The look: wear-forever pants
If smart-casual as a sartorial concept was ever distilled into a singular garment, chances are it would be a pair of pleat-front pants. First popular in menswear in the 1950s, when post-war style loosened up and a more relaxed mood permeated mid-century closets, the pant silhouette has become a fitting staple in modern wardrobes for its day-to-night versatility.
British label Tove has become something of a go-to for this sort of easy-wearing elegance; it has been offering its own brand of sartorial polish since it was established by industry veterans and former fashion buyers Holly Wright and Camille Perry in 2018. These cotton-twill pants in an earthy camel hue are no exception – tuck in Totême’s knitted tank in fresh white to give a lift to trans-seasonal daytime dressing. Tibi’s double-breasted trench with a detachable cape and Isabel Marant’s lace-up boots give military flair, while Loewe’s canvas tote and Alighieri’s talismanic pendant keeps the look distinctly urban.
After dark, turn the heat up a notch by layering Totême’s slouchy cardigan over Anine Bing’s exquisite lace bra for a modern take on monochrome dressing. Strappy slip-on heels from Neous and Wandler’s top-handle bag offer a minimalist mood reminiscent of the 1990s, while chunky gold-tone jewelry adds a 2020 flourish.