J.Crew Martie Pant

The Open-Front Cardigan

Leave a Comment / Style / By / January 11, 2021
J.Crew cardigan, linen shirt, and Martie pants. Margaux black ballet flats.

The open-front cardigan is an item of clothing that I didn’t own prior to working from home but have since acquired. The cold weather presents limitless opportunities to incorporate a third piece into my daily looks. With the spirit of comfort in the air, I’ve been giving my trusty grey blazer a break. Note: the term comfort is not synonymous with the extreme level of informal dress that has prevailed across the U.S.

If you’re not sure what a third piece is, permettez-moi d’expliquer. It’s an item that is layered on top of your outfit’s base. A third piece enhances your look. The base consists of a top, a bottom, and a pair of shoes. Jackets, blazers, vests, and cardigans are all viable third pieces.

I find that the open-front cardigan simultaneously adds polish and comfort to my button-up shirt/Martie pant uniform. Think of the opening sequence to Mister Rodgers’ Neighborhood. The first thing Fred does is replace his suiting jacket with a sweater and his dress shoes with a pair of canvas sneakers. In an instant, he’s ready to teach the kids. I don’t have children, but I do have a cat who likes to be held. An open-front cardigan is more conducive to snuggles than a blazer.

Works Sighted

J.Crew Factory cardigan (old); J.Crew slim perfect shirt in Baird McNutt Irish linen (old); J.Crew Martie pant; Margaux Demi flats (black)

J.Crew Martie Pant in Bi-Stretch Cotton

Leave a Comment / Style / By / November 5, 2020
J.Crew Martie Pant, Loft blazer, Superga 2750.

The J.Crew Martie pant came into my life in March 2018. I acquired eight of them that year for fear that the design would be discontinued. (I’d suffered through the discontinuation of the J.Crew Minnie pant and wasn’t looking forward to repeating the experience.) Aside from the two linen trousers that I bought this past March, these are the only pants in my wardrobe. About two months ago, I realized that all of my Marties had expired except for one. I embarked on a quest to replace my beloved little black pant. (For the record, I also wear it in navy.) In an attempt to broaden my horizons, I tried on other pants from brands that weren’t J.Crew. Long story short, I’m now the proud owner of six new pairs of my favorite style.

I found the current version of the pant to be slightly longer than the version I’d purchased back in 2018. Cuffing the hems of the legs under once seems to do the trick…even though the little vents at the bottom disappear. I liked that I could wear the older version (pictured) with or without a cuff. The Martie pant is very comfortable on account of its stretchy composition (cotton/viscose/elastane), but it also retains its shape. I’ve worn them to work, on transatlantic flights, and for every occasion in between. They pair well with blazers, sweaters, button-ups, tee shirts, sneakers, and flats. This is the definition of a wardrobe workhorse.

Works Sighted

J.Crew Martie pant in bi-stretch cotton; J.Crew striped boatneck T-shirt; Loft blazer (old); Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Navy