THISDAY Style

• MEN IN THE 70’S TREND WIDE LEG PANTS

- BY USIADE ISIOMA

Wide-leg trousers may initially seem like a bold move, but they’re actually a walk in the park to style. It’s not hard to remember a time when wide-leg trousers were considered one of those beyond-the-pale pieces that fashion designers periodical­ly tried to foist on sceptical menfolk. These pants made an impact on the runway and created a striking silhouette. Many of today’s biggest trends prefer a wider leg: street-friendly skate wear, pleated mid-century styles and voluminous tailoring are all generous and flattering below the belt. Whether your preference is the ultra-wide leg, pleated or peg-leg turn-up variety, this style has cast some serious shade on the once favourable skinnylegg­ed look, as fashion does a complete 180.

Stick to Neutrals Wide-leg trousers are a statement in their own right, so steer well clear of loud colours or printed styles and opt for an understate­d neutral design instead. Black, grey or navy versions are a great place to start as they will slot effortless­ly into your wardrobe and combine well with everything you already own. EBUKA OBI-UCHENDU

Casual For those new to the relaxed-leg fit, casual looks are the easiest way to experiment. if you want something decidedly more casual, try a pair of relaxed-cut leather chinos in denim or khaki. They will look superb teamed with a well-fitting turtle neck t-shirt and make sure to tuck in to highlight the features. To balance out all that extra down below, think simple. JEREMIAH OGBODO

Pleats Are Your Friend It’s not just the cut of clothes that has been gradually relaxing over the last few years. With a slightly roomier cut, pleated trousers are perfect for relaxed, summer dressing, make sure the trousers have a slightly cropped profile which will ensure they feel current and on trend. Keep the rest of the look simple with a t-shirt so those well-executed pleats remain the focus. An excellent way to nail everyday casual confidentl­y. EFE TOMMY

Smart Slightly loose-fitting trousers can work in business-casual offices, provided you make up the more relaxed fit by dialling up the styling to balance the voluminous shape. A well-cut pair of pleated trousers can bring a rakish touch to a formal look by pairing with a blazer, tucked in slim shirt and a pair of polished office shoes. FALZ

Pick Your Shoes Wisely As is the case with most looks, the right shoe can make or break this trend. The original baggy boys were students at Oxford in the 1920s, who wore extreme wide-leg trousers over their knickerboc­kers. The wider silhouette in the leg should be complement­ed with a pair of sneakers. NOBLE IGWE

Nail the Fit However wide you go, getting the fit right is key. With that much extra material already on show, the world doesn’t need to see your underwear as well. Make sure the trousers hit near your waist, not hips or you will look like a kid who got dressed out of dad’s wardrobe. ADEBOYE OKE LAWAL

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