I have a complicated relationship with Tatler magazine, the British magazine that breathlessly chronicles the latest goings-on of the royals, high society, and well-heeled wanna-be’s.
On the one hand, they have published some interesting articles on how to raise children in an affluent environment, estate planning, and other more grounded subject matter. On the other hand, I think most people can live without knowing who the florist was some high society mixer celebrating someone’s latest tell-all book.
All in all, the publication makes high school look like a meeting of the Academie Francaise.
Mixed emotions aside, I do need them to make up their minds about red pants. In one wafer-thin post, they ponder the psyche of those of us who favor red pants. See here.
Then, in another article, they condemn those who wear red pants as fashion barbarians. See here.
Of course, they’ve chosen photos of the worst examples of people wearing red pants to accompany their verbal lashing. But the photos are hardly good examples of bad red pants. They’re often red suits. (Why a red suit? one might ask. Don’t ask me. I have no idea.) The late Nancy Reagan gets a pass. She looked elegant in her red pantsuit.
As with many things sartorial, the secret lies not as much as what you wear as how you wear it. Red pants worn by men are best worn with a navy blazer and white dress shirt. This goes for Nantucket reds as well, even though they are more peach colored than red. I wouldn’t wear red pants too tight, either. It’s just not the best look for some reason. Brown loafers seem to work best with red pants.
For women, red pants simply need to be of good quality, cut in a classic style, and they need to fit properly. They also need to be worn at the appropriate occasion. Garden party, yes. Memorial service, no.
Heels are probably the best shoe. A white or navy blouse or jacket will probably compliment the red pants well. And remember that the red pants are probably the star of the show, ensemble-wise, so don’t throw on an orange scarf to go with them.
What’s been your experience with red pants? I’m anxious to hear.
Thanks.
- BGT