a buckle at the toe for that extra little detail to add visual interest and voila!  A classic 1960s Hollywood femme fatal style just like Audrey and Brigitte.  I added a black headband with a long ribbon tie at the back, but a pony tail or messy bun would also go perfectly with this style.  And don't forget a blazer would make this an instantly professional style.

Style Two:  Weekend mornings are meant to be far less complicated than the Monday through Friday 9-5 routine.  In short, we all need a casual look and it's even better when we have a few go-to items that can have us looking effortlessly fashionable.  It's easy when you see a piece of clothing worn a certain way to pigeon hole it as belonging to that sort of style.  These trousers for example do create a very classy look, but they're also comfortable enough that they look fabulous in a casual outfit too!  And that sort of versatility is exactly the kind of thing any savvy shopper should be looking for in her clothes.  

To create something more casual it really only takes a few steps.  First, switch the heels for flats.  Riding your bike to grab breakfast would be out of the questions, and who wants to stroll through the farmer's market in heels?  If there's one thing I know, it's farmers (after all, I grew up on a farm) and they'll start raising their prices when they hear you click-clacking in those heels from four booths away.  Second, lose the statement jewelry in favor of something subtle, although I think pearl earrings work with just about everything so I kept those for both looks.  Third swap the turtle neck for a simple graphic tee.  Don't forget to tuck in that tee; you don't want to hide the high waist and that adorable bow belt.   Fourth, add a colorful cardigan.  While blazers dress up an outfit, cardigans ooze comfort.  

As much as I love the classic style I've created here, I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite between the couture and the casual look.  Comment below and tell me which is your favorite style.

Shopping Info: Trousers from FemmeLuxe, Tops from: SHEIN, Charter School Cardigan in Red from ModCloth, flats from Charlotte Russe