We regularly receive comments from readers asking us for advice on how to wear clothes that are a little stronger, more daring than what they are used to.
This time, we are going to talk about a colorful dress pants from the Pini Parma brand:
Baptiste's question is specifically about wedding outfits and we're going to talk about that.
I would like to broaden his question to give advice on how to wear these pants in everyday outfits, outside of weddings.
You saw it on the thumbnail photo. Here are the pants in question:
Available here
I am sharing with you my step-by-step approach to understanding clothing and being able to wear it well.
Analysis: Why is this a strong piece?
1. Color
This is what immediately strikes you.
The brand calls this color cognac: a brown with orange hues.
The color is rather light without being too bright or flashy.
The color is a bit more orange than that...
...but not to this extent either
Anyway, it's a rather strong color, not common in the men's wardrobe.
In addition, it is a pair of pants, that is to say a fairly visible garment that cannot really be hidden , unlike a t-shirt or a sweater over which you can place a jacket or a more neutral colored jacket to calm things down.
So unless you wear a long, closed coat, these pants are visible and attract attention.
2. The belt
The other thing that makes these pants stronger than others is their belting.
This is a double-breasted belt with tightening tabs . Rather rare, it is also a fairly wide belt , which is more imposing than a classic belt.
A bold belt
A more sober and discreet belt at Scavini
Style tips
1. The right style register
These are sartorial-inspired pants.
It is therefore natural to gravitate towards this style , which is relatively dressy but not necessarily austere.
Here is a list of pieces that will be your allies with these pants:
- Blazer
- Mesh jacket
- Lightly dressed military-inspired jackets
- Shirts, including popovers and polo shirts
- All types of city shoes, from loafers to buckle shoes, derbies, why not chukkas too
To illustrate on military inspired jackets, two examples of pieces that would go perfectly with these pants :
Saharan Suitsupply
Jungle Jacket Informal
To go further, we can also think about more casual clothing
- Knitted sweater
- Cardigan
- T-shirt
- Polo
- Sleek sneakers
- Espadrilles
Rather simple espadrilles like these Velasca will go with these pants.
I am a little less convinced by a sweatshirt, a hoodie or running shoes that are perhaps a little too sportswear- related. We can find exceptions but it is not towards this universe that I would head first with such pants.
2. The right colors
The first colors that come to mind are:
- White and its derivatives : ecru, cream
- Light browns : light beige, taupe, sand, khaki
Rather light but neutral colors , like the brand's look, to contrast sufficiently with the pants and support a spring/summer atmosphere.
Draw at will. Source
We can of course go further and mention:
- The classic blue and gray
- A touch of green is welcome with any garment containing brown.
On the other hand, I would avoid:
- Other bright colors to avoid saturating the outfit. I'm thinking of mustard yellow for example.
- Red and its derivatives (burgundy, wine lees), which I don't find very happy with this orange-brown
3. Don't hesitate to tuck the top into the pants
With dress pants, especially those with a detailed belt, I find it appropriate to wear the top tucked into the pants , whether it's a shirt but also a polo shirt, a t-shirt or a sweater.
Indeed, even if you can wear the top outside the pants, it's still a bit of a shame to hide the beautiful closure.
Outfit suggestions
I have put together five outfits for you: two dressy ones that will be suitable for a wedding and three casual ones.
1. Tie but not stiff
Shibumi Firenze tie jacket , Morjas brogues
A harmonious outfit through the use of light and natural colors that complement and complement each other.
The sky blue of the shirt is neutral and goes well with the cognac of the pants.
The sand-coloured suede brogues are a perfect continuation of the trousers : they are in the same colour range but there is enough contrast. so that the two are clearly distinguished.
The jacket is chosen in a light colour in order to create a monochrome look with the trousers and shoes.
For the tie, I imagined it green and in shantung silk, a textured material.
I found my happiness at Shibumi Firenze with this beautiful olive green.
You will notice that the beige stripes discreetly recall the shoes and the white stripes the jacket.
The loop is closed.
2. An unexpected twist
Meermin Moccasin Shirt
For this second dressy outfit suggestion, I made it a little simpler.
I start with a white linen shirt with an open Italian collar , which I complete with a textured blue jacket in a light fabric .
The touch of originality is on the shoes: they are green leather moccasins . I really like the shade, dark but not too much.
This allows you to have something other than brown. Plus, green is a color that goes well with all the other colors in the outfit.
3. Simple and effective
Artisan Lab sneaker bandana sweater
Casual, risk-free attire.
I recommend wearing the navy blue sweater tucked into the pants to show off the belt.
I didn't choose white sneakers but ecru ones . I find this color interesting because it's soft on the eye.
The small beige Japanese cotton bandana is welcome in this rather basic outfit.
4. It smells like summer!
Corridor NYC shirt , Velasca espadrilles
I wanted to put on a shirt with a Cuban collar and long sleeves.
This open collar works well with the sartorial spirit of the pants. The check is quite flashy here but does not shock because there are no other patterns in the outfit. The base is a beautiful yellowed ecru: another fairly natural color.
The white t-shirt is here so that its collar protrudes slightly from the shirt.
Finally, I chose espadrilles, a bit in the spirit of the brand's shooting.
I wondered about the color: green would be perfect here, as well as beige. I'm going for a rather dark brown to create a contrast:
- At the top, the t-shirt and the shirt are light
- In the middle, the pants which are of intermediate color
- Below, the shoes are dark
5. Mixing styles
T-shirt Saharienne sneakers Reproduction of Found
The initial idea was to use a military-inspired jacket, hence this olive green belted safari jacket.
I wear it with a t-shirt that is not white but oatmeal , a color that is rarely seen but is very interesting. It is a slightly yellowed ecru dotted with light gray speckles.
It’s a change from the white and ecru t-shirt.
On my feet, I'm thinking of navy blue sneakers . I particularly like the shape of these. They are inspired by military sneakers, which brings them closer to the jacket.
