Party-perfect pants

For your next cocktail hour session skip the gowns and LBDs in exchange for some fancy pants. As this season celebrates the big swing in favour of the androgenous style, here’s your turn to flaunt some haute pants. Take a sneak peek at Chanel’s Fall-Couture‘14 collection to understand how  designer Karl Lagerfield paired stiffly tailored jackets inspired by Victorian frock coats with tight knickerbockers (baggy-kneed trousers) for women. The RTW line of Elie Saab said a similar story with jumpsuits and wide leg pants ruling the runway.

“When the talk is about playing the party circuit differently, shorts instantly come to my mind,” says designer Namrata Joshipura. “They can pronounce feminine sophistication without getting too dressy. The idea finds a perfect definition in the form of silk sequinned shorts. You also have the choice of keeping your shorts subtle and let the corset be the highlight in pattern prints, textured base line, 3D patterns and shimmers in sun rays pattern,” adds the Delhi-based designer.

Designer Sakshee Pradhan too is on a shimmer and shine promotion. “Shorts call you to let your hair down and have a good time. Working your style according to your mood can translate well in sequinned shorts and  metallic tops with braided straps as sleeves — they offer the perfect eye catching party piece,” she tips.

Global fashion icon Victoria Beckham is also busy promoting another striking version of party pants called the culottes. Not only is she wearing them to all places, these pants are also showing up prominently in her collections. “Introduce a sleeveless top or a semi constructed jacket with a soft peplum to the culottes. Your easy-going style can win admirers while wearing culottes and a crisp shirt with sparkles of crystal,” suggests designer Nidhi Ahuja.

Remember Angelina Jolie walking the red carpet in a Yves Saint Lauren tuxedo for 2014 Bafta? That’s exactly what translates as thinking out of the box. “The important thing is to create a balance, you simply cannot afford the boardroom look when you are stepping in a glam zone. If you want to make a statement with a pair of trousers, rely on fabrics like brocade, jacquard or go for silk or satin slim leg pants with embroidered motifs. Don’t miss out on metallic textured cropped pants — they are in vogue.

As an added advice, I’d say keep a check on shimmers. While wearing separates, if your bottom wear  is well embellished, go subtle with the top. Or say the goodness of baroque prints or leather skinny trousers will just work perfect for you,” Nidhi elaborates. As a thumb rule, one should keep things balanced and focus on highlighting one part of your outfit like the shirt or blazer and keep the rest simple, advises designer Jenny Rei.

“At the moment, Jodhpur pants crafted in nice crepe, silk or printed fabric are doing very well in the fashion scene. I’m not a big fan of combining pants with the usual blouse for the evening unless they’re gorgeous. For instance, off-shoulder shirts and tops with thin straps showcasing either a low back or a hint of cleavage so that you can see some skin in moderation,” says designer Jenny.