Retro Menswear Look - Ralph Lauren Fall 2012

I really love the retro 1920's inspired menswear look from the Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 line.  Take a look at a few of my favorite outfits.  The details are so interesting.  This has definitely inspired my next photo shoot.

 

Photos via style.com

Wide Leg Pants

I recently did a post about new trends in pants, specifically the 70's flare and the wide leg.  Here is a photo from shoot I did using some fabulous wide leg pants.  The outfit includes a bodice fitting scoop neck vest, a silky herringbone print blouse, a chain and leather belt, strappy platforms, square face watch, and a chunky gold bangle...a wonderful menswear look with a very feminine touch.    

Photos by Dirk Olsen.

Great Pants for Fall

It's great to see the wonderful selection of pants that are availalble this season:  trousers, flares, peg leg, harem, cigarette, paper bag waist, etc.  There is something for everyone.  Here are a few photos of my two favorite pant looks:  the menswear trouser and the slight flare.

The slight flare (reminiscent of the 70's) is fitted in the hips and thighs and then gradually flares below the knee.  It is especially flattering on curvy figures as it balances out the hip area.  Avoid pants that are too tight.  A good fitting pant should have a 1" leeway in the thigh area. 

The menswear trouser (made popular in the 1940's by Katherine Hepburn) provides a little extra room for those with ample hips and thighs.  But make sure they fit well in the rear with not too much extra material in the upper thigh area.  If you are petite (under 5'4") avoid pants that are too loose, have too large a flare, or pants with a cuff.  Think proportion.   

Pair your menswear trousers with feminine, silky blouses (tucked in) and a heeled shoe or boot.  With your flares, try sleek simple tops or sweaters, depending on your build, and platforms or a heeled shoes to create a long, lean line.  With both looks, you definitely need some form of waist definition.