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Original poster

Do these trousers look ridiculous on me?

193 replies

catteabook · 13/09/2026 11:11

Picture pending, but reasonably voluminous balloon legged trousers on short woman.

please be honest but not mean.

For context - 45yrs, 5’3”, slightly ‘alt’ leaning style but far from full on alternative/goth/emo.

don’t say ‘if you like them that’s all that matters’ or similar because I can’t decide if I like them, and that is why I’m posting.

Do these trousers look ridiculous on me?
OP posts:
ANNotherWriter · 13/09/2026 12:46

catteabook · 13/09/2026 11:11

Picture pending, but reasonably voluminous balloon legged trousers on short woman.

please be honest but not mean.

For context - 45yrs, 5’3”, slightly ‘alt’ leaning style but far from full on alternative/goth/emo.

don’t say ‘if you like them that’s all that matters’ or similar because I can’t decide if I like them, and that is why I’m posting.

Yes.
On anyone. Ghastly.

stargirl27 · 13/09/2026 12:47

catteabook · 13/09/2026 11:11

Picture pending, but reasonably voluminous balloon legged trousers on short woman.

please be honest but not mean.

For context - 45yrs, 5’3”, slightly ‘alt’ leaning style but far from full on alternative/goth/emo.

don’t say ‘if you like them that’s all that matters’ or similar because I can’t decide if I like them, and that is why I’m posting.

I think they’re nice maybe with a slightly shorter top to show a small amount of midriff

Doggymummar · 13/09/2026 12:48

Once you have styled them how you would wear them it would be easier to say, but like that , no

Frombeyond · 13/09/2026 12:49

I like them, they’d be worn in my office with no issue (London, creative agency)

PhaedraTwo · 13/09/2026 12:49

Divebar2021 · 13/09/2026 12:27

It’s possible that some of the dullest dressers in Christendom are answering here. 😂. I think if you put something on and you’re asking the question it’s a no. You really want to be saying to yourself “ oh my god i
love them “. It’s definitely a vibe and you want to be wearing it with 100% confidence.

Agreed. I suppose it depends where you live but they're pretty unexceptional where I am, particularly in August. I wouldn't give any thoughts to seeing them in the flesh.

But you're right. The correct response to any new item of clothing is "OMG, love it, can I wear it as soon as possible?"- not "I'll ask Mumsnet"

Doggymummar · 13/09/2026 12:49

ChristophersRobins · 13/09/2026 12:45

They're not flattering, but they're not meant to be. I find Mumsnet has an issue with clothes that aren't designed to flatter and a bit of a mental block against clothing choices that aren't aimed at making one look at their thinnest as their main aim... I think it fits in with the competitive underrating thing and the How old do I look posts.

They're pretty cool. I would happily wear them. I'd wear them with chunky boots a few inches above the ankle or chunky sandals in summer, a very fitted, possibly slightly cropped t-shirt with sleeves, or with a slightly see through, lose cropped vest/cami. Either a fitted, structured leather jacket (had a drappey necked one with 3/4 sleeves that would have looked great with these). Or a leather bomber jacket. Massive chunky and wide scarf as it gets colder. Cropped but lose jewel or earth toned Cashmere or angora in colder weather (over an underlayer tucked in)

You need to make a point of lots of fabric, draping and lush textures, not hide from the volume. And not worry that you might look slimmer in a straight leg pair of jeans with a crisp white shirt. You would, but you'd look very mundane too, in that classic dull, blending into the background way.

Exactly this, once she styles them I think they are fab

Original poster
catteabook · 13/09/2026 12:49

MrMucker · 13/09/2026 12:18

I really love them, they look great on you, and you've actually inspired me to look for something similar.
However, they are nothing massively different from my usual look.
The main discomfort for you might be if you've never worn anything like it before, so friends etc might see them as different and comment.

I never thought of that style as unappealing, and am quite surprised so many people don't rate them. You look great!

You’ve hit the nail here re discomfort wearing them; I think if I kept them I’d chicken out of actually going out in them.

i started a thread recently about trying to move back towards my pre-kids style which was much more grunge/alt than now. (I’m also trying buy less ‘all black everything’.) So this purchase was with this in mind.

Whilst a slightly alt style feels more ‘me’, to most other ppl in my life it’s not my currently known style. I do think I’d feel like I was in some sort of costume if I wore it eg to school pick up. (I know no one would even notice in reality but it’s about how I’d feel)

OP posts:
RaraRachael · 13/09/2026 12:50

Sorry they're hideous. I can't imagine who they'd look good on

Original poster
catteabook · 13/09/2026 12:51

oviraptor21 · 13/09/2026 12:27

That's a shame. I liked them! I rarely wear trousers and these finally look like they could work for me and still be reasonably smart.
Where did you get them from?

Show quote history

They’re just from Primark - £18

OP posts:
Teaforthetotal · 13/09/2026 12:53

Haven't read full thread but I like them on you. Like a previous pp said, I think they'd be great for an office vibe that's modern or alternative.Ithink I'd style slightly differently.Arty trainers and a v neck t-shirt, possibly a blazer on top.

BlueFahrenheit · 13/09/2026 12:54

Awful, awful, awful!

The colour, the fit ...

WildLeader · 13/09/2026 12:56

If you loved them you wouldn’t be asking. There’s nothing I like about them tbh, and for someone with a good figure like yours, there is no need to ruin your silhouette with these trousers.

Original poster
catteabook · 13/09/2026 12:56

Divebar2021 · 13/09/2026 12:27

It’s possible that some of the dullest dressers in Christendom are answering here. 😂. I think if you put something on and you’re asking the question it’s a no. You really want to be saying to yourself “ oh my god i
love them “. It’s definitely a vibe and you want to be wearing it with 100% confidence.

Funnily enough this is what I always tell teen DDs - ‘if it’s not a full body yes it’s a no’
i think because I’m trying to move back into a slightly more grungy look, which I’m no longer used to seeing myself in, I’m faltering.

And I agree that I’d have to wear them with my full chest rather than…tentatively, which I’m not sure I’m at yet.

OP posts:
Original poster
catteabook · 13/09/2026 12:58

ChristophersRobins · 13/09/2026 12:45

They're not flattering, but they're not meant to be. I find Mumsnet has an issue with clothes that aren't designed to flatter and a bit of a mental block against clothing choices that aren't aimed at making one look at their thinnest as their main aim... I think it fits in with the competitive underrating thing and the How old do I look posts.

They're pretty cool. I would happily wear them. I'd wear them with chunky boots a few inches above the ankle or chunky sandals in summer, a very fitted, possibly slightly cropped t-shirt with sleeves, or with a slightly see through, lose cropped vest/cami. Either a fitted, structured leather jacket (had a drappey necked one with 3/4 sleeves that would have looked great with these). Or a leather bomber jacket. Massive chunky and wide scarf as it gets colder. Cropped but lose jewel or earth toned Cashmere or angora in colder weather (over an underlayer tucked in)

You need to make a point of lots of fabric, draping and lush textures, not hide from the volume. And not worry that you might look slimmer in a straight leg pair of jeans with a crisp white shirt. You would, but you'd look very mundane too, in that classic dull, blending into the background way.

I agree with all of this - just need to try and live it

OP posts:
CherryRipe1 · 13/09/2026 13:02

I wore something like those during my new romantic phase circa 79/80. I actually like them but I've always liked alternative clothing. They'd look nice with Westwood pirate style boots.

Dovesono · 13/09/2026 13:03

researchers3 · 13/09/2026 11:19

I think they're ok, but you need to wear with a top tucked in or one that ends at the waist so you can see the full length of the trousers.

I was about to say exactly this.

They're probably not the most flattering shape on a shorter person (or possibly on anyone), but I don't think they're awful.

Nomura · 13/09/2026 13:04

@OP GrinGrin Even I'm laughing at that photo and i wear balloon trousers. Absolutely love them, roomy, breezy hide a multitude of sin in the waist area, what's not to like? Its not the trousers, its how you've put it together..wrong shoes, how you pulled the skinny top over the waist rather than under and also your stance, that stance doesn't flatter those trousers or show them in the best light.

Girlwithavibe · 13/09/2026 13:04

Wear them with confidence like U know u look bloody fabulous darling and they will look good !!!
It doesn't matter what people wear but if it's worn with confidence u will look good 😊

EveryoneLeaveMeTheFuckAlone · 13/09/2026 13:05

I don’t like them with the boots. Maybe they’d be better with sandals or flip flops

Poonu · 13/09/2026 13:06

catteabook · 13/09/2026 11:11

Picture pending, but reasonably voluminous balloon legged trousers on short woman.

please be honest but not mean.

For context - 45yrs, 5’3”, slightly ‘alt’ leaning style but far from full on alternative/goth/emo.

don’t say ‘if you like them that’s all that matters’ or similar because I can’t decide if I like them, and that is why I’m posting.

Yes

worldshottestmom · 13/09/2026 13:06

They're terrible, I'm sorry.

Seziah · 13/09/2026 13:15

I think with the right styling they would be ok. But the length isn’t right with the boots. I’ve seen these worn with hippy-style clothes and they look nice - my sister has some in a funky fabric and they are a kind of hareem skirt/trouser hybrid. If you like the design you can google “low crotch hippy trousers” you can get an idea of the styling and some cool fabric options. But I wouldn’t consider those ones very grunge/alt

Edit: I don’t know what kind of style you like but I follow Sarah Mzrk for her “soft alt” outfit inspiration

ColdLittleHeart · 13/09/2026 13:23

I like a balloon trouser..so bloody comfy! They suit you and I think they would look great if styled properly. Not sure about the black top and boots. It makes the outfit too blocky.
I like to style mine with flat mesh pumps or trainers and an oversized buttoned shirt, tucked in. I think your top is too long and cutting you off at an unflattering position.

PlumBear · 13/09/2026 13:25

You have a great figure but they don’t suit you. Part of the problem is that because you’re short and they’re bagging at the ankle, you’ve lost some of the balloon shape. I had the exact same problem when i tried some on a few weeks ago (i’m 5ft).
I think when you’re petite stuff needs to be fairly close fitting and if you are going oversized, then areas like ankle / waist need to be tightly defined and fitted.

SueFlay12 · 13/09/2026 13:26

I think they are horrible. But they don't look horrible ON YOU
I simply don't like the style