It’s no secret that cotton gauze is my favorite material for summer, specifically Gap’s Crinkle Gauze Wide-Leg Pants that I found earlier this year.
I reviewed these pants back in April after falling head over heels for them, discussing why they’re perfect for summer (and wear, pack and travel better than linen), and now here I am, a couple of months later, reaching for them every single week.
I simply can’t stop wearing Gap’s Crinkle Gauze pants.
Cotton gauze is NOT all created equal. Depending on what you buy, the fabric can be plush and almost luxurious, or thin and a bit scratchy. It could fall apart after one wash, or get even better with continuous wear. Thankfully, Gap’s Crinkle Gauze Wide-Leg Pants are not only some of the softest on the market, but also have washed up very well!
These pants are long — I’m talking really long (if you’re tall, seriously, RUN to these), with a significantly high rise. I’m just under 5’10” and am wearing my true size, medium, in the tall inseam. You’ll notice I could’ve easily stuck with the regular inseam, but I’ve personally been loving the extra fabric.
From sweaters to cropped tanks and loafers to ballet flats, here are nine ways I’ve been wearing Gap’s cotton-gauze pants — they’re always such an easy, comfortable grab.
1. With The Matching Cotton-Gauze Button-Up + Puffy Sandals
pants (M, tall) | top (M) | sandals | similar bag
Gap recently released the Crinkle Gauze Big Shirt in colors to match the pants (even the straight-leg version of the pants and Crinkle Gauze shorts), and I immediately snapped it up.
This button-up is just as I’d hoped: same gloriously soft fabric as the pants, and with a very modern shape that’s really easy to wear and style (which surprised me, because Gap’s 100% Organic Cotton Big Shirt has been more difficult for me to wear).
Note: I’ve also tried the Crinkle Gauze Weekend Tunic, which turned out to be made from a rougher material, feeling very similar to linen. So, I was elated to see Gap release this button-up shirt in the exact same fabric as the pants. When wearing the matching set, it’s like being cozied up in a blanket!
2. With A Cozy Sweater + Birkenstock Clogs (Just Add A Coffee Shop)
pants (M, tall) | sweater (L) | shoes
Living along the shore, cooler weather is inevitable. I’m always keeping a stack of cozy sweaters for quick grabs in the summertime, and this cashmere cardigan from Reformation is especially cozy to throw on with Gap’s Crinkle Gauze pants (I’ve been drooling over that blue color). Maybe the best part of Gap’s gauze pants is the waistband — it’s comfortable for all-day wear but thick enough to keep sweaters half tucked inside.
This is also the type of outfit I would keep on hand the years I lived in a hot Northern California valley town and worked from inside coffee shops — which were, naturally, blasting the AC day and night. I would simply keep a tank on underneath when it came time to drive home!
P.S. This cardigan is just as cute worn open as it is buttoned up.
3. With A Crochet Top + Ballet Flats
pants (M, tall) | similar vest — this vest is cute too | flats | bag
Crochet vests are a hot buy this summer, meaning they sell fast. I love how the texture of crochet and open-stitch sweaters adds dimension to outfits, and it’s an easy way to make Gap’s wide-leg pants feel a little more chic. Everlane makes a beautiful crochet tank in solid colors, as does Banana Republic, that would be equally as cute worn with the Crinkle Gauze pants.
4. With A Swimsuit For The Perfect Cover-Up
pants (M, tall) | swimsuit (L) | sandals | bag
The easiest way to wear Gap’s Crinkle Gauze pants? Thrown over a swimsuit. The pants are phenonemal for the beach, and I imagine just as good for the pool or a cruise (omg these would be good for a cruise!!). I’m not above wearing this look out for an everyday outfit, even if not headed to the beach (especially with a swimsuit as good as my fave from Gap).
5. With An Open Button-Up Shirt + A Cropped Tank Top
pants (M, tall) | button-up (M) | tank (L) | sandals
Easily my most-worn look with Gap’s cotton-gauze pants: A button-up shirt worn open over a tank is my staple. Free People’s Double Cloth Buttondown is my most favorite article of cotton-gauze clothing I’ve ever tried on, purchased or seen online (it’s a top fave item in my entire wardrobe too). Not only is the top cut in my favorite oversized silhouette, but it’s also softer than any other cotton gauze I’ve tried (softer than these pants!). The price is an investment, but it’s been worth every penny.
6. With A Graphic Tee & Dad Sneakers (AKA Park-Ready)
pants (M, tall) | similar graphic tees | sneakers | similar diaper bag
I’ve worn this exact outfit to both the park and zoo with my kiddo. I love how dad sneakers look with longer, lightweight pants, and when you top it off with a lived-in graphic tee you can go for miles in this outfit. My exact graphic is sold out, but the Abercrombie & Fitch men’s section is my favorite place to shop for graphic tees and sweatshirts (I prefer a large). They are so dang soft and have the best graphics!
7. With A Fitted Bodysuit + Chunky Loafers
pants (M, tall) | bodysuit (L/XL) | loafers | bag
I don’t often wear fitted tops alone (without something thrown over it), but I love how the almost-paperbag-style waistband on Gap’s wide-leg pants looks with a slim top tucked into it. This would work for any fitted top, but bodysuits are my favorite for that seamless look.
SKIMS makes the best bodysuits in the game. I haven’t found another bodysuit that’s equally flattering and comfortable (the snap closure in the crotch area will make or break a bodysuit). I feel so confident when I wear them, and they don’t require a bra.
8. With A Linen Top + Strappy Sandals
pants (M, tall) | button-up (M) | tank (L) | sandals | similar bag
Mixing linen and cotton gauze is a summer duo I think every closet needs. Gap has stellar linen boyfriend shirts, and even though I opted for a neutral, the color options for summer are ridiculously good. Let’s also not forget Gap’s shoes. Every now and then I take a peek at the latest selection, and these strappy sandals have been a pleasant addition to my warm-weather wardrobe!
9. With An Oversized Hoodie For Summer Evenings
pants (M, tall) | hoodie (L) — this one is incredibly similar| sandals
Just finished a day on the lake? Did a storm roll in and the temperatures dropped along with it? Do you like to crank your AC? All good reasons to cuddle up with Gap’s Crinkle Gauze pants topped with a luxurious hoodie (and some good books, of course). My fave knit sweatshirt is from Jenni Kayne, but Quince makes a phenomenal alternative that makes it hard to spot the differences. Just grab your fave summer drink and settle in.
xx,
Amy
Let’s be friends on Instagram! Sharing life from a California beach town, daily style & beauty faves, and never-ending Gilmore Girl binge-athons — all with a good dose of adorable toddler content too.
