A sight of women wearing skinny jeans on the streets is nothing new as the now ubiquitous trend is resurrected back since 2005. The most well-known celebrity who was in part responsible to bring the hype back to life  is none other than Kate Moss. Since then the trend seems to stay a while in the fashion-conscious youth, with probably a little longer shelf-life than other fashion fad.

Gradually and globally this trend is creeping up into men’s wardrobe. Lo and behold my male brethren! Gone are the days of  low-slung baggy jeans and say hello to super tight skinny jeans. For the uninitiated the trend goes way back in 1950s. In the early 2000s, they became favored by garage rock revival bands and musicians, such as The Strokes.They have grown in the later half of the 2000′s to become associated with an emo and indie rock trend. Nowadays the media publicizes the image of musicans/ singers wearing skinny pants, even pop stars like Justin Timberlake or the much-hyped Pete Wentz from the band Fall Out Boy are seen sporting these pants.

Well as the new writer for Fashion and Couture segment (menswear), I have a question: how many you guys (as in men) out there who wear skinny jeans whether it being on a daily basis or just for the sake of trying something new?

Yes, some of you dudes out there may frown at the notion of wearing these skintight pants as the myth says they may torture your precious ‘family jewels’, ‘asset’, (insert other euphemism here). Well based on my personal experience this is not so true. I believe on the right guy these pants can be quite flattering, especially for those who are confident enough to flaunt their haunch (the area of hips and buttocks combined). On the other hand some body types just don’t measure up for skinny denim. Imagine a well-fed/voluptuous guy wearing this thigh-hugging garment, highlighting his excess subcutaneous tissue and unsightly bulges for everyone to see. This fashion faux pas is not only for women, but it also applies for the above-said men. (Now you can empathize the feeling of a woman who is skeptical to wear body-hugging outfits or tight skirts).

My advice for you ‘skinny jeans virgins’ out there to go to Topman (yay we have it in Volgograd finally!) and try those denim labeled ‘skinny’. Try to feel what it’s like on you, and see the difference of silhouette that it creates. Given the right body proportion and the skinny outline of your body, these pants are surely meant to accentuate your height and you can show off your favorite sneakers as well! (The ends of the pants are tapered to fit your ankles, say no more to jeans bleeding on to your white sneakers). If you’re still not convinced, try the ‘slim fit’ line for starters. This cut is more forgiving and not to mention the extra room that your legs will have.

Here’s a link for pics from Topman for your inspiration. They have a wide array of options! : Topman skinny jeans page

The author is a self-proclaimed fashion enthusiast, who apart from studying spends his free time ogling at fashion sites and blog-hopping.

The latest craze this fall are shooties! The shooties are ankle boots that look like your regular shoes – in short, boots that are low cut. These styles work well with skinny jeans or pants and can add a hint of toughness to your favourite dress! Its a shoe that you can wear whether warm or cold. A definite must have this season for all the fashionistas out there! Shooties flatter ankles and are making a major appearance this fall. They come in a variety of shapes,sizes n styles: there’s just so many out there to pick from – from suede to belted, cut out to peep toe, studded to ruched.

one of my favourites, the ruched v-line pump

next up there’s the peep toe bootie and a real eye catcher, the suede belted bootie some with straps for the gladiator look

or even the old school look

So what should you wear with these boots?

1. Ankle boots work best with pants.The advantage to wearing them over shoes or taller boots is that you get ankle coverage without the bulk of a knee-high boot. But the only pants that work well tucked into ankle boots are very tight ones. Wide legged pants tucked into short boots create an unflattering balloon effect.

2.Long leggings or tights look great – assuming of course, that leggings look good on you in the first place. Cropped leggings and short tights are a definite no-no as this combination takes inches of your height while adding bulk to your legs.

3.Long skirts are a classic combo. Key is to show no leg.However for those of you who prefer short skirts, look for skirts that are a couple of inches above the knee or shorter.

Here are a few pictures of celebrities who have the whole shootie look figured out:

By staying all in one color, Kate Hudson elongates her slender frame. Usually, short boots tend to break up the leg, cutting them off at the ankles, but Kate’s gray ensemble keeps her looking long and lean.

By pairing ankle boots and pants of the same color Ashlee creates the illusion of long legs. Plus, the slim-fitted leggings tuck perfectly into her booties for a clean line and smooth silhouette.

with all this in mind, what else are you waitin for? go look for your perfect pair now….