When harem pants started surfacing in stores in 2008, I did not fancy the look at all. I couldn’t get my head around that dropped crotch point. 

Then I went to Israel in 2009 and saw many women, across a variety of ages and body types, wear harem pants with sass and panache. I was mesmerized by their easy chic in this drapey and slouchy style. The penny dropped, and I started to notice how interesting and attractive the lines were when the drape is right, and when they are paired with a flattering top or topper. Hip, comfortable and arty. Shame on me for being closed minded about the style in the first place. Styles do grow on you once you see them in stylish action.

So I came back home, ate my words, and bought a pair of silky harem pants as soon as I found a pair that fit the bill. Granted, mine are silky and dressy, which made them better suited to my style. Here on YLF I have worn them casually with denim, with a tuxedo blazer, and with boots and a jacket. The possibilities are endless, and I look forward to wearing my harem pants each year when the weather warms up. 

We see a varied assortment of harem pants every season, but the trend remains fringe, and I doubt it will go mainstream. I don’t think of the item as trendy or fashion forward anymore. Instead I think of harem pants as avant-garde and therefore always in style. Change up their support act to keep the integrity of the silhouette fresh and current, and you’re in business. For that reason, I will never let go of my harem pants. Plus, I love them, and enjoy how they pouf out when I sit down. 

Clearly I vote yay. But very few of my clients and friends will give the style a glance, let alone try it on and like the look. After four years, there is still little love for a silhouette that is thought of as unflattering, silly, and not remotely fun or chic. What’s your verdict? Has the style grown on you too?

“Two-piece dresses” were shown in Spring and Fall 2013 runway collections. I’ve pinned a plaid example, a textured and colourblocked example, and a soft example which provide good visuals of the concept, as do the pictures below. 

Simply put, a two-piece dress is an outfit made up of a matchy-matchy top and skirt. The top is NOT a jacket, so it’s not a suit. The top is usually a blouse, shirt, pullover or on-trend sweatshirt. Usually the top is made of the same fabric and pattern as the skirt, but sometimes it’s made of a softer version of the skirt, thereby embracing the mixed media trend. In the white floral example below, the skirt is made of woven silk, and the matching top of a knitted silk blend.  

The skirts can be any style, although pencils reign supreme. The two piece sets are often printed, but solids, false plains and texture-rich versions are other options. 

Whatever the combination of top and bottom, it’s like you’re wearing a dress that’s been split at the waist to create two pieces, which is how the look gets its name. The concept has several advantages:

• It’s easier to fit a two piece dress when you wear different sizes on the top and bottom.
• Sleeved options are more abundant.
• There is extra mix and match versatility because you can wear the pieces with other separates.
• Fit can be more forgiving on the midsection because of a structured skirt waistband and untucked top.
• In some ways, the visual effect of two pieces is more interesting than a one-piece dress, and almost makes you do a double take. Look at that dress! No, it’s a skirt and top. No it’s a dress! What is it? 

I love this trend and I think it works well in both Summery and Wintery fabrications. I’m drawn to the concept because the combinations with pullover and long sleeved top are warmer and more substantial than most dresses. Most frocks, even Winter styles, are still pretty flimsy and lightweight, which doesn’t work for my climate or lifestyle. I’d welcome a two piece dress into my wardrobe with open arms.

Over to you. What’s your take on the trend?

I was in J.Crew today and they are offering 25% off an entire purchase until June 24th. I find that J.Crew’s sizing, quality and pricing is mixed, but I still shop there frequently for myself and with clients. I’m drawn to their colour selection, especially when other retailers are focused on neutrals. I also enjoy their simple, crisp designs and adore the knitwear. So here’s a little roundup of my top picks.

1. Maritime Blazer in Placed Stripe: A knitted style that’s comfy and stretchy. Fitted, but feels like sweats. Casual and structured. 
2. Denim Vest in Workwear Wash: I really liked the fit and quality of this vest amidst a sea of denim vests in retail. 
3. Ikat Popover: An arty and eye-catching print in a lightweight casual fabrication. 
4. Telegraph Skirt: This is the longest pencil skirt in retail. It fits beautifully and is knee covering without being midi length. Highly recommended for tall girls 
5. Collection Cashmere Tippi Sweater in Monarch: I have my eye on this one. How fun to wear this with animal print shoes and white jeans or black lace skirt. 
6. Sparkle Crewneck Sweater: It’s unfortunate that the picture does not do this dainty item justice. It’s ultra refined and pretty, the sparkle soft and subtle. 
7. Linen-Cotton Drawstring Pants: These are perfect for hot weather. They’re loose enough to be breezy but structured in the right place to not look overly schlumpy. I love the tapered leg with the rolled hem. 
8. Darby Suede Loafers: Extremely soft, just like slippers. Fits an orthotic. 
9. Darby Cap Toe Loafers: These are the closest I’ve seen to the Celine loafers I fell in love with last year. A little Chanel-esque too. 
10. Lillian Suede Low Wedges: The suede makes these delightfully comfortable. Works for a wider foot and size down half a size.
11. Viv Metallic Flats: On trend and versatile. Not nearly as soft as the suede but not bad at all. 
12. Leather Colorblock Passport Case: Make your passport easy to spot by dressing it up in this little outfit.
13. Leather Colorblock Luggage Tag: Spot your luggage right away with these tags. 
14. Havana Clutch: I almost bought this little wicker darling, but my wallet wouldn’t fit. It’s beautifully made, retro and so very Summery. 

Also, if you’re a tall girl, J.Crew does extra long lengths in Tall trousers, jackets, skirts and tops. My six foot clients happily wear heels with flared suiting pants because of the additional inseam length.

There comes a point when a particular wardrobe item is well represented, or even over represented in your closet, and it’s time to say NO MORE. Or at least no more until you need to replace one of the items. I’ve been feeling that way about black bottoms over the last few months because I have the bases covered and then some. 

Over the years I’ve accumulated a pencil skirt, two pairs of cigarette pants, dressy wide leg trousers, ruched cropped pants, harem pants, a flirty full paneled short skirt, Bermuda shorts, a formal maxi trumpet skirt and straight leg jeans. That’s ten black bottoms that cover both the trends and the classics, casual and formal dress codes, and short and long lengths. All in good shape and flattering. That’s more than enough. 

I wear black bottoms regularly, but they are not a signature look. There are only so many times I want to wear them before I’m bored with the concept and crave lighter bottoms. I also prefer my dressy black bottoms to the casual styles, and there are even fewer occasions when those come out to play. That’s why I’ve reached my wardrobe saturation point with the item.

Items like white shirts, on the other hand, are nowhere near reaching their saturation point even though I have six of them in an assortment of styles. They are a signature look for me. Weather permitting, I could wear them daily in all sorts of ways and not tire of the concept.  

It’s not the quantity of an item type that makes you reach your saturation point, but your ability to wear it frequently and with enthusiasm. That’s why no matter how much I fall in love with the black bottoms pictured here, I must stay strong and not purchase them. It’s wasted money after I’ve reached my wardrobe saturation point. 

Which items have reached their saturation point in your wardrobe?