Women Will Wear the Pants This Fall

NEW YORK —  Hugo Boss, the German-based designer label, has put U.S. men in pants since 1976. But at a show of fall fashions, the company proved that women can wear its pants with equal authority.

Boss’ third women’s collection opened with a group of gangster looks: “Gal” Capone pinstriped or plaid suits in wool and cashmere with eight-button double-breasted jackets and tailored trousers.

Other suits were more Savile Row than ‘20s Chicago: a houndstooth-check blazer worn with ascot and pleated trousers; a shawl-collar, short jacket in melon cashmere worn with cropped pants; a great denim work shirt coupled with slim wool pants. His best dress was of melon wool crepe with a mid-calf, gold-button front.

Boss’ evening-tuxedo looks included a black crepe, double-breasted jumpsuit with gold buttons and an Edwardian Fauntleroy suit with long, cutaway jacket, slim pants and a blouse with a big bow.

A snazzy black wool/cashmere, double-breasted blazer and black wool crepe trousers worn with a white cotton, wing-collared formal shirt that was open at the neck is today’s answer to the Marlene Dietrich look.