Introduction
I can only apologise to those of you that think I’m looking a little too far forward here, but the fact remains that, at least in the retail world, seasons are a-changing. I can already hear the jingle jingle of Christmas decorations. Following on from my initial guide to preparing for the transitional season, and subsequent advocating of lightweight knitwear as an essential addition to your wardrobe, today we turn our attention to legwear. Tailored transitional trousers are set to become a huge trend this season, so it’s worth getting in early. This awkward time of the year is great for thinking ahead and planning your wardrobe evolution, so let?s make the most of what retailers are currently offering, even if it still feels like summer.
What Is A Transitional Trouser?
You’ve seen them before and we’ve discussed them on FashionBeans before – I’ve just given them a more overarching name for the sake of easy discussion. Think heavy gauge wool, flannel, tweed, corduroy and moleskin trousers; essentially, anything that feels a bit more substantial than the lightweight cotton and linen examples of summer. These heavyweight trousers are fantastic for this time of year because they are cool enough to wear as daytime temperatures dip slightly, offer an additional layer of insulation during the colder evenings, and are versatile enough to be dressed down with a simple shirt or polo. They straddle the line between smart and casual perfectly, providing the structure and shape needed to work with formal wear but the texture and colour that lets you just as easily combine them with a tee and a pair of desert boots at the weekend. When everyone around you is wearing jeans or chinos, a pair of tailored trousers can be just the thing to set you apart, even in their most basic colour ways and textures. They bring an edge to an outfit that the aforementioned don’t, simply by being a more fashion forward choice, and are just as easy to wear, too.
Heavyweight Tailored Trousers
Heavier weight trousers come in all different shapes, sizes, colours and textures, so your first task is to decide exactly what role you want them to perform. Do they need to be smart? Will they be a statement piece? When are you going to wear them? By far the most versatile style is a pair of clean cut, slim-fit grey, navy or brown wool trousers. Sticking to timeless colours enables you pair them with almost anything else in your wardrobe and will ensure they blend in seamlessly with the rest of your overall style. Opting for something a little more restrained also gives you the chance to test the waters and see how well they suit your look, before you take it to the next level with a coloured or patterned pair.
Tailored Trousers Lookbook
Outfit Inspiration
Pair some plain, textured trousers with a simple sweater for an easy twist on a classic combination (substituting for your jeans/chinos) that will definitely set you apart. By creating a clash of aesthetics you can produce an outfit that is classically stylish yet has a forward thinking edge – something we often lose in our desire for consistent dressing. A pair of light desert boots or white trainers will finish this outfit off with a touch of preppy flair, producing a laid-back, comfortable, everyday look. Tousle your hair, throw on some shades and just relax:
- Shore Leave Burgundy Nepped Sweatshirt
- Gucci Riding Plaid Wool And Cashmere-blend Trousers
- Fendi Prince Of Wales Check Tailored Trousers 162938
Final Word
Heavyweight trousers are a superb transitional piece that will serve you well through both autumn and winter. Offering the perfect blend of style and statement, something as simple as an alternative texture or colour can help transform your existing looks and take your outfits up a notch this year. Don’t be afraid to try something a bit different. Whether you opt for a rich autumnal coloured pair or a subtle plaid/herringbone pattern, you’d be surprised at just how versatile they are and how effortlessly they slot into your existing wardrobe. Make sure you let me know your thoughts on the transitional trouser in the comments section below. Will
