Golf wear for both men and women is hard to make look hip. I recently tried to think outside the box for a client…I bombed a bit, mostly because she looked great, but the comfort and function wasn’t there. I have been wanting to get this whole golf thing dialed in for a while and this was my motivation. Thanks to my client for her patience…here is what I have found out.
Golf is a huge industry, but it really is still hard to make it cool looking. For men, we have more options than women. My brother is a golf connoisseur and looks quite chic in his golf apparel. I could do cocktails with him while he sporting his looks from on the green. His tactic is to wear all black, with a splash of white. Always a good look. Here is what my bro recommends:
For pure fashion, J Lindberg; for “playability”, Tiger Woods Platinum from Nike and for fun looks, Puma.
Additional fav’s for me are:
Hugo Boss Green Label. Their upcoming season includes retro 70’s golf looks that I think will be hot for men. More fitted and a mix of textures and patterns. Check out this article from the Hugo Boss emag. http://www.hugoboss.com/eMAG/en/4389.html
An online source called fairwaystyles.com
For gals, it is still limited and mostly to online stores. Bummer
Locally in Seattle, you can find some cute items at Nordstrom by Lacoste and Calvin Klein in the Point of View departments. Cutter and Buck, a Seattle based design company, has a couple of great tops that take away the frump factor and boxy looks that most golf tops have.
http://www.cocchiastyles.com/
I found another surprise in my research with another Seattle based design company called MIC Sport. It was hard to tell where we could purchase and check out the full line, but maybe someone out there can help us out?
For something a little more fun, you can check out a line designed by twins who love golf called, Death to Argyle – “Riot Girl“ for the greens.
For more options, there is an article from 07 in Forbes that could be helpful: http://www.forbes.com/2007/06/08/golf-clothing-fashion-forbeslife-cx_ls_0611golfwear.html
My favorite for the golf course that really reads style as well as function is Stella McCartney for Adidas. Now, this can seem a bit avante garde for the course, but we have to start some were. Unfortunately, you may have to buy this in Europe or outside of the States, the coolest styles are not available here, but we at LE are working on this. Stay tuned.
Golf shoes are key and so many designers have a good golf shoe option. However, comfort and fit are key as well as design as you know. I do like the way Prada looks for men…gals, still search for my favorite golf shoe for you. Send your comments my way.
Good News first -there are stylish options out there. The bad news is that you can’t necessarily buy it last minute or locally unless you talk your pro-shop buyer into some of these lines. If you are a client of mine, I am working to get more options for us. If you are a reader, hopefully this will help. Comments and leads will be awesome in this category. RL
photo credit: Stella McCartney for Adidas
I love the harem, or as us Americans call it, the “hammer” pant. It’s a fun and fabulous look, but I am already getting the cocked eyebrows and wide eye looks from friends and clients who I suggest that THIS is it for fall and into next spring. The style is sold out on favorite Brooklyn store Noisette’s on line site and has been spotted on the streets of Paris since last year. I shot with Lizzie Parker and her Spring 09 and very “Sustainably Stylish” version is going to be hot. I think it is going to be terrific with “sky scraper” heels as well as ballet slippers and, not to mention, boots. I’m going for it.
There are going to be many ways you can wear this look and I think it is going to be a fav for sure. Please note gals, that there is a right and a wrong way to wear these pants and the general rule will be to stay fitted and cropped on the top. Also, a good fit on the high hip will be important. Belting will be key and hopefully you will love it. Most everyone else is going against this look for the States, but I say go forth. RLPhoto Credit Top: Luis Vuitton Fall 08Photo Credit Middle: Lizzie Parker Spring 09 
