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The big
news this season is C-O-L-O-R, and, in a surprising
twist, pants are getting doused in it.
Bold
colored jeans and corduroys in knock-your-socks-off
shades like cobalt blue, ruby red and deep purple are
proving to be a cheery, chic option for the dreary
months ahead.
Companies
such as Joe’s Jeans have gone all-out embracing the
color movement. In September, the brand added a whopping
55 new hues to the collection. Why? Creative director
and founder Joe Dahan says it’s “artistic expression
— we felt we had to give it as much freedom as
possible.” Joe’s top seller is called chili pepper
(a strong off-red), but you name it, they’ve got it.
At the
Gap, denims in electric blue, watermelon pink and kelly
green are big this fall, says Rosella Giuliani, creative
director of 1969, the company’s premium jeans
division. For the holidays, cords in jewel tones such as
aubergine and teal will be introduced. “Color is
important because it reflects optimism and embraces an
easy, casual American style which is at the core of our
brand,” Giuliani says.
But
despite the mega trend, some of us are having trouble
casting aside our old standby blues and blacks. It’s
alien territory — too young, too skinny, too too.
But
listen up … virtually anyone can wear the look. First,
you have to get over the fear factor, says Maureen
Moser, co-owner of Entrée Boutique in Port Washington,
N.Y., where five brands of bold-colored jeans are sold.
“Women are initially gun-shy,” she says. “They
think the look is only for teenagers.” Moser
encourages trying on. “Customers come out of the
dressing room, and they can’t believe how great they
look.”
Warning:
You can make mistakes when wearing brightly colored
pants. Zana Roberts Rassi, Marie Claire magazine’s
fashion director, says: “Style them and choose
silhouettes as you would a regular jean or your favorite
black pant.” Meaning? “If you haven’t got the
longest, skinniest legs, think about a wide-leg pant or
a flair — that’s the quickest cut to a
longer-looking leg.”
Maureen
Moser, co-owner of Port Washington boutique Entrée,
adds, “You have to find the right fit.” Curvier
women should look for a higher rise and fuller hip.
And be
mindful of what you’re wearing on top. “The whole
thing is about balance,” says Moser, who recommends
longer tunic tops in neutral colors.
And watch
out for too much, Rassi says. “It’s a nice thought
that we could all walk around doing massive bright color
blocks, but then you might look like a Rubik’s
cube.”
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