They're all around campus. And you've definitely pointed them out in either absolute elation or utter disgust. Down the million dollar stairs and inside the Eagle's Nest, everywhere you turn, another one is in your line of vision. Admittedly, I was, at first, unsure about my feelings toward them. Worst of all, I didn't know the name of this curious fashion statement. After flipping through a few magazines and polling friends, it was time to take some serious action. I surfed the net. Low and behold, there they were. Gauchos.
The name disturbed me. Gaucho? Really? This couldn't be right. I continued to search. At first glance, gauchos appear to be a capri pant. But upon closer examination, they are in fact capri-length with wide legs, and look as if someone has shrunk the waistline.
But I couldn't let it go. The name could be a new dish at a Corcoran Commons theme night or a distant Jesuit relative of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, but not a clothing item. This was just too tacky of a name for such a stylish pair of pants. I came to discover that "gaucho" (gou-cho) was originally the name given to cowboys of Argentina and Uruguay in the 18th and 19th centuries. Apparently, these cowboys were daring and skillful horsemen. Somehow, I didn't see the connection between an Argentinean horseman and a pair of pants from Nordstrom.
Regardless of my skepticism, gauchos are one of the fall styles on campus. After beginning as an underground fashion last fall, their popularity exploded at the beginning of this school year. As one of my roommates commented, "I'll bet many of the people who own gauchos don't even know what they're called." She's right. If a piece of clothing looked the way its name sounded (read: mullet, muu muu, Birkenstock), the gaucho would be in big trouble.
If you are in public, take a look around. I can guarantee that you will see them if you people-watch for five minutes. If for some reason Hillside stalking just isn't working today, imagine this: gauchos are the Princess Jasmine of pants. They add exoticism and intrigue. Cookie-cutter jeans, khakis, and cords are the Cinderella, Ariel, and Aurora - all are great, but none have enough flair to be a conversation piece by themselves.
After much thought, I've concluded that the popularity of the gauchos can be attributed to their versatility. You can sleep in them, you can go to class and the plex in them, and you can have a dance party in the Mods with them. The best part is that, whatever your body type, they're guaranteed to look good. They make larger legs unidentifiable under the bigger pant leg and make waistlines look smaller with the fitted fabric.
Since Boho became fall fashion, gaucho has been a big deal. Accessorized with a detailed shrug, beaded necklace, and large, dangly earrings, these pants, like the crinkled long skirts, make the style complete. They also look great with heels, flats, or just a pair of Reefs. While the gaucho is a great look, like anything, there are some ways that it just shouldn't be worn:
1. With opaque stockings. Wow. Very scary. It's a perversion of the school uniform that even Britney wouldn't be seen in.
2. With anything leather besides a belt. Gauchos plus leather accessories will probably make you look like an actual gaucho. Good for a Halloween costume, but eek for everyday.
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