This week we are keeping it very basic. I have to give my opinion for just one moment… pleated pants are equivalent to the ruffled tuxedo shirt of the 70′s — dated! Yes, some people still have them and there is a time and a place to wear them (retro-parties and the like) but for the most part they should be removed from your closet and donated. (I’m speaking about the pleated pants to be clear.)
It is time that all men move on to flat front pants, slacks and chinos. Pleats are not flattering and even if you are a man with a larger waistline, most clothing stores will still have your size in flat-front options. And there is really no body type that looks flattering in pleated pants. If you are a thinner man, pleats give you “width” and that is unappealing. If you are a larger man, pleats make you look like you’re trying to “hide” something.
With all the reasons not to wear pleats let’s move on to what we should wear. Slim-fit, flat-front chinos are a must-have for the office gent. Pair the chinos with a conservative but slim-fitted striped shirt for a clean look that is still office appropriate. The final touch would be to add a striped tie for a pop of color. These are three easy pieces to slim down your look for the office without having to over-haul your wardrobe. That is unless your wardrobe consists of only pleated pants.
Fashionably Yours,
Mason
