I know. I know. When you think of Eileen Fisher, you think of a ‘woman of a certain age.’ However, there is a younger Millennial and Generation X following… which is why every so often it pops up in my feed and I think that I need to branch out a bit.
I’ve already been quite unapologetic about my love for Eileen Fisher sweaters and cardigans – they are sustainably made and usually quite simple while still having a fun kind of sloppy but refined style. I’ve picked up a few secondhand through thrifting and consignment shops and love, love, love, love them. I also have a couple pairs of her Stretch Crepe pants, which are basically a version of fancy pants leggings that are appropriate for work.
I’ve stayed away from her more slouchy styles though, but when I saw one of her “The System” videos I thought maybe I’d give it a try:
I love how everything goes together, looks polished, but still is basically like wearing pajamas. However, I don’t know if you noticed… but the model is super skinny. Could someone who is not super skinny still look cute in the clothes?
I ordered a couple items from Nordstrom Rack to try (they have free returns):
Eileen Fisher Straight Crop Pants – retail price $238, Rack price $74.98 find them here
Eileen Fisher Silk Shell Sleeveless Blouse – retail price $178, Rack price $59.98 find it here
I ordered the pants in both a medium and a large, because I’ve found that I had to size down in her pants before. I ordered the blouse in a large, because… boobs. I also pulled out a couple of my own Eileen sweaters to try with the look.
Look #1: Madewell tank top + Eileen Fisher Straight Crop Pants + necklace
I also ordered this Madewell tank top (currently sold out), so please excuse the packaging wrinkles. For this look, I did the most simple summer-type pajama appropriate combo possible. After trying both pants sizes, I like the large better because they are less clingy in the butt area. As it is, this is certainly the oversized flowy look that Eileen Fisher is known for, I’m just not so certain it’s that flattering for me. Since I don’t have a fitted waist, my hourglass figure just kind of looks like a big blob. But, I guess that is what I was going for?
Look #2: Madewell tank top + Eileen Fisher Straight Crop Pants + necklace + my cardigan
Here is the exact same outfit, but I topped it with an Eileen sweater from my closet (I bought it at a consignment shop for $20). I think this combo is a lot more flattering with the cardigan making me look a lot less blobby. It’s still super loose and comfy like classy pajamas, but it looks more like a finished outfit. Out of all the looks, this one is my favorite.
Look #3: Eileen Fisher Silk Shell Sleeveless Blouse + Eileen Fisher Straight Crop Pants + necklace
For this look, I swapped out my striped tank top with this black silk version. The black silk top and pants look is much more office appropriate, especially when I throw on a necklace and some bracelets. While I do like the black on black styling, this particular tank top is a bit too short for my taste. I’d prefer it be a couple inches longer so that I wouldn’t have to worry about showing off my belly button if I raise my arms.
Look #4: Eileen Fisher Straight Crop Pants + my sweater poncho + necklace
I bought this Eileen sweater poncho thing a year or two ago, also from Nordstrom Rack, and I just think it is such a fun piece to pair with shorts or skinny jeans. I tried it with the silk pants and even though neither piece is fitted, they seem to play well together. However, my eyes are definitely used to seeing this with a more fitted bottom.
My Thoughts:
There is no denying that these silk pants are incredibly comfortable. With an elastic waistband and generous cut, I could wear them to work or comfortably curl up on the couch. The Nordstrom Rack price is also pretty great, considering that the pants sell at Nordstrom and on the Eileen Fisher website for $238. I think they look best on me and my body type when the flowy look is balanced out with the cardigan, the striped poncho, or even the black on black option.
I do think that people who aren’t stick thin can pull this look off. However, I just don’t know if it’s right for me. I’d love to know your thoughts on this style!
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I agree that look 2 with the cardigan is the best look. I have your same body shape and like the look of adding a cardigan. I also love the black on black look!
Thanks for all your great styling ideas!
Thank you! I think that cardigan makes everything look better!
I think the black on black is the best. I do love a good cardigan, however, and that one is really nice. The sandals are really pretty, too. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Nancy!
I’ve never loved loose crop pants on me, I feel like it makes me look shorter and doesn’t flatter my shape but they are soooo much more comfortable on hot summer days than skinny pants or skinny crops. I like the look with the stripes and cardigan best. Maybe because the cardigan gives the look more shape? Did you try it with a more fitted top? I like to do tighter bottom with loose top or looser bottom with more fitted top usually. Also, I love the yellow necklace! Where is it from?!?
I tend to shy away from fitted tops because I am self conscious about my tummy! As for the necklace, I picked it up at a consignment shop but I think it was originally from Anthropologie.
Have you thought about trying to tuck a shirt into the top of them, like you might with a high-wasted skirt? That’s what I always find works best to balance out loose pants.
The top of the pants are elastic, so they didn’t look great with a top tucked in. Bummer!