Thursday July 23, 2009
How to wear harem pants
Written by Maureen Dempsey
I’ll be honest: The thought of harem pants, Hammer pants, Aladdin pants — whatever you choose to call them — initially made me cringe. But wait! Turns out, there are some really great harem-like silhouettes out there this season, and they’re perfect for balmy summer days. Chloe, Phillip Lim, and DKNY sent them down the runway, so I figured it’s time to explore the trend.They’re breezy and easy, plus the built-in comfort factor makes me scowl at my skinny jeans (especially on those hot, sticky days…). I found a couple of pairs that pass the Skinny style test, mainly because they’re each a more refined take on the trend. Cropped, easy-fit, but not so…MC Hammer circa 1990. The main style points: They’re cotton or twill, (as opposed to jersey), and they have a balloon shape, but don’t have the dropped inseam.
The Pants:
Charlotte Russe Linen Harlem Pants, $26.99
XCVI Harem Pants, $98
We have the right cut, the right shape, the right price. Now how do we dress around them?
The Shirt: Short-Sleeve Crewneck Tee, $20
Pair your harems with a simple, lightweight tee or sleeveless shell with a slim silhouette — careful of going too tight or midriff-baring, or you’ll risk entering full-on genie territory.
The Necklace: Express Twisted Multichain and Bead Necklace, $39.50
Toss on a substantial, heavy chain or beaded necklace to toughen up the look.
The Shoes: Chinese Laundry Bootsy Heels, $79
And always go for a heel — an espadrille, a platform, a high-heel gladiator — to up the glam factor.
Tell us what you think of harem pants! Will you try them? Have you worn them already?
Beauty News Bonus! Head to any Estée Lauder counter today, July 23rd 2009, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. local time to pick up a sample of their new Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex. Supplies are limited, so hop to — or we just might beat you to the last one! Check out the details here.
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Comments (7)
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Thursday July 23, 2009 Carol Hauptli wrote:
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They do look like a cool choice for hot summer days.
Thursday July 23, 2009 Ronnie wrote:
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I'm always looking for pants that are not skin tight for the summer because it gets so hot and sticky! I have trouble piecing trendy outfits of this sort together, so thanks for pulling the look together for me. Can't wait to try it out!
Thursday July 23, 2009 Rebecca wrote:
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I think of MC Hammer and I haven't worn pants like this since the 7th grade and don't plan on wearing them again.
Thursday July 23, 2009 dirma wrote:
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Never, looks like fashion victim wear to me. Yes, skinny jeans too hot for summer but how about white linen pants that are not too tight? I have a pair of white Ralph Lauren cargo pants and they are comfortable, lightweight and look great - you can find them at the Polo outlet stores.
Saturday July 25, 2009 Diana wrote:
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No way would I ever wear harem pants.
Sunday July 26, 2009 jennifer Zeuner wrote:
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thought they werent for me now i have harem jumpsuits, pants...in every material!
the right cut for your body type can indeed be a flattering and needless to say, fashion forward alternative to the classic pant!
the right cut for your body type can indeed be a flattering and needless to say, fashion forward alternative to the classic pant!
Tuesday August 25, 2009 frankie smales wrote:
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well it does not take rocket science on how to wear them
it is just straight forward just treat them like normal
trouserwearone you can be creative with them by letting
your imagination run wild how i wear mine is just basically
a plain vest of any color it depends on my theme and an hoodieds
green vest with my gold silver black pair and for foot wear my leather sandles it is easy or you can wear the traditional bellydance top it is upto you on how you customise the theme of your harem pants and be creative
like me.
frankie smales
(harem pants fan and guru)
it is just straight forward just treat them like normal
trouserwearone you can be creative with them by letting
your imagination run wild how i wear mine is just basically
a plain vest of any color it depends on my theme and an hoodieds
green vest with my gold silver black pair and for foot wear my leather sandles it is easy or you can wear the traditional bellydance top it is upto you on how you customise the theme of your harem pants and be creative
like me.
frankie smales
(harem pants fan and guru)
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