Spring Forward with New Pants...

If you are like me, then you have a difficult time finding pants that fit right. As my personal trainer says, (yes, I do have one) I have no hips. Which necessarily isn’t a bad thing, considering I don’t wear a bra and don’t want to bear a child; but when you have absolutely nothing holding your pants up, it can be a challenge. (I’ve only recently begun to feel comfortable tucking my shirts in and going out without a jacket. But I digress) But enough about me. I know that for 90% of the population, it is quite easy to go inside a store, find a shirt or sweater that you like and have no problem picking it out. Pants on the other hand, are not that easy. It’s all about fit, and finding that perfect fit is time consuming and takes thought.
Women have it a bit easier, as there are a multitude of styles and varieties. Did I mention skirts as well?
For us gents, it’s not, and most men stick with jeans. (And that ain’t always that pretty. Please stop with the pocket detailing, uber-skinny fits and dad jeans. Again, I digress)
So now that Spring has officially sprung in Vancouver, I urge men to try other options that aren’t denim. Two great options are chinos and cargo pants.
1) Chinos are effortlessly cool and classic. Nothing better than a man wearing a simple white t, chinos and sunglasses (next post will delve into sunglasses…). But how do you put it forward into 2011? Try colored chinos. Try something in a navy blue, green or if you are truly adventurous, pink. If you do go for color, make sure to balance it out with a neutral polo, gingham shirt, or understated shirt and tie combo. You don’t want to have two colors that are clashing. And please stay away from fire hydrant red pants or florescent anything. Make sure that they are slim and tapered, and not baggy – but not skinny. Also, the length should just hit your shoes so that you show a bit of skin when walking in action. It’s all about keeping a streamlined look that is modern and current. (Try Zara, H&M, Club Monaco, Tommy Hilfiger – pretty much anywhere that sells pants will have these)
2) Cargo pants. Yes, cargo pants. I know it isn’t 2001, but these are making a huge comeback and are fantastic. If you have extra weight in your legs this is something you should try to avoid, but if you are slim and trim, go ahead and give these a try. I love the juxtaposition of slim cargo pants with a braided belt, white shirt and blazer. The ones below are from Armani Exchange (sometimes you can find gems in a store that seems to be targeted to Jersey Shore aficionados) and from experience, fit perfectly. You can also find great ones at French Connection.
Bottom line – yes, it takes time to find pants that look great, but get out there and do it. Your legs and junk in the trunk will thank you. And with Spring here, try to give your jeans a rest (Unless they are white)

About these ads