After the recent call: Ladies, Please Burn Your Black Pants, we thought we would show our support. “They’re boring and sad, and they make you look boring and sad, too,” says fashion writer Emma Rosenblum of the aforementioned trousers. We agree, the poly-blend black work pant is out dated and lacks personality, but that doesn’t mean all career-appropriate pants have to. Here are five great patterned pants you can wear to (most) jobs. 

Ankle Pant by Podolls

Not only is Podolls the fashion dream of perhaps the sweetest couple, their clothes are always made with responsible fabrics and manufacturing—an idea that’s embedded in the DNA of the company.  Made in the USA, these printed pants flaunt a bold graphic that will turn heads. Plus, their loose fitting silhouette is great for looking fashionable any time of month.

Podolls, $275

Printed Silk Pants by Carrie Parry

Carrie Parry garments are like a road map for sustainable style–and these pants are no exception. Made with 100% silk crepe , the beautiful pattern was custom screenprinted by artisans in India. All Carrie Parry garments are made in NYC and for each purchase a tree is planted in collaboration with Trees for the Future. These are the perfect printed pant to add a hint of personality to your office outfit.

Carrie Parry, $285

Royal Egg Vase Pant by Clover Canyon

When it comes to prints, Clover Canyon has mastered the craft.  We love the floral, punk nature of these printed pants.  Plus, Clover Canyon is “made in Los Angeles, and always will be.”

Clover Canyon, $268

Megan Tapered Silk Pant by Amour Vert

Made in California, Amour Vert’s name, meaning love for green, says it all. These animal print pants, made from silk, are comfortable and stylish. Fitted but still loose and casual, we love these fierce patterned pants.

Amour Vert, $214

Classic Trouser by SUNO

When I first set eyes on these trousers, I was in love. The modern fit is cut perfectly, and the plaid pattern is perfect for fall. As always, SUNO is all about quality, and these are made in NYCs Garment Center. These patterned pants are a great investment you’ll never get tired of wearing.

SUNO, $595

Want more On Trend? See Also:

Classic Trends in Dichromatic Black and White Sophistication: On Trend

Sweet Romantic Organic Bralettes: On Trend

Geometric Fashion Jungle: 7 Ways to Wear it On Trend

Images from the brands, collage by Juliette Donatelli

The post Personality Pops with Patterned Pants: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ten clever, easy DIY ways to remake your pants for fall.

I was in NYC the other day, and for the first time in what seems like forever I was actually cold. This means two things: fall is definitely on its way and shorts are once again to be replaced with pants. The good news is that there are so many great styles of pants that are on trend for fall. But, instead of buying new ones, revamp the ones you already have with these 10 easy-to-do DIY projects.

Palazzo Pants
Wide-leg, printed palazzo pants are probably one of fall’s absolute biggest trends. They are as easy-breezy to make as they are to wear. This gorgeous pair by a pair and a spare look like they came straight off the runway. I’ll be making a few pairs of these in different prints immediately.

Color-blocked Pants
Color-blocking is still going strong this fall, and you can easily turn a pair of ho-hum chinos into a cheerful fashion statement with little more than fabric paint and tape. HonestlyWTF will show you the way.

Tuxedo Pants
Suddenly, tuxedo pants are seen everywhere, and they are super simple to make at home. Check out this tutorial by Henry Happened to find out how you can make yours. We’d make them in black and white and love that they can be dressy if worn with a sheer blouse or sporty if worn with a simple T-shirt.

Lace-Embellished Jeans
Lace seemed to pop up in the collections of many designers this season, mainly used as an embellishment. When paired with unexpected materials, such as denim, it creates a contrast that feels fresh and very on trend. This pair of lace-embellished jeans by a pair and a spare were inspired by Jason Wu’s Fall 11 collection and will certainly give you the look for less.

Distressed Denim
At fashion weeks around the world, fashionistas were wearing denim that wasn’t just a little bit distressed but completely shredded to bits. If you want this look to happen naturally, it would probably take a few years. In this tutorial, Swellmaybe and UniqueLA show us a simple way to achieve the look, DIY style.

Tie-Dye Leggings
Nope, we are in no way over tie-dye just yet, and the fact that it’s such an easy and fun way to transform any kind of garment just fuels our fascination. This tutorial by designer (and tie-dye expert) Shabd Simon-Alexander for Martha Stewart gives you an almost floral print, which feels very current for fall and will work long into spring and summer.

Silk Scarf Trousers
These below the knee shorts can be made from one single scarf (which you can find tons of in almost any thrift store), and the larger the scarf the longer your trousers can be. This tutorial by Park & Cube shows you how easy this is to do, but make sure to follow their advice to measure twice, cut once.

Studded Denim
Sometimes it’s those small, simple details that can really make a garment go from something that just lingers in your closet to something you wear every day. This simple, clever tutorial by Swellmayde shows you how to revamp a pair of existing jeans using metal studs. We love that they are both tough and sweet at the same time.

Fringe Pockets
Embellishment is a huge trend this fall, and the good news is that it’s very simple to do yourself. Putting fringe on the pockets of your jeans takes them from ordinary to fun in a pinch. It also plays well with fall’s western trend. I remember doing this to a pair of jeans when I was about ten years old, so it’s very simple. Check out this tutorial by Fashionista New York Girl to find out how. Just use a pair of pants instead of shorts and it’s perfect for fall.

Pajama Pants
Who would have thought we would ever consider wearing pajama pants outside of the house, and with heels nonetheless. Luckily for all of us, this comfy bedroom-staple has made it’s runway debut and taken it to the streets. This tutorial by ducky house shows you how to make a pair from old sheets. We think they would look great in a dark silk fabric or white cotton, with contrasting neon lace for the cuffs.

SEE ALSO:

DIY: 10 Things to do With an Old T-Shirt

DIY: 10 DIY Bracelets You Can Make This Weekend

DIY: 10 Summer Shorts You Can Make At Home

DIY: 10 Statement Earrings You Can Totally Make

The post DIY: 10 Ways to Remake Your Pants For Fall appeared first on EcoSalon.

I spotted these Prairie Underground pants at D&A when at Market Week in New York City and fell in love.

It’s hard to see just how great they are, but because they are made from a hemp silk, they actually look really dressy. This model has hers pushed up a bit, but the capri length cargo/harem pant is great for any climate – pair with a t-shirt or tank in the summer months, or throw on some boots when the weather gets a bit cooler.

The bottom has a built-in band of organic cotton so they adjust to your calf size, a drawstring tie for adjusting the waist, and front easy-access pockets.

These are my favorite color: putty meets gold shimmer. Sure, it’s a touch of harem but not too much.

These just make me want to revel in comfort all the while looking extremely cool and full of sultan street style.

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The graphic trend may have seemed destined just for summer dresses and tie-dyed tops, but summertime infuses a vibrant spirit into all of us and so the trend spreads – to print pants! Zig-zags, animal prints, and techno ethnic prints are staking their claim in the summer trend scene. Good thing our favorite eco-designers, Feral Childe and John Patrick Organic are right on point, offering playful prints in a simultaneously tailored yet flowing cut.

Style tips:

1. Don’t be afraid to mix print on print. Clashing prints is a great fashion statement- just be careful not to overdo!
2. If your print pants are baggy, counter with a form-fitting structured top.
3. If you opt for a skinny pair of prints, balance with a looser fitting top in a easy to wear silk or jersey.
4. If you want your look to take more of a sophisticated feel, go for the high waisted versions that offer a little extra in the design department.

However you decide to prance around in these prints, remember to have fun and let the palette of summer rule your color choices.

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Having survived for over a year as a freelancer, I forget what it’s like to be part of the corporate world. Thinking back to those years, I remember my constant struggle with dressing office-appropriate while still looking stylish. When faced with a business casual or off-campus event, one has to get creative. Thankfully, some of this season’s looks make it a little easier.

You can never go wrong with high waisted – in the office or not – and I think this organic John Patrick number is the perfect solution. These cuffed plaid pants fashioned from recycled wool are both high waisted and wide leg, ensuring you’re office ready. Aim for feminine-masculine by pairing the trousers with a ruffled blouse, cropped vest, and the highest of eco-booties. You’ll turn heads from 9-5 and beyond. ($385)

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Spring is in the air. Or should I say pollen? Despite the itchy eyes and runny nose that accompany all this blooming, I cherish spring because – among many other benefits – it’s the time to unveil a lighter style.

Here are my picks to prepare for the season.

1. A Solid Foundation

Now that you’ll be spending more time outside in the sun (instead of holing up in your house or office to avoid the cold), you’ll need to "dress" your skin, too. I like bareMinerals SPF 15 foundation by Bare Escentuals. It’s extra light and moisturizing, so you can even forgo lotion before applying.

2. A Simple Day Dress

I’m not one to change my outfit multiple times a day, so I like wearing dresses for easy transitioning between work and going out.  We recently featured a week-long series of eco-chic dresses to help you get started. If you’d like to invest in a spring trend,  canary yellow, feminine florals, and lacy white are all great choices.

3. A Versatile Hoodie

The bright sun can be deceptive, so I always leave the house with a hoodie in hand. Go sporty-chic with this sweatshirt option by Loomstate or choose this Pursuit of Harmony pointelle hoodie if you’re looking for a dressier style. If a hoodie is too casual for your taste, a light vintage cardigan is perfect (if you don’t have one, I know what you’re doing this weekend).

4. Cargo Pants

I love a functional cargo pant. They’re lightweight to keep you cool and casual and they are a great alternative to jeans. Try this pair of picnic trousers from Howies – pair them with sneakers, sandals, or even a cute wedge.

5. Sandals

I always save the best for last. My absolute favorite part about warm weather is the chance to free my feet from socks and boots. And while the mainstream Old Navy options are the right idea, I like to look for eco styles. Try this classic look by Terra Plana, or if you’re feeling really daring, opt for this style by Charmone. But whichever you choose, don’t even think about baring all without a proper eco-friendly pedicure.

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Jeans are the eternal American fashion emblem of sustainability. Above all, they’re durable. Over time, denim has become the paradoxical icon of leisure and work, adventure, simplicity and relaxed sophistication.

The Nau design collective is taking a multi-layered approach to innovation in the denim world. With a company credo to maintain low-impact production processes and a design philosophy to inform classicism with a free spirit, they’re on the greener side of blue jeans.

Nau has contracted with a non-profit research organization to assure compliance at all levels of their company with their vision of sustainable practices. Serious, but simple, just like the designs that emerge from the trend-setting thinktank.

Their "lean jean" favors a lightly rinsed raw denim with a rugged outer construction and soft interior detailing. Nau also ventures beyond denim with their quick-dry motility dress, a recycled poly/spandex blend born of discarded plastic. (I envision a future where the laundering of dresses is as carefree as throwing a pair of jeans in the wash.)

Images/Purchase: Nau

The post Living in the Eternal Nau appeared first on EcoSalon.

Back in the day when I traveled to the island, the staple Bermuda shorts worn mostly by men had not yet become an international symbol of casual chic for women. Nor did the shorts look like today’s counterpart. I must admit that I’m thrilled by the reinvention. I find that the longer look actually slims the thighs (while also strategically hiding the tricky, flab-prone saddle bag regions) and makes me want to bare my legs during the warm weather.

I’m thinking of creating a fresh preppy look with these organic cotton reef roll-up shorts by Loomstate. Worn with a sweater and a classic pair of Keds, you’ll be perfectly outfitted for the yacht club, golf course, or a plain old stroll through the park. Available for $125 at Barneys.

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In my personal fashion guidebook, a sleek pair of striped pants is as essential as a perfectly fitted, hip-hugging pair of jeans. Years ago, I found my ideal striped pants and I simply wore them to death. Finally realizing that I couldn’t possibly repair another seam or obliterate another stain, I had to let them go.

So, you can imagine my relief when I found these Cuba Striped Pants by Anna Cohen. High-waisted and elongating, you can keep your look understated with a white, ruffled blouse or add a burst of color with the peach silk top shown here. If you’re tall, wear them with structured ballet flats, or if you’re short like me, pair them with some hot patent pumps. They’ll never truly replace my retired striped trousers, but they sure are a fabulous substitute!

Image: Anna Cohen 

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With April’s unfolding warmth, I’m dreaming about a lighter, more whimsical wardrobe. Linen pants are a season staple and I just love these grass green gauchos from Undesigned.

Unrestrictive and über-chic, they’re made of linen, which is both comfortable and breathable, and feature a unique exposed pocket with silk stitching and trim. Dress up this look with heels for a special mimosa brunch or wear them with sandals to the beach.

Carol Young, the mastermind behind Undesigned, creates eco-friendly clothing for the modern woman who craves comfort, style, and individuality all at the same time. The pants are currently on sale at $120 (knocked down from $220), so scoop them up soon.

Image/Purchase: Pangaya

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