Fall |

Big Pant Energy

This post is in partnership with REIFhaus, a Portland-based independent fashion label. I’m pleased to personally know the founder and designer Lindsey Reif. Her considered, contemporary designs have inspired my closet since 2016.

I’m very into BPE lately or Big Pant Energy. I’ve been pinning baggy pant looks all over my Pinterest, and I’m finally stepping out in a pair myself. I love the big, baggy, pleated pant trend because it’s fresh, fun, and comfortable. The silhouette is an exciting departure from all the slim-fit bottoms in my closet and makes building outfits with older items a lot of fun. And the best part of big, baggy pants? They are so darn comfortable! Free the legs!

The Sylvie Trouser Pant

This pair feels particularly good because it has elastic in the back, even though the front is highly-tailored with pleats and a button. These are the Sylvie Trouser Pant from REIFhaus. You may remember when I styled them back in the spring but in a black, dobby version. These are the same pants but in a thick, cozy corduroy fabric! The weight gives these pants a lot more ‘presence,’ which I love, and they are extra warm.

Styling Notes

To put them to the test, I decided to style the pants a few different ways. For the first outfit, I styled them with a black sweater and a blazer for a slightly dressier look. I opted for chunky boots because I thought they held their own well with the big-volume pants. The whole outfit is comfortable, super practical, and a bit ‘edgy 90’s.’

Next, I styled them with a cream turtleneck, light patterned shoes, and a taupe bag for a super monochrome look. I often like to pair a fitted top with looser pants because it creates balance in an outfit.

I wanted to see how I could ‘finish’ this look off. Plus, it was cold outside! I decided on two different options for staying warm, but I felt like I could have come up with at least ten more. The first is a cozy, beloved cardigan, which leads to a decidedly relaxed look with grandpa vibes. The second is a long, sherpa coat, which feels a little more polished, but almost as relaxed.

Further Styling

I really want to style these pants with a pair of slick, high-top Converse, and the matching jacket on top. I also think they would be really cute with a wide belt (think Diane Keaton in ‘Father of the Bride’). Styling these pants, however, has not come super easy to me. I think it’s because they are such a departure from everything else I’ve worn. This is what I appreciate about independent designers, they push the envelope on styles. They are the original trendsetters. I got my first jumpsuit from REIFhaus in 2016 and it was a game-changer for my closet. The loose shape still garners compliments every single time I wear it.

Shop Independent

Another fabulous benefit of buying from independent designers? The money actually goes to them. Especially when you order directly.

REIFhaus’s fall collection is particularly good this year. I got a chance to see it in-person at their Portland showroom (you can totally book an appointment to visit if you’re local!). Their corduroy selection is outstanding. As I mentioned above, the fabric is thick and weighty. I love the Aino Jacket, which can be worn as a set with the Sylvie Trousers. REIFhaus also has corduroy in an amazing Black Currant colorway, in the previously mentioned styles, and in the Sylvie Trouser Skirt. The Sylvie Trousers (styled in this blog post) also come in beautiful sable cotton twill. And last, but not least, this puffer bucket hat seems like the perfect PNW accessory. I already ordered one for myself! You can shop the entire Autumn/Winter collection here.

Now for the fun part! If you’re in the market for any items from REIFhaus, you can use the code SALT15 to save 15% through next Friday (11/6). Please note: Seasons + Salt will make a commission on purchases using this code.

OUTFIT DETAILS (LOOK 1):

Blazer, c/o Everlane, last season
Cotton Sweater
Sylvie Trouser Pant (S), c/o REIFhaus
Boots
Bag

OUTFIT DETAILS (LOOK 2):

Turtleneck
Sylvie Trouser Pant (S), c/o REIFhaus
Boots, no longer available
Bag
Sweater
Coat

A quick note on sizing: I am wearing these in a size Small. My waist is approximately 28/29″ and my hips are 38.5″. I am 5’7″ tall.

To speed up my styling curve with these, I plan to do an Instagram style session later this week. I am excited to dig into my closet and see what creative looks I can come up with.

Thanks so much for reading along today!

12 thoughts on “Big Pant Energy

  1. Love the pants and Lindsey…but that coat though!!! Ugh – it’s perfect. Are you wearing a medium? Is it worth it?

    1. Hi Lindsey! The coat is totally cozy! I have a Medium and it is a generous fit. I believe there are more sizes on Garmentory if EF is sold out.

  2. I have been edging up to this big pant trend lately but I’ve never found a pair that I thought were flattering on my body.  I bought this pair from Backbeat Rags (https://backbeat.co/products/corduroy-cargo-pants) and I think they are going to be the ones that finally work!  They’re super cozy, too. Now if only someone can explain to me why I decided to order the cream color when I have a 9-month old to chase after.  

  3. You pull off this look really well, but for me, it’s too close to my high-school look in the late 1990s (everything was big/wide, SO MANY TURTLENECKS, oversized sweaters and jackets drowned my petite frame and made me look frumpy and sloppy). If I’m going to do big pants, I feel like I really need a bodysuit or fitted, feminine top (like a boat neck or v-neck) on top for balance.

    1. HAHA. The first one definitely borders on too close to the 90’s for my comfort, though I was a bit young in the 90s and only on the tail end of the fashions. I love your idea of a bodysuit or fitted neck with the big pants. Turtlenecks do tend to feel redundant after awhile. Side note: I recently saw somewhere that if you don’t like bodysuits (ahem, me) to just wear them unsnapped but tucked in. I’m going to have to try it!

    2. I’m with you, Laura! I’m having a really hard time with the big chunky look coming back because I rocked it so hard in high school.

  4. How is the fit in the doc marten boots? I think you did a post on those awhile back but I can’t find it — can you give some thoughts on comfort and fit? Does your foot slide around in them a lot since they don’t have laces? Thanks!

    1. I have the Docs in a size 9, and I am normally a 9.5 or 10 in most shoes. At first my foot slid around a bit (super annoying) until I wised up and got some Dr. Marten inserts. Those were a game changer! And the person in the store told me they’re meant to help their shoes fit more sizes because they don’t usually come in half sizes.

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