Jade: Burgundy Pants & Fall Trend-Spotting

November 13, 2011  |  Individuals, Streetstyle, Trends, Wicker Park
Jade
Burgundy pants are a huge trend this fall. When I was at the Gap design HQ I was allowed to pick one pair of pants, and I chose a pair of corduroys in exactly the same shade as Jade’s pants. The great thing about this color is that it works in an outfit similar to a navy blue. Like a dark blue or black, burgundy or bordeaux can be paired with a wide range of colors. Its jewel-tone nature brings a strong sense of autumn into any look and works especially well next to pumpkin, golden yellow, chestnut brown. The Gap designers told us that this would be one of the strongest colors of the season. They were right because I’ve been seeing it all over the streets. If you haven’t picked up a pair of purple pants, it’s about time you do!
Here are some great pairs I edited from a variety of online retailers:
1. Alice & Olivia, Wide-Leg Burgundy Jersey Pants, $198
2.  Free People, Burgundy Cable Knit Legging, $58
3. Gap, Purple Tuxedo Pants, $15
4. 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tapered Silk-Crepe Pants, $425
And let’s not forget the most eco-conscious option, which is to go thrifting or to a consignment shop to find a recycled pair of burgundy pants. This is what I advised my close friend Maryhelen to do while we were shopping this weekend. She bought the most amazing multicolored woven sweater from Anthropologie but was reluctant to spend $100 on the purple corduroys that looked perfect with it in the dressing room.

Since the 1970s, clothing manufacturers have been producing purple pants in a variety of cuts. If you’re diligent and have the patience for thrifting, Etsy-ing, or eBay-ing, you can find a great pair in excellent condition and for much less than a brand new pair. You might want to consider buying a bigger pair of pants, and then taking them to a tailor to have them custom-fitted to your body shape. It’s a double-whammy; you not only get a perfectly contoured pair of on-trend pants for a fraction of the price, but you get an incredible sense of reward from “the hunt.”

Hit me up on Twitter, @ChiStreetStyle, or on my Facebook Page wall to let me and the other readers know if you were able to find a pair. I’d love to hear about your treasure-hunting!

Jackie, Lumberjack Plaid

October 29, 2011  |  Gold Coast, Individuals, Streetstyle, Trends
Jackie Amy
What could be more perfect (and chic) for cold weather than a red plaid print reminiscent of a lumberjack? You see, this trend only works if you’re a girl. It’s all about flipping the scripts.

Cuffed & Camoflauged at Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center 1
I realize I often neglect men’s fashion in favor of women’s. I have to admit, I’m clearly biased in favor of the girls. One might even say prejudiced, but the first step is always to admit there’s a problem, right? I can’t help that I think men’s fashion is, well, boring. Sorry guys. I’m learning to appreciate the subtleties thanks to the boys over at MidweStyle.

This dapper young gentleman has elevated the cuffed pants trend to new heights. With these stylish jeans, the inside is as important as the outside. If you know which clever designer produced these pants, tweet at me (@ChiStreetStyle) so I can add it to the post.