About five years ago, when I learnt of the ill-effects of fast fashion on the planet, I felt the urgency to switch to sustainability, to start consuming fashion more mindfully. This led me to promise myself that instead of buy ten pieces of cheap clothing, I’ll invest in a consciously made one by local designers and artisans. Since then I’ve been on the lookout for versatile pieces that will find a special spot in my capsule collection – those which I can wear on regular rotation. And one day, by chance, a star style did I find! Since my job at Nykaa Fashion requires me to routinely sift through the website and curate fashion-forward conversations around truly stylish pieces, I keep an eye out for all the new and lesser- known brands that get on boarded on the website on a daily basis.
On one such hunt I discovered the brand Notebook and instantly fell in love with it for its utilitarian appeal. While I couldn’t decide which styles were my favourite (because all of them were!) I decided to opt for a pair of flared black pants as I knew I would get the most use out of it and I did! At the first glance, you might think they’re too well- tailored to be put to casual use but with time, you’re able to picture them go with pretty much everything. In the past six months alone I’ve been able to take them from brunch to the boardroom to the bar and beyond – it’s unique silhouette and classic colour just allows it to effortlessly do so. Don’t believe me? Let me prove it to you…
Pants – Notebook, 10,500
So, these are the pair of pants in question…
Short kurti – Kanelle, 11,600
When paired with this short sheer kurta and a black sports bra, these pants help blend the east with the west making it a fail-proof fusion favourite.
Soft silk kurta – Abhishti, 1,899
With a fit-and-flare soft silk kurta, the pants tread into the traditional territory. Add a pair of oxidized silver earrings to hit the sartorial sweet spot.
Striped dress – Mimosa, 2,399
No better way to give the dress-over-pants trend a try – pair this mustard shirt dress, unbuttoned up till the navel with these pants to create a statement-making ensemble.
Tuxedo dress – Forever New, 6,080
Yes, this dainty dress partners up perfectly with the pants from conference room to the cocktail hour.
Asymmetric tunic – Naari, 1,399
A kurta with a cool cut paired with these pants makes for a seriously stylish sartorial solution.
White Blouse – Forever New, 3,835
With this crisp white blouse, the pants turn into functional-yet-fashionable formals.
Crop top – All Abt June, 3,500
I wasn’t lying when I said I took these pants to the bar – when styled with this cute crop top, the pants become after-hours appropriate.
Retro top – RSVP, 2,376
Here’s another example of a piece that pairs well with the pants from eight till late.
Kaftan – Kaveri, 8,250
Nothing spells comfort like the combination of a kaftan and a pair of pared-back pants. Try this duo to make monochrome magic.
Sweatshirt – Mellowdrama, 8,100
Just when you thought that these pants could not ace the athleisure arena, they did! Pair them with this statement-making sweatshirt and watch the heads turn.
Chanderi skirt – Urvashi Kaur, 14,750
If you’re not the one to shy away from a sartorial experiment or a two, lean on this pleated sheer skirt to become the best bud to these trousers.