Everyone laughed at MC Hammer when he danced sideways across the television in pants that hung low at the crotch and were tapered at the ankles. Some of us may cringe at old photos of ourselves wearing ‘90s style too big pants with too short halter tops. Well, brace yourselves, because baggy pants are back, and in a big way! Before you start to panic, keep in mind that this new version is much more structured and if worn right, much more flattering.
Voluminous trousers have been seen everywhere from the red carpet (Derek Lam and Alexander Mcqueen both included harem style pants in recent collections) to more casual stores like American Apparel. While the fabric varies from basic white cotton to satiny and metallic finishes, the cut tends to be narrow and high at the waist, full from the hip to the thigh, and narrow again at the ankle. As these pants involve a lot of fabric, the secret to not looking like you’re wearing a sack is in the fit. A pair that cinches the waist at its narrowest point (rather than the below the belly button waist of low rise jeans) works best and can be super slimming. Wear these with a simple fitted top, a tailored blazer, and heels and you’ll look cocktail party ready instead of looking like you left the house in pajamas.
If you still think that harem pants are too ‘genie in a bottle,’ a nice alternative is 70’s style palazzo pants. The wide, rather than cinched leg, makes this look a little less intimidating. Make sure that you find a pair that lie flat in front and flare out from the thigh. As palazzo pants tend to come in bright colors and patterns, pair them with a basic black tank top and cardigan for a balanced look.
Both harem pants and palazzo pants are a great alternative to everyday denim. They transition easily from day to night and are very comfortable. Look for those extra details that add that extra oomph-pockets, draping and sequins are very in right now. You can also have fun playing with retro accessories like big cocktail rings and elegant clutch purses. It may be hard to tear yourself away from the skinny jeans, but with the holiday season just around the corner, the extra material might be just what you need until you can hit the treadmill. And, when you do head back into the gym, keep in mind that Helmut Lang showed a two piece fleece harem pant track suit in their fall collection. It may be a little too pricey to sweat in, but it just goes to show how very on trend these pants are.
