Gauchos: A Cautionary Tale

Photo Courtesy of Paperblog

Gauchos were modeled so much during the Spring and Pre-Fall 2014 runway shows that I began to wonder if designers odd attraction to them was their way of winking at us. Are gauchos a gauntlet that designers are throwing down in an attempt to determine how we can make them translate to real world wear? Wearing gauchos can be dicey. I, normally, have strong opinions about fashion but gauchos have me on the fence. I confess, I am a tad wishy washy about them. I still don’t know for certain, although I have been thinking about it quite a lot lately, whether I can envision myself wearing them. I am just not sure how they will fit into my world. Before I invest in a trend whether it is a fresh trend or a recycled trend I always consider the following:

• Can I make the trend work with classic pieces in my current wardrobe?
• Does the trend suit my figure? 
•  Is the trend a reflection of who I am?

If I can not answer all of the above questions to my satisfaction I don’t move forward with a purchase. I have not become engaged to gauchos because I can not quite answer yes to that final question. Note:  Proenza Schouler Pre-Fall 2014 RTW Photos; Courtesy of Style.com.

I get a lot of my inspiration, for those of you that are new followers to my blog, from an exploration of history. This time, it’s a little different for me. Unlike some of the garments I have made the basis of my blog posts I am actually familiar with the retread factor of gauchos. I wore them during my childhood when my taste was less discriminating since my mother had control over my wardrobe. I may not be sure about them but I respect them. After all, I have to give props to a garment that has the reputation of reappearing almost every decade. They conquered the 70s, made a brief resurgence in the 90s and have slowly strolled back into the current fashion climate. Gauchos have staying power.

Photos Courtesy of Fashionista.com

8 Observations About Gauchos:

I am not ready to commit to them again; however, if you are, whether it is for the first time or second or so on, I offer to you my observations.

1.      They can give the figure a bottom-heavy appearance so proceed with caution.

2.      The length can be a problem for the petite.

3.      Try them on before you buy a pair for the reasons above.

4.      They pair best with fitted, tailored tops because of the flare-leg.

5.      Whatever you wear on top make sure your waist is defined: Wear a defined-waist top or create a defined waist by belting your top

6.      They look fantastic with boots; particularly, flat-heel boots.

7.      When in doubt, partner them with pieces, with which you would wear a full skirt.

8.      Do your own thing: Using the runway for inspiration is great but from what I have seen in a variety of collections from Derek Lam to Alexander Wang, runway styling is not necessarily realistic when it comes to practicality

I believe the reason I can not currently commit to gauchos is because by their very nature they are slightly confusing. They are, to me, pants with no identity. I have asked myself many times, “What are they?

• Palazzo pants with a shorter hemline?

• Wide-leg capri pants?

No gauchos for me right now. They have always been a puzzle to me.

What do you think of gauchos? I would love to hear from you.

Related Stories:

The Keep, 2014 Trends You'll Actually Wear 

Elle, Get Ready to Wear Gaucho Pants

Black Ivory Style, The Culottes Trend

 

I hope you take a look at my latest Keaton Row Lookbook, Feeling the Blues.

I am available at sharon_pate@att.net for questions or inquiries.