Should We Bring SUSPENDERS Back?

Girls and boys, hate all you want but, my impulse on this one is to scream a big NO, unless of course you’re a hot man, with a full beard, tats and fantastic style. Then… I might reconsider. Just saying you know.

Or, if you go less for the suspenders per se, and more for the harness look, as shown by designers a few years ago. McQueen, Versace, Prabal, Alexander Wang all went S&M on us with their versions of suspenders: wrapped around naked or not-so-naked bodies, rocked at Fashion Weeks by the cool fearless kids, resembling porn scenes more, rather than street style. Harnesses stuck for a while, and they are a more cutting edge version of the trend, which I’ll take anytime, over the suspenders. Picture this: white tee, jeans or suit trousers AND a leather cool harness on top, resembling a corset meets leather suspender. ;) Yet a harness does not a suspender make, so why don’t we talk about the braces now, and leave the S&M attire for another post.

With my negative impulse on a leash I will try to see what the buzz IS, WAS or COULD BE with the suspenders for women, and urge you to share your thoughts on this once-geek-attire. In men’s case, I am for a big YES if the above conditions are met. Right. … Right!?

When last week two of my girl-friends bought suspenders I was like meh… ‘Nice, if you’re into that sort of thing.’, but then it hit me: do I really dislike them? And if so why? It was a trend once, should we bring it back though? Or is it still alive? Fuck! So many questions and an inborn inability to remain unbiased.

Yes, suspenders are great for girls. IF YOU’RE 5!!!

Or at least that’s what I thought until recently: elastic suspenders, plaid, big glasses – a guarantee for geek’ish looks that severely lack in style. But after seeing a few street style photos & fashion editorials of French boho chic drop dead gorgeous women in suspenders, the veil of ignorance has been lifted. Suspenders can look fucking amazing for women as well. How? First of all, opt for leather styles, if Chanel suspenders (see Rihanna’s or Nicole Richie’s) do not float your boat. :) And second, to avoid looking like a hobo, wear them with high waisted fitted trousers, skinny jeans, 70s style wide-legged trouser suit, or skirts. Skirts & suits look best with suspenders. Basically the thing is… if you love it wear it. I’m the least to say what looks great or not in terms of suspenders, buuuut if I’d wear them (with a gun held at my temple) I’d opt for high waisted skinny jeans or trousers, crop top, or tucked in shirt (the last option is for work).

And I’d make sure they’re not too tightly pulled up, so I don’t walk like an invisible force is pulling a wedgie on me.

Instead of listening to my bitching about suspenders, why don’t you just have a look at how some of the savviest sartorials are doing the geek’ish risque style & get some inspo from them. Girls & boys alike. Er I take back everything I said or thought. I actually kinda sorta like suspenders. ;)  OR if you wanna push the envelope on this style… wrap & cage yourself in a cool looking harness. Or not. What do you think : Do you wear suspenders? Would you wear them? And should we bring them back?