Comments on: Rethinking harem pants

By: Minzie

Minzie — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:03:17 +0000

I agree…harem pants are definitely a phase. I may be able to carry off the first three but the bottom three need to be worn under a long tunic – more like the traditional origin of the style – also known as the “shalwar.” Women in South Asia have been wearing the more saggy ones under long tunics for years now…. I think its unfortunate that the tunic and the harem pant or shalwar style (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salwar_kameez) have been put on two parallel trend trains. The more baggy harem style looks really good with a tunic. See this: http://www.bargello.com/Royal+.....7-3795.htm

By: Liz

Liz — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 01:38:21 +0000

IMO this look does not flatter anyone. The legs of the models’ in the left and center photos of the top row are certainly slender, but the volume of the pants, plus the cut-off at the knee and those awful gladiator sandals make them look incredibly stumpy. No thanks!

By: MAC

MAC — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:51:16 +0000

Hmm. I wonder what body shape these would suit best. Perhaps inverted triangle? I fear they might be a nightmare on pretty pears like me.

By: psisson

psisson — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:05:58 +0000

I say just say no!!!

By: Tatjana

Tatjana — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:28:55 +0000

I have a black pair with a really low crotch, they look more like a skirt with tights (leggings?). I wear them with simple black ballet flats and a simple tank or t-shirt on top. I get compliments all the time. The pants in the top row wouldn’t work for my body at all, and the bottom row is neither here nor there.
My friend who is much slimmer (boyish figure) wears similar style as pants and sometimes as a strapless contraption with a wide belt and a bright scarf looped around her neck. I love the look but I’m not brave enough yet to try it myself.

Israel is full of harem pants. Mostly low or outrageously low crotch (almost to the ground). So maybe I’m just used to the idea but I go for it.

By: Joelle

Joelle — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:29:16 +0000

I can’t wear harem pants because any kind of gathering at the waist looks terrible on me. But the pants on the top row of photos could work on someone with a trim waist (although I still think the ankle elastic on the jeans on the top right make it look rather like sweatpants).

The ones on the bottom I can’t see working for anyone of any shape. Those super low crotches distort how the body looks in a very unattractive way.

By: Shana

Shana — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:00:42 +0000

You know Angie, I am one of the least fashion forward/trendy people on the ylf forum but I think I would totally try the first look – even if I just ended up using it for lounge clothes. It reminds me a bit of pants worn with Indian salwars (though ours are ankle length). It would probably look silly on me since I am so short and not thin but I would definitely like to see some ideas on how to wear this look.

By: Imogen

Imogen — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:34:43 +0000

I’m with you on this one Angie – I don’t mind the ones with higher crotches, but the saggy rise variation I don’t find in the least bit attractive.

By: Marianne

Marianne — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:59:54 +0000

I am not really opposed to the look, but, like Antje, I need to prioritize. I saw a few people wearing pants similar to the middle ones in the first row. It looked fine, although I am not sure if this look requires heels. I mostly wonder about the material – the jersey ones look like sweatpants to me, I can’t help it! They sure look comfy.
Oh and I am in agreement about pants in the second row! Although I haven’t seen them irl so far.

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:07:13 +0000

Not every style works in every country. I can see why it’s caught on in the Middle East and in Europe, but it hasn’t happened at ALL in Australia and New Zealand. Then again, a lot of Antipodean looks seem weird and over-bohemian in other places.