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Monday, January 13, 2014

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:

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.







13 comments:

  1. wow.. great post….

    DinaBella
    http://dina-bella.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-golden-globe-awards.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. i'm not a fan of the trousers, they look a bit unflattering,

    www.myladyboudoir.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  3. you made a very good point on your observations about Gauchos! Great blog!
    Thanks for dropping by!

    XO,
    theclasuallook.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think they are quite selective, are models that can not look anyone!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I myself LOVE gauchos!! i recently posted an outfit wearing them and they are surprisingly comfortable!

    www.thestylebender.com

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  6. The gaucho is definitely a trend I'm going to pass. They don't appeal to me. However, thank you for the in depth look!
    xo
    Tiffy
    Blog: CuteLA.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I can't say that I am a huge fan of this trend as cropped flared trousers don't suit my shape. I'm quite short with small legs, so it would really swamp my figure. I really like your blog though! I'm glad that I found it! It would be nice if you could stop by both of my blogs sometime too (I'm from England) and I post my outfits and personal style on Raindrops of Sapphire and general fashion from celebs and brands on The Fashion Supernova! I hope you have a lovely day and I'm looking forward to your next post :) :)

    Raindrops of Sapphire
    The Fashion Supernova

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  8. Great post! I think the gaucho is a trend I am going to pass, I don't think they will suit my shape at all. But thank you for this post, can't wait 'till your next one!

    Love,
    Adrianne

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  9. I'm among those I won't wear them because I think they are made for tall and thin women! :(
    Great post, Sharon!

    www.stylexis.blogspot.com

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  10. Love your pondering-s. I'm on the fence too. It's funny because I wear them (in essence) to workout in. They are perfect for yoga but on that note I don't find them overly flattering for everyday wear.....
    xo
    styleontheside.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. When I was a kid, we called them culottes and I loved them because they had the look of skirt without the "will my undies show in the playground?" problem. I'd wear them again for the same reason! However, at the length they're appearing this time round? I'm petite and they'd look horrendous on me! So, nope, unless they raise them up to about mid-knee.

    ReplyDelete