September 2007

There is a bit of a debate as to whether or not pants can be considered a trend in fashion. Were they around last season? Yes. The season before that? Yeppers. In fact, women have been wearing pants since the 1870s. During WWII women started wearing pants regularly for work and by the 1950s pants were a wardrobe staple. Moral of the brief history? Pants are here to stay, and trend or not, it’s worth investing in a fanny-tastic pair or two. Here’s how to wear the styles of the season.

French Connection

Wide leg pants require more substantial shoes. A shoe with a square or almond toe and a thicker heel will balance the leg. Avoid looking shapeless and frumpy by keeping your tops fitted, your jackets cropped and if you wear an overcoat make sure it has a defined waist.

Bloomingdales

Unless you’re a Balenciaga diehard or a Tokyo rock star (or both!), forget about wearing chunky heels with slim pants. Instead, choose a classic pump to maintain the streamline silhouette. Play around with volume on top with capelets and trapeze jackets or go très moderne with something tailored.

Banana Republic

Think of the men in you life. How many of them wear heels with their pants? Few to none is my bet. So if you’re stealing their pants, style wise, take that to heart and wear flats. Ballet flats will keep the look feminine.

Move over black- there’s a new shade in town. From dove to charcoal, grey stormed across fall runways. Think of this season as an opportunity to find your silver lining(s). Just be careful not to get lost in the fog.

Do you generally live in black? Then lighten up a smidge with charcoal! A salt and pepper tweed reads as dark grey, but secretly keeps you in a bit of black.

La Redoute

Are you a fan of white? A cool shift to platinum will keep you icy, pure and current. Pale grey is sleek, modern and striking in an overcoat.

Hue

Still not convinced by the new neutral? You can test the waters with grey tights. They’ll add a little ‘whut-whut’ to any outfit- even your black suit.