Now, I'd like to say I'm in a freewheelin' kinda mood today, I'd like to, but I'm not. That's Not My Age has become caught up in the minutiae of style, bogged down by fashion detail, worn out by sartorial worry. And the crux of the matter is, the humble turn up.
This specific problem revolves around a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs khakis purchased in New York circa summer 2007, which I paid over the odds for and have worn about three times. I know, I know, should've gone to Gap. But the MJ khakis have a lovely tuxedo detail, a neat eye-shaped button on the back pocket (I told you we were talking minutiae) and...
a bootcut leg:
So what's the problem? I hear you cry. The boot cut is back and you are so totally cutting edge! The bootcut is back, it's just that I'm not sure I'm ready for it yet. And everywhere I turn, I see turn-ups. This summer the only way to wear khakis is nonchalantly rolled up:
Now, I tried rolling mine up and I looked like I was going for a paddle. The sturdy cotton twill fabric and wider leg shape weren't having any of it. But, determined not to buy another pair of trousers, I turned to fashion friend and super-blogger Disney Roller Girl for guidance. DRG is an expert on preppie style and advised me to go for the Wes Anderson look by teaming khakis with old-school New Balance trainers.
Cor blimey, she's right. For that dressed down, nerdy vibe, That's Not My Age will be doing a Wes Anderson this summer. And for days when I don't want to look like a 40 year-old man, I've found another pair of old khakis in the back of my wardrobe - in a lighter weight fabric - that roll-up a dream. Seen here with my new mum shoes!
And now for some gratuitous pictures of cool people in khakis:
A rare photo of Grace Kelly relaxing in pants and an over-sized shirt.
Miles Davis the king of laid-back, beat style.
How do you wear your khakis?
Photos
Cate Blanchett: Annie Liebowitz
Steve McQueen/Gap ad: The Selvedge Yard
Grace Kelly: Vanity Fair
Miles Davis: One Hundred Years of Menswear, Cally Blackman
20 comments:
Hate to say it but I haven't got a pair yet.. what would you advise and from where (mail order Aussie friendly too if poss?) love that rolled up look? x
I'll probably buy a pair and wear turned up. Mainly because I'm too lazy to take a hem up on them and I've only got little legs :-)
I like that preppy look of yours from DRG though, I love old-school style trainers. Much nicer than the modern ones that have acres of rubber sole and air pockets that make you look like your wearing something surgical.
Ali x
DRG is such a doll! the pics of you are fab, especially the rolled up khaki's - guess where I got mine? Gap!
SE - Gap. I read somewhere that there's going to be a store in Melbourne by the end of June!
AC - think we need to see the pictures on your blog!
LF - She is and you are very wise. Wish I'd bought mine from Gap!
I've got the Gap ones so they only work rolled up but the Wes Anderson look is a winner
I love what you did with those. Rolled up looks great, NBs look great. If you don't like boot cut, you can always have the legs re-done at the tailor's.
I don't look graceful in chinos. I look at these photos with disgruntled envy. I want to look cool!
Hmmm, I wasn't going to go with khakis, but you're changing my mind ... Will be looking for a pair for the Southern hemisphere spring/summer.
I'm still holding my breath for the perfect pair. Polished cotton, heavy, straight legs, baggy legs, tight around the hips. For now, I wear LL Bean and mourn the dream:). The Trad promises he's working on it.
TNMA - thank you and for the tip about Gap in Melbourne too - v. exciting...Forgot to say in my first comment in my haste to get out my question to you (how rude of me ) that you are looking great in your pairs of khakis - love the W.Anderson vibe and the rolled up with the new Mum shoes too...x
enc - thanks. I'm always a bit wary of alterations but I suppose I could get someone to slim down the bootcut.
Madame - you shall look cool. Just keep reading this blog!
Tiffany - I think you should try Grace Kelly-style khaki wearing (minus the big pleats). That outfit would look great with your crop.
LPC - what about J Crew?
SE - I thank you!
Thanks for this. I guess I'll be doing the Wes too since the foot Dr has prescribed the darned New Balance trainers for me. I want to throw the darned things out the window. Must buy more sexy tees though or I'll just look too big and boyish with my shape. Ugh.
OT: YES, more double/triple denim please!
I'm jealous as they don't suit me & you look fab in yours, especially like the Wes stylee!
You found such great pictures - Steve McQueen, Miles Davis, Grace Kelly in khakis! I roll up a pair of j crew with fullish legs by first folding a triangle of fabric at the ankle (to narrow it), then rolling it a few times. It looks slouchy and insouciant, but DAMN if they don't unroll again within the hour. Back to the drawing board...
I have to say I am not quite wearing my khakis comfortably this season, I looked a little like an old man off for a paddle.. tried them with the clogs and they looked ok, the problem where I live is, people do not realise this is fashion they would ask me if we'd had a leak :) I am however living in my Houlihans love them !
Grace Kelly just looks amazing in hers,
Have you tried the Houlihans? They seem to be getting a lot of press!
當一個人內心能容納兩樣相互衝突的東西，這個人便開始變得有價值了。...........................................................................
M - yes, the rolling down of the roll up can be a problem. How about a couple of stitches at the side seams?
W & M - I tried the Houlihans and they didn't do it for me - they felt very tight and I had a feeling they'd only look good with heels. As I live in flats, and like a slouchier more relaxed pant, I'm afraid that's a no, no.
I got mine from Fat face sale.Not sure if I should have worn them with exceptionally high wedges though...
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