Sleek Trousers: The New Cocktail Dress
Posted: Saturday, November 20, 2010
by Lakeysha Marie
BeautyBodyStyle
It was said that the only thing constant in life is change and thus began our never ending struggle to prevent or accept it. I suppose working in the ever evolving world of fashion has made it a little easier for me to accept it than for most. On countless occasions I have marveled at how dramatically a new outfit or a fresh hairstyle can alter a woman's appearance, and skyrocket her level of confidence with the pluck of a brow.
Armed with this nostalgic style philosophy that some would deem reckless, I began flipping through the trend reports only to discover that the top trend for autumn and winter 2010-11 is in fact an old favorite. A little more sophisticated than the hoodie, but a classic nonetheless. And might I add, wearable?
For the fall/winter 2010-11 season, models glided down the runway in elegant, simple trousers evoking a sigh of relief from both fashion experts and novices alike. It was a welcome shift from an industry exhausted by the past season's skinny jeans, harem pants and tricky jumpsuits.
"While finding the perfect pant can be a time-consuming and sometimes exhausting process, one style that never seems to disappoint is the trouser." says stylist Rachel Zoe. Do I agree? Whole heartedly.
Salvatore Ferragamo treated onlookers to the perfect marriage of style and sensibility with fluid wide-leg trousers, while Emilio Pucci unveiled sleek tailored pants that fell into a subtle flare at the hemline.
Perhaps the most appreciated element of this trend is the wearability factor. Full figures benefit from the clean lines of the pant-leg as it smoothes over full hips and thighs. At the same time, the fit and flare trousers as seen at Balmain accentuate lean hips and dramatically lengthens the leg-line.
So, how do you wear this minimalist trend and get the look of fuss-free glamour? Read on for our tips, tricks and product picks for this season's trouser trend.
Balancing Act. Wearing an outfit that has volume on both the top and bottom will visually add width to your appearance. To avoid unwanted bulk, wide-leg trousers and flared pants are best balanced with sleek, fitted tops. Fail-safe options include tailored blouses, v-necks, wrap styles and fitted tees. Stay cozy this fall and minimize the fabric bulk by selecting fine gauge knit tops to wear with this trouser style.
Vertical Height. The width of a wide-leg or flared pant can visually detract from your vertical height. This is a common dilemma encountered by women who are petite. A simple solution is to visually balance the width of the pant-leg with a pair of heels. Even a kitten heel at minimum will lengthen the body line and keep hemlines from dragging along the ground and picking up debris.
Details. Polish off chic trousers by pairing them with the right outerwear. We all love a cute puffa coat, but let's face it - arriving to a party looking sister to the Michelin man may impede your social progress. Expect to see fall's stylish slacks topped off with tailored A-line coats, fitted blazers, pea coats and of course the season's must-have shearling jacket. From work to play, the clean lines of these designs bring a polished finish to almost any look.
Final thoughts? When it comes to wearing this fall's trouser trends, stay true to the style: basic, clean lines; good fabric drape; and a smart pair of heels.
And about that change thing? Embrace it. Always treat the world as your personal runway remembering to update it with beautiful new collections along the way, and never forgetting to keep a cozy hoodie for your rainy days.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Basic, clean lines, elegant and simply classic - that's my idea of style!Well said! I love my skinny jeans, but a bit of breathing room is always good :)!
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