Spring 2012 - The pleated pant!

The following trend will probably make a lot of men (especially the old school corporate guys) feel as if they are the trendiest people now days. To be honest I'm not sure yet what i feel about the pleated pant, I'm still contemplating it as I'm typing this...on one hand it reminds me of everything i dont like about men's style like these mass produced suits with loose fit and pleated baggie pants (which gave a company like Bonobos a very successful business concept), and on the other hand these pants below from the last runway shows do look good! I guess it brings it back to the point that how you fit, wear and style a piece of clothing is what matters not just the details...Truth to be said is that these mass produced men's pants look baggie and unfaltering not because of the pleats but because of the fit, its big and boxy and the access fabric from the pleats just makes it worse...
Designers did show this season a lot of pants with a dropped crotch, a little slouchy (usually not in full length or just folded), and some wide leg pants as well that looked rich and summery especially in white or other bright shades.

Below: Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana

 Below: Hermes, Lanvin

 Below: Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Lauren

The Chino pants - why, what, and how to wear?

Shades of Grey on Revolve

This next item on the spring shopping list is been around as a staple in american style for a long time now but just like my previous spring recommendation- the Chambray shirt is being revived with a cooler, more fitted style and fit in the last couple of season which is why it made it to my spring list.
Backround - First of all, what's with the name? The name Chino  is the Spanish term for Chinese, and it refers to the cotton twill fabric that those pants are made out of which was made in China. Just like the Chambray fabric this fabric was originally used for military and work uniforms and was adopted by American style in the 20th century. Since it is mostly made in a khaki color and although it is being offered in a variety of other colors as well the chino is usually confused with khaki pant.
Why: As a cotton fabric the chino is a very comfortable and easy pants for spring, and can serve as a dressier style than for example Jeans and therfore can be used for a smart/ business casual dress code as well as for a relaxed weekend look.  

Fitted chino from Diesel at Bloomingdale's

Band of Outsiders

What to look for - For years the chino was typically done in the khaki color, mostly in a looser/baggier fit and with front darts (clearly everything a stylish guy should stay away from), but over the last couple of seasons with American style gaining popularity the style offerings have adjusted accordingly and the younger, sophisticated customer adopted the chino. A more fitted, tapered style was introduced ( Bonbons built a great business around that one specific concept), the color range expended to offer everything from subtle light grey to navy, army and all the way to brighter colors and even the jeans trends of casual worn/vintage look were adopted offering different washes and fabric treatments, all ending up making the classic chino a sleek and stylish item for every guy! So when you look for a chino most importantly look for a fitted style, no bagginess around the hips, no access fabric in the rise and the butt area and please no front darts! The leg shape is according to your preference, if you feel good with a skinny leg than go for it but as long as the hip and thigh areas ares fitted a straight leg or bootleg will do just as fine.   

Life after denim on Revolve

Shades of Grey on Revolve

How to wear - The diversity of the chino is a big advantage and is one of the main

Findings - Timo Weiland Tweed pant

Hair tweed pant by Timo Weiland

WHY: Winter is here making heavier warmer pant a necessity, and what better than tweed fabric to provide that. This fabric in this style has a vintage look somewhat of a 'grandfather pant' feel (when he was young and cool). The fit seems to be comfy and slouchy (especially with these pockets) although the leg is pretty fitted in the bottom. I love the way the pants are being worn in this photo with the folded hem and the those shoes, this look reminds me of the way we dressed in the 80's, i can see Morrissey wearing that back than.....
I would wear these pants with a slim white button down shirt and maybe a skinny tie or a fitted turtleneck sweater and a short motorcycle or bomber jacket. I feel that these kind of pants will look the best when they are paired with a top that shows the waist line because otherwise wearing a long or boxy jacket might make one look heavier than he actually is (unless it is a belted jacket).
INFO: 45% viscose 35% poly 10% wool 8% cotton 2% nylon, Made in China. Front and back pockets
WHERE: Forward by Revolve
PRICE: $297.00

Findings - Woolrich Woolen Mills ranger wool herringbone pant

Ranger wool herringbone pant from Woolrich Woolen Mills

WHY: With all being here and winter doing its way in fairly quick as well finding a great fitting wool pants is hard and actually the selection out there is not that big and is usually available in the classic colors of black, brown and grey.well.... Not anymore! These wool pants have it all, a slim fit that is tight around the waist and hips with a slim leg allowing them look dressed up or down if needed, great detailing such as the small right flap pocket in the front and the back pockets, the waist is higher in the back adding vintage sophistication and on top of it all a great pattern such as the herringbone in a dark blue color! i couldn't ask for more than that from a  winter pants! Pair  these pants with suspenders and a nice fitted cardigan and desert boots and you are all game!

INFO: 100% Wool, 100% Acetate Lining, Made in the USA 
PRICE: $271.00
WHERE: Contextclothing.com