BIG PANT ENERGY WITH POWER OF MY PEOPLE

12.09.21

Today we’re taking a look at The Milliner Shirt and The Maximalist Pant, both made in Canada by a longtime Style Bee partner and favourite, Power of My People.

These two pieces inspired a look that is reminiscent of one of my personal style icons, the one and only, Katharine Hepburn. Known for her affinity for suiting, she was one of the very first women in Hollywood to don trousers during a time when they were strictly relegated to menswear. Thankfully, Hepburn balked at conventional expectations of a “lady” and helped to pave the way for modern, independent folks, like you and me, to dress with autonomy!

If I had to pick a word for the pieces I’ve styled today, it would be “empowered”. I’m grateful to Hepburn, and so many others, whose individuality could not be thwarted and in turn, opened doors for others to express themselves too. To me, that’s what personal style is all about and Power of My People offers some beautiful tools to do exactly that.

Now onto the post!


Partnership Disclosure: This blog post was produced in partnership with Power of My People. The featured items were gifted and Style Bee earns a commission on sales made using the reader discount code (at no additional cost to customers). Learn more about why Power of My People is a Style Bee favourite and how this Canadian-made brand approaches thoughtful design and production here.


Style Bee - Big Pant Energy With Power of My People

QUICK LINKS TO SHOP THE LOOK

The Milliner Shirt* | The Maximalist Long Pant* | gifted

Use LEE20 for 20% Off through December 23rd.

Use STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off any time.

Black Leather Belt | Black Pointed Toe Boots (similar) | Kate Hoop Tortoise Earrings



First we’ll take a look at

The Milliner – Proper Fit Shirt


I’d initially intended to style these pants with The Tailor Shirt, however, I decided to seize the opportunity to try another style and fabric from Power of My People. And boy, am I glad I did!

This cotton cashmere blend has a truly splendid hand feel and offers a subtle warmth and softness that The Tailor does not (it’s still a staple, just better for warmer weather). I think The Milliner would make for the perfect addition to a winter work capsule. It’s akin to a refined flannel and the timeless windowpane grid offers an elevated nod to the plaids that we Canadians love in colder weather.


PRICE: $185 CAD $148 CAD with LEE20 for 20% Off through December 23rd

MADE IN: Canada

MATERIAL: 95% Cotton, 5% Cashmere 4.3 oz, White & Beige Windowpane Plaid Fabric with a brushed surface on both sides. Fibres sourced from Turkey, milled in Portugal.

This Cotton/Cashmere blend shirt might be POMP’s softest flannel yet. A minimal windowpane plaid pattern gives it a modern geometric feel that is still simplistic enough to pair well with a diverse range of styles and colours.

Fabric approved by the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and Oeka-Tex Standard 100 approved.

CARE: Wash cold + hang dry. Allow for approx. 1/4″ shrinkage on width and 3/8″ shrinkage on the length.

SIZES: XXS – 3XL

FIT: I’m wearing a Small in this style for a classic fit that’s relaxed, however, I wear a Medium in The Tailor for a more oversize fit. I’m typically a Small in most tops unless I want a bit more room.

SHOP THE MILLINER – PROPER FIT SHIRT – Discount should automatically apply.


DETAILS TO NOTE


Style Bee - Big Pant Energy With Power of My People

CLASSIC BUTTONLESS COLLAR & ANGLED SINGLE BREAST POCKET

The collar is easy to layer over crew neck sweaters and under blazers. The single breast pocket adds subtle interest and a nod to workwear.


Style Bee - Big Pant Energy With Power of My People

SUPER SOFT FLANNEL FEEL

The difference of 5% cashmere added to a double brushed cotton is easily noted. It’s incredibly soft, without losing it’s crispness. Warm without feeling at all bulky.


SLEEVES MADE FOR ROLLING

I love how Power of My People designs their shirt cuffs. Double buttoned and mitered at the wrist with a short buttonless sleeve placket to keep styling easy and minimal.


Style Bee - Big Pant Energy With Power of My People

NO SHOW THROUGH OR BOOB GAP

I’m loving the opacity of this fabric. You’d never know I had a white t-shirt on underneath in these photos for extra insulation!

Thoughtful button placement also gives this shirt a great fit across the chest with no worry about gaping.


There you have my notes on this instant classic with a winter twist!

SHOP THE MILLINER – PROPER FIT SHIRT

Use LEE20 for 20% Off through December 23rd / Use STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off any time.


Style Bee - Big Pant Energy With Power of My People

Now for

The Maximalist Long Pant


I’d been patiently waiting for these incredible trousers to be released after loving their shorter inseamed predecessor, The Minimalist Crop Pant, which came out last year. Several readers reached out to ask if I’d be testing them out and despite my temptation to do so, I decided to wait until a full-length option was available as that was the style I really wanted to explore. Today I’m excited to finally be able to share my thoughts on them!


The Quick Facts


PRICE: $248 CAD $198.40 CAD with LEE20 for 20% Off through December 23rd

MADE IN: Canada

MATERIAL: 51% Tencel, 49% Cotton, 5.6 oz, tan twill fabric. Fibres sourced from Turkey & milled in Portugal.

CARE: Wash cold + hang dry. Allow for approx. 3/8″ shrinkage on length.

SIZES: XS – 3XL

FIT: I’m wearing the Extra Small in the pant. I first tried the Small but found they were too big in the waist and very voluminous through the hip. The Extra Small is still roomy through the hip and seat but I like this fit better for sure.

For reference I’m 5’7 and typically a size 26/27 in denim or a 4/6 in pants.

INSEAM: The inseam is 31 inches on all sizes, however, the rise varies slightly across sizes.

See the detailed size chart (located next to the size selection drop down) for more details.

FOR FOLKS UNDER 5’7: There’s no question, The Maximalist is a lot of pant, which is part of what makes them so special. That said, if you’re under 5’7 you’ll either want to plan to wear them with a 3 inch + heel or you’ll want to have them tailored (hemming is usually quite reasonable, just ask for the 1 inch hem to be maintained). I’m wearing them just above my natural waist with a 2 inch heeled boot and the hem almost grazes the ground.

For those on the petite side of the spectrum or simply looking for a shorter inseam length, the Minimalist Crop Pant is definitely worth a look!


DETAILS TO NOTE


FRONT PLEATS

These perfectly placed single front pleats are what give these pants a tailored, trouser-like look.


CRISP FABRIC WITH A SLIGHT DRAPE

This Tencel/Cotton twill fabric was the perfect choice to offer structure without feeling too stiff. I expect they will soften over time too and I’ve found that once steamed or pressed they aren’t terribly prone to wrinkles, however, expect some creasing.


TAILORED LOOK WITH COMFORT IN MIND

The waistband is smooth at the front and elasticated at the back (shown below) to give the appearance of a tailored pant, while offering the flexibility to fit as many waist to hip ratios as possible.

5 belt loops help your belt stay in place.


DISCRETE ZIPPER & POCKETS

Easy to pull on an off with a concealed zipper on the left side seam. This detail also makes for easy shirt tucking!

I love the deep side-access pockets that don’t add bulk but offer practicality.


FROM THE BACK

Power of My People has kept the back of these pants minimal and clean with no pockets and two simple darts to help the fabric fall smoothly across the seat.

These pants don’t “hug” your behind the way some trousers are inclined to. Instead the generous fit through the hip lets them elegantly skim your frame.


ONE THING I’D ADJUST

On me, the back seam tends to pop out below the waist band, ever so slightly. I’d love if that wasn’t the case and perhaps my tailor can adjust it.

This could be due to where the waistband sits on me, perhaps if worn lower the back would fall flat. However I felt this was worth noting in an effort to be entirely thorough.


There you have my notes on these incredible pants!

SHOP THE MAXIMALIST LONG PANT

Use LEE20 for 20% Off through December 23rd / Use STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off any time.


HOW I’M STYLING THIS LOOK FOR A WINTRY DAY



The Maximalist Pant layers over my leggings with ease and I’ve got a fitted scoop neck tee on under the Milliner Shirt. Warm socks slip into sleek black boots and with these critical insulation layers I’m set for super cold days.

Over top I’m wearing my wool, charcoal plaid London Coat, with an ivory sweater as a scarf (which can then be worn indoors as needed too). I’ve got a cozy pair of cozy ear muffs, knit gloves and my go-to cross body bag to finish the look!



See how I build this whole look in a new Reel going live tomorrow!



Use LEE20 for 20% Off at Power of My People

Discounut will auto-apply and is valid on all full-priced styles through December 23rd. Free Shipping on orders over $200 CAD.

Use STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off any time!


Thanks so much for tuning in folks!

I hope you enjoyed this review and it offers some things to consider should you be in the market for these types of garment. Feel free to share any questions you might have.

Wishing you a wonderful rest of your week and hopefully I’ll catch you with the Style Bee newsletter this Sunday (sign up here)!

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Robyn says:

    I love the pants. I’m 5’4 and have been experimenting with different leg shapes. So far I haven’t found fuller legs to be difficult to style. On occasion I do have them hemmed. The pants are mostly styled with boots that has a heel of around 1 3/4-2”. Fuller leg pants haven’t been in style for a while so that may be the reason it seems awkward now. When skinny pants came back in fashion I thought they looked awkward too.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks for tuning in and sharing your notes on wide leg pants Robyn! I agree that they’re not too tricky to style once you have the right shoes to pair them with. It’s always interesting to see how different silhouettes come and go isn’t it?

  2. Jen says:

    Hi, Lee. I just want to thank you for the beauty, positivity, and serenity you bring to this space and through it, to our lives. Thank you for sharing your style in such an honest and thoughtful way. Your work has helped me tremendously to come home to my own style, which in turn makes it easier for me to get out of my own way and be a positive presence to others. Just wanted to say thank you and send you some heartfelt positive vibes from California. Rock on.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thank you for such a kind and generous comment Jen! I love how you phrased it as “coming home” to your style. That’s exactly what I hope my work here is able to offer. The positivity was definitely felt and so appreciated! xo