I've talked a lot about how men are wearing brighter colours this year - and I've indulged myself with bright blue chinos, pocket squares and socks. I enjoy colour, but being bold with it probably comes more naturally to the younger man. With grey hairs comes a tendency towards the classic and conventional.
However, having pinned this image of a gent in red jeans on Pinterest (where I've been rediscovering a liking for red, see here) I spotted red trousers in several local shops. I now feel the need to recreate the look - navy blazer, red chinos and red pocket square.
The problem is I don't have the courage - should I take this bold step? There are some similarly red chinos in the M&S North Coast range. They're less than £20, so I wouldn't be making an expensive error if my nerve breaks and they remain unworn!
Note - this bright red is not to be confused with the pink/red colours of trousers in the Nantucket Reds family, discussed here in a previous post.
The trousers below are not quite the right bright pillar-box red, but they work with a blue blazer.
Red suit, anyone?
And some more -
I think red trousers should be reserved for those that have sailed across the atlantic.
ReplyDeleteThese would be known in American "preppy" circles as "Go To Hell" pants. (Yes, yes, I know -- we say "pants," you say "trousers.") : )
ReplyDeleteSee link to Brooks Brothers: http://blog.brooksbrothers.com/the-answers/how-to-wear-go-to-hell-pants/
I love the term 'go to hell' pants. It implies the self-confidence needed to wear bright red!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
GF.
I actually have a pair of dark red denim jeans that I bought...19 years ago. They are more of deep raspberry colour. I haven't worn them for the past 18 years and even though they got a lot of use in those younger days, they aren't faded and have a nice semi-worn semi-new look to them.
ReplyDeleteAssuming I can still fit comfortably into them, I could see myself wearing them now with a black and white checked (gingham) shirt and a tailored blazer, or a dark fitted, thin Merino sweater, which isn't how I would have worn them then, but can now.
Yes, go ahead and do it! I'm buying red clothes now, it's my favourite colour anyway.
ReplyDeleteI like the "go to hell" comment! As I ventured into colour last year I purchased green, blue and red chinos. I also have red cords from Cordings. Red is the perfect colour for middle age - as long as you tone down the rest of the outfit it makes a statement of confidence and individualism. I say rush out and get them now! Perhaps readers can all post to instagram their red trouser look?
ReplyDeleteIf you want a red suit how about this number from the great Vivienne Westwood from around 1990 - http://www.styleclicker.net/2011/07/07/the-peacock-male-exhibition-at-the-philadelphia-museum-of-art/
ReplyDeleteGrey Fox/David...
ReplyDeleteGetting to a certain age does not mean you have to now be an Old POOP. Hiding behind the premise that red is only for the "young" or "Americans" is a Cop Out. A lot of "Milk Toast" colored Traditional fashion is for the masses of people who want to blend in and really just hide. Wearing things that are colorful, or just different forces you to face your fears, if you have them, and either you do it or not. I think there is nothing worse than a person who goes through life wishing from the sidelines that they could do something, but because they don't/can't it makes them kind of miserable. It is better to crank up your nerve, and Just Do it. I have seen that the ones who Negatively Comment, really wish they could do it themselves, and kind of hate you for being able to do what they are afraid to do. A lot of personal growth is about facing your fears.
You David, now venturing into the fashion world, on some level want to experiment and let out someone or something inside, otherwise you would have not started this blog.
I expect to see you SOON sporting Red Pants on this blog. I say it's OK for You to do it!!! I have Bright red-orange pants for Winter and Bright Orange ones for Summer AND at 57 years old, I get a lot of positive comment for my colorful and imaginative way of dressing.
With apologies for the word in the middle of the website address, this link says it all for me and many others about red trousers - it's also a very amusing site to scroll through. It disproves the idea that just because a couple of people are pictured in The Sartorialist makes it acceptable...... The summary - just say "No"
ReplyDeletehttp://lookatmyfuckingredtrousers.blogspot.co.uk/
I bought the Indigo chinos from the North Coast range you refer to. At £19.50 they are the bargain of the summer. Great fit; perfect weight and very soft. I had also admired the red ones (but lacked the guts) but now reading this I think I'll go for it !
ReplyDeletePW
I think that coloured trousers always look better on someone else, never on me. I just don't have the confidence to pull it off. I do like the second pair down though.
ReplyDeleteRegards
David
Thank you, everyone, for the comments so far. There seems to be a majority in favour of giving it a go; an approach I agree with. I love the lookatmyfuckingredtrosers website and respect and am amused by its conclusion that red trousers are 'beyond the pale', however, it's a matter of personal style and it's up to you whether you can make them work for you. As ever, fit is important if they are to look right - baggy, ill-fitting trousers don't look good, whatever their colour.
ReplyDeleteGF.
By coincidence, I'm wearing red jeans while reading this article. I bought them in early January and they're fast becoming my favourites.
ReplyDeleteI had the usual comments from male friends that they are a bit loud but female friends all say that they like them. In a world where the default setting for men over 40 seems to be navy blazer & chinos they make a bit of a statement! They usually say that they are "fun" and young looking and, lets face it, none of us want to be considered old and boring.
Buy a cheap pair that fit you well and give it a go!
(Love the term " Go to Hell" pants - I might start using that)
Ciarán
Hi GF, I have a pair of red moleskins and love wearing them. As you say as long as you tone them down with a good jacket. I usually wear a lovely green check tweed jacket which has the red as part of the check.
ReplyDeleteGo for it! Be a devil!
Colin
Thanks Colin - sounds good, and an excellent idea to pick out the red in the tweed.
ReplyDeleteGF
I have a pair of red Levi's 501 jeans which I bought at least 15 years ago. And they still fit.
ReplyDeleteMy wife loves them, but I think everyone else thinks them a bit odd.
Still they do get worn regularly.