THE LIFESTYLE SPREAD: How To Wear Men’s Coloured Trousers: AW12

Introduction

While we may soon be bidding the warm weather adieu (like we didn’t in April), one thing that we shall not be letting go of quite yet is a broader colour palette. Bold hues have been a dominant force in menswear for a number of seasons now, and its pull is continuing to grow as a wider variety of colours begin to establish themselves in the male wardrobe.

Coloured Trousers for Autumn/Winter

When the weather worsens and grey skies begin to cloud, a pair of coloured trousers is a great way to brighten the mood as well as your look. They sit well alongside almost anything in your existing capsule wardrobe and can create a striking look when combined and contrasted with heavy-duty clothing and materials.
The continuation of this trend for the past two summers makes coloured trousers even more appealing for the looming winter months. We hope to rightly assume you are already well stocked in a plethora of brighter legwear.
Inversely, if you’re yet to get on the bright bandwagon, now would be a great time – not only would you be purchasing trousers that would effortlessly see out the summer, but you are investing in a piece that is set to last for plenty of seasons after. It’s safe to say, now that men demand fewer boundaries than ever, coloured trousers (and colour in general) aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

How To Wear: AW12 Edition

Men’s Coloured Trousers Lookbook

Pair With: Outerwear

Wear coloured trousers anchored by masculine outerwear for an on-point style statement. A timeless military-inspired piece is perfect for this; our top recommendations would be the peacoat or trench coat.
Sticking to neutral tones with your coat of choice will help subdue the trousers and make the whole look much easier to pull of. But of course, a statement coat could easily be worked with coloured trousers for a more fashion-forward approach.
If you’re dying to pull off the latter, keep in mind good colour combinations and consider a slightly darker and muted hue on the bottom half:

Oliver Spencer Navy Herringbone Wool Clerkenwell Pea Coat
Lee 101 Chinos Slim Washed Cords
Grenson Hadley Pebble Grain Leather Boots
Asos Peacoat
Farah Vintage Albany Rust Chinos
Topman Swear Mono 1 Shoes

Pair With: Tailoring

Last season saw the emergence of the British countryside as a major influence on designer and fashion collections in general. Tweeds, wools, checks and knits ruled the roost, with heritage inspiration set to continue long into the upcoming season.
It’s alongside this out-of-city style tailoring that coloured trousers exhibit their full range of versatility. Not content to be paired merely alongside current, modern pieces in order to create a progressive style, they also look great when paired with the not-so-new accompaniments that have, once again, become absolute classics.
A well-fitted, textured blazer alongside more daring trousers offers a whimsically stylish take on a timeless bit of tailoring. With a pocket square, brogues and tie completing the outfit, it is a look that is both contemporary and almost Dandy-like in appearance:

Reiss Clinton Lightweight Patch Pkt Blazer
Ps By Paul Smith Slim-fit Cotton-twill Trousers
Paul Smith – Shoes Chuck Chocolate Brownie Shoes

Pair With: Off-duty Casual Wear

The mark of a true essential is arguably measured by its versatility. Coloured trousers have transcended a number of seasons and we’ve already showcased how they can work with both tailoring and statement items. But what about as a day-to-day casual item? No problem.
Pair with a neutral sweatshirt and a jacket of your choice – I’d personally go with a denim or varsity variety – and you’ve got a quick and easy look that requires minimal effort (or at least appears to.)
As for footwear, throw on a simple pair of sneakers or boots and you’re good to go. If you feel the need to accessorise, a hat of some sort would cement the casual style; a beanie or recently resurgent baseball cap would suit the casual ethos of the outfit down to a tee: