1 Sport-Luxe Trouser, 4 Different Ways....

I've been fascinated by side stripe trousers, sport-luxe pants or athleisure wear since I saw Olivia Palermo in a Victoria Beckham pair a few months ago. Fortunately the pair she has designed for Banana Republic look almost as good and at an affordable £70, more widely available to us mere mortals that perhaps don't want to part with £500 for a VB pair. There are so many styles to choose from but I particularly like these ones as they come in a tuxedo style, nicely nipped in at the ankle and look less like you are about to break into a run. And let's face it, these trousers are way too nice to get sweaty in....sportswear or not.

To be inventive, helpful and very clever I've worked up 4 outfits using the same pair of trousers. To me it just shows how versatile one piece can be and how it can be manipulated in so many ways. And I've just chosen the ones that sprang to my mind. I bet there are plenty more scenarios to explore depending on lifestyle.

The School Run.......Clearly I do the school run, a lot. If you drive then perhaps a thick coat may not be appropriate but it must get colder at some point right? I love this look, a bit of sparkle, a slightly larger bag to carry any extra kid stuff and a nice warm coat for the playground chat. I've added a decent floaty top under in case you head somewhere post drop off. Nothing worse than taking your outer layers off to reveal a top you really wished you'd not worn but there is no where to hide!

Clockwise from top left - Trousers Banana Republic £69.50, Coat Miss Selfridge Puffer Khaki £55.20, Top Nordstrom Free People Odyssey Tee £36.23, Bag Les P’tites Bombes Sac Tote Caba £50.99, Hat F&F Jewel Embellished Beanie £8, Trainers Wallis Bronze Zip Detail £24.50

The Dinner.....It doesn't matter how often you go out for dinner, it's still fun to get a little dressed up? This is more dressy than the local curry house but then I'd swop the pub outfit and save this one for the posh nosh. This bag might look frivolous but isn't it such fun!