CN00021809
Originally uploaded by philipmak

Harem style pants have been bang on trend for some time now and they don't look like vacating the scene any time soon. So how do you wear these pants without looking like you've fallen out of MC Hammers closet or like your on your way to the gym or that you are victim of a trend done poorly?

What Are Harem Pants?
Harem pants are a style of pant from the middle east/asia or MC Hammers video clips, depending on where you like to take your style inspiration from. They are characterised by their gathered waist & ankle cuff. While nipped in at either length, they are billowy & baggy in between, often with a dramatic dropped crotch (though a lot of the high street stores are departing from the dropped crotch part of this style of pant and placing focus on creating a baggy pant with a gathered waist & ankle).

Why Harem Pants Are So Rockin'
Thy are super comfortable. And they look good on any figure. Unlike the trend that has been stuck at the forefront of high street fashion for far too long, the skinny jean, this style of pants does not dictate that your thigh should be the same width as your ankle. Harem pants are a massive departure from the on slaught of ultra fitted pants and are a welcome change. There are loads of different takes on the harem pant which means you will find a style that will flatter you, no matter what size you are - harems do not discriminate!


Tips For Making the Harems Star of Your Fashion Stage
Keep it simple up top. Harems should shine like the star of the show, they are a statement pant, particularly if you're donning a sequinned harem! Keep your top simple and make it a little more fitted than your pants. In the same way it is a good rule to accentuate just one feature at once (ie: legs out, boobs away) - it is also a good idea if going for a baggier fit on the lower part of your body, go a little more fitted up top. This will help you avoid looking like you're on the way to a spin class.

Make sure your shoes compliment the pants. Harem pants are fairly versatile in that they can be dressed up with a killer heel or down with a simple flat. However, try not to wear them with boots that obscure the fitted cuff at the bottom of the pant, you want to show case the entire length of the pants - harems aren't like jeans, they aren't meant to be tucked into boots.

Find the right style of harem pant for you. Typically harem pants are made of cotton but with the high street latching onto this style you can now not only find the style in jersey but also in a wool office / formal style pants too. Is the fashion forward dropped crotch wear it's at for you or is that a little OTT on your frame? Perhaps casual jersey style harems aren't for you? Why not try sequinned or silk style harem pants for a dressier look? Try a bunch of different styles out to find what is most flattering for your body.

Need Inspiration?
Check out these handmade sarouel / harem pants by Gilda of queengilda.com. Sequinned up for the perfect hat dip to the style on a night out. Check out how Gilda wears her sarouel/harem pants here.

Where to get the Look
The great thing about 'trends' is that you'll find a take on it just about anywhere you look. From vintage stores that have your original 90's style loud & proud harems to the sleeker take that the high street chain stores are retailing now. Here are a few places to pick yourself up a pair of harem pants without breaking the budget:


ASOS: Tie Side Woven Harem, Sequin Trim Harem, Draped Harem Trouser, Formal Cropped Harem. All of those ASOS styles are on sale too (from as low as GBP10.00!). Grab a stylish bargain!

New Look, do a fantastic harem jersey pant for just GBP16.

...or if you're one of those delightfully creative ladies out these, why not make your own Harem Pants!?


Do you own harem pants? Do they get a thumbs up or down from you?