Cashmere Dreaming

from Kilgore Trout Magazine F/W 2015

by Kilgore Trout

Profile: Strong Horse Sense

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FALL 2015 FASHION TIPS FOR HIM

Today versus yesterday

Q: What’s the correct length for a modern man’s pants? My girlfriend is complaining that I’m wearing my pants too short (I recently had my tailor shorten them all) but I often see models in magazines with socks showing. Who’s right?

Like most things in life, it’s not black and white: European designers are showing pants shorter than American designers and fashion experts continue to debate length.

Our opinion: because pant styles today are slimmer than they were a few seasons back, pant legs worn too long tend to “accordion” from ankle to calf, a truly unattractive look. The most flattering length has the bottom of the pant leg just caressing the top of the shoe, with no creases down the pant leg and no breaks at the bottom. If your socks or skin are visible, the pants are too short.

Q: I have a perfectly good winter coat from last year; will it work this season?

It probably will. Since menswear designers believe in investment dressing, they’re usually careful not to change styles dramatically from one season to the next. That said, one coat no longer fits all occasions or all lifestyles, so you might want to consider alternating among several different styles with different functions.

Options include a wool or cashmere topcoat for dressing up, a three-quarter-length wool coat for business, a leather jacket for looking cool and a quilted down parka (or vest ) for activewear and maximum warmth. Many of today’s fabrics are also specially treated to be waterproof and heat-retentive: come in and we’ll show you a great assortment. (And check out our outerwear fashion shoot in this issue!)

Q: What’s up with the flowers I’m seeing guys wear on their suit lapels?

Lapel flowers, lapel pins, tie bars, cuff links, wrist jewelry, pocket squares, scarves, bags, interesting belts—men’s accessories are increasingly important and allow you to make a personal statement about who you are. If this seems a bit out of your comfort zone, try wearing just one accessory and see what it does for you.

A beaded or silver bracelet that barely shows from under your shirt cuff is a good starting point, as is a pocket square that adds a touch of class to your suit or sportcoat, or a cashmere scarf that adds a luxe touch to anything you wear.

If nothing else, you need a great leather bag this fall to replace that beat-up briefcase (and to save your pockets from getting over-stuffed).

Remember too that accessories make great gifts since you don’t need to deal with sizes. Pocket squares for all the guys in the office? Interesting umbrellas? The perfect business card case? Happy shopping!

IMAGE BY EVAN TAYLOR; TROUSERS BY ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA; SHOES BY JOHN LOBB

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Q: Why is it so hard to find dresses with sleeves, and how do I transition my sleeveless dresses to the colder months?

Try as we might to find long-sleeves from our favorite designers, most fall and winter collection dresses are made sleeveless these days. But let’s look at the bright side: the chance to style sleeveless dresses with different toppers and accessories can actually add versatility to your wardrobe. The same dress can be worn with pumps and a blazer for work, or with a cropped leather jacket and moto boots for meeting up with friends on the weekend.

Come check out our gorgeous new dresses from brands like Elizabeth and James, which pair perfectly with Veronica Beard’s cropped jackets. A basic black dress can be brightened up with a printed blazer or sweater coat, while a funky print can be toned down with a solid-color cardigan.

Q: I have everything from skinny jeans to wide-leg trousers in my wardrobe. Right now, does anything go?

Provided it fits beautifully, keeps your body shape in balance, and makes you feel great, why not? Our simple advice is keep the silhouette of your body in mind, and create some contrast with the overall look. Here are some tips:

Pair leggings and skinny jeans with an untucked blouse that has volume. In the colder months, finish the look with boots worn over your pant leg. (Trend tip: the riding boot is on the wane).

There’s a bit more flexibility when it comes to straight-leg pants and jeans. Throw on an embellished cropped sweatshirt—with or without a long layering piece underneath—and sleek sneakers for a daytime casual look. Or try a tucked-in button-down and mid-heel bootie to add definition at the waist and lengthen your legs. Just stay away from your most voluminous blouses and tunics.

For traditional dress pants or menswearinspired trousers, you’ll definitely want a closerfitting top. A layered look works well, so try a twinset or a blouse under a blazer. Stick to a medium or high heel, and make sure the pants are almost touching the ground after your shoe is on: not long enough that you’d step on them, but long enough that just the tip of your shoe peeks out when you walk.

FALL 2015 FASHION TIPS FOR HER

Q: How can I keep the Cleveland chill away while still looking chic this winter?

We thought you’d never ask! We couldn’t be more excited about the new assortment of hats, scarves and gloves arriving this fall at Kilgore Trout. Come see what’s new from Yarnz, whose scarves have been favorites of ours for years. Standard Form, a new brand that fuses knit and woven fabrics, is unlike anything you’ve seen before and certainly worth checking out in person, too.

Our favorite hats are from Inverni. Their cashmere skull caps and slouchy beanies come in prints and ombre, with pom-poms and without. Even if you don’t consider yourself a “hat person,” trust us, you’re going to want one.

TOP IMAGE: VERONICA BEARD LOWER IMAGE: DL1961