How to Look Good Even in a Paper Bag?

You might notice that your girl is wearing pants more often this summer. That’s because the hero pants of summer are wide, soft, tailored, pleated, and complete with paper bag waists. Yes, paper bag waist pants are the must-have pants of the season. By the way, happy official first day of summer! If you’ve got curves or even a straighter build, the best thing about this style is it makes every body look amazing.

Pants: Ann Taylor

Tank: Free People (similar)

Sandals: Tahari (old, want these sandals)

Bag: Gap (circa 2003)

Necklace: J.Crew (old)

Rings: Kendra Scott (on sale), c/o Kendra Scott (on sale)

Watch: Movado (in silver)

Lip: Mac “Forever, Darling” Versicolour stain, Mac “Kiss Me Quick” lip pencil

My paper bag waist shorts were such a style staple last summer and early fall. See how I wore them here, here, and here. I knew, then, that I wanted to add a similar item to my wardrobe, this time in the form of culottes.

I’ve had amazing luck finding flowy, breathable, but fashionable things at Ann Taylor this year. Remember my fabulous gingham dress and my super cute floral jumpsuit? They were both from Ann Taylor, so I decided to head to that store in hopes of finding my perfect paper bag waist pants. And, I did! Ann Taylor’s tie waist cropped wide leg pants had all the makings of hero pants. It has a right-on-trend tie waist and cropped wide leg. I was most pleased by how fluid the pants were. They give the feel of wearing a breezy skirt but with two legs.

These pants are available in three colors. I chose the olive color because the white was a tad too sheer for me and the nutmeg shade too closely resembled my skin tone. Sizing? I’m wearing a size 6. Just so you know, I purchased the pants during a storewide 40% off sale. There’s always a sale at Ann Taylor, so I try to wait until there’s an offer that can be applied to any item I want there.

I envision these olive pants pairing well with everything from my striped tube top to a classic white tee. Any top that looks good tucked in will probably go well with these pants. For the first time, I wore the pants with a basic yellow tank dressed up a bit with a statement necklace.