Stimuli

The term “fashionable dress” has endured much change over the centuries—evolving with current trends, tastes, and technology. Unfortunately, these modifications have brought with them rules to which society has come to hold true and avoid when putting together outfits. The truth is that many of these rules are myths. They are sayings your mother told you when you bought your first suit, or styles you saw your grandfather wear that you swore you would never repeat. True, there are some looks that should remain in the past (think mullets and acid wash jeans), but others, looks condemned by the almighty rules, that should get another chance when worn correctly.

Over the next couple weeks, I’ll outline a few of these fashion myths and explain the correct way to wear these pieces. Up this week: pleated pants and colourful socks.

Fashion Myth #1: Don’t wear pleated pants

The pleated pant has long been a way for shorter men to elongate their frame by creating a vertical visual line from head to toe. Sadly, the years of over-pleating and un-tailored styles of this type of pant, mainly throughout the eighties, has given them a bad rap and deemed them unfashionable. The good news is there is a way to wear pleats without looking like a frumpy banker; the trick is to think streamlined. A proper fitting pleated pant that sits at the waist and doesn’t bunch around your shoes will create the illusion of length many seek.


Fashion Myth #2: Serious men don’t wear colourful socks

Business sock are not a huge fashion decision for most men. It is a simple choice between black, grey, or brown. But, what if business socks didn’t have to be so boring? What if, amongst the sea of black and navy suits, you could interject your own style and personality without loosing your credibility? For work, the key is not to go overboard. Find a sock that compliments your outfit and stick to simple patterns of one or two colours—you don’t want to distract people when they catch a glimpse of your hemline. Outside the office, show your quirkiness with a bold print or colour. Give it a try, if anything, it’ll put an extra bounce in your step.

More fashion myths uncovered in a couple weeks. Stay tuned!

by Tanya Colledge
Stimuli Magazine Contributor

Photo Credits:
Rawshoes.wordpress.com
freelancersfashion.blogspot.com