Paul Smith wants women to raid their prep school boyfriend’s closets! The Fall 2011 collection was tailored and masculine but with a feminine charm. The preppy, layered looks included a mixture of cropped cuffed trouser pants, tailored suit jackets, cashmere cardigans, button up shirts, and overcoats. The pants were the strongest pieces, shown in a variety of styles which included rolled up slouchy denim, tailored cropped trousers, high waisted, low-waisted, pleated and slim fit. They all had a boyish charm but looked perfect on the women.
Color was another important key to establishing the layered looks and adding a feminine edge. A pinstripe trouser paired with a sheer, burgundy blouse, orange skinny belt and olive green suit jacket were a perfect collaboration for a serious lady look. A more casual approach included a faded, rolled denim pant worn with a slouchy sweater and sleek, ivory tuxedo collar jacket. The pieces themselves were very tailored and polished but never looked stuffy.
The styling choices included oxford dress shoes in patent leather, men’s ties, hipster style reading glasses and the occasional beanie hat which added a bit of humor to the collection. If you haven’t been a fan of the menswear trend yet, now is a good time to change your mind.
Images: IMAXtree
