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Harem styling : shorts and pants. Ideas and success stories?

Anonymous

Alright, now I'm obsessed with harem pants and shorts. I'm a little hesitant because I'm afraid to be disappointed in how I might look in them, but I think I'll keep an eye out for some anyways. I have honestly never in my life seen a pair of harem pants or shorts in any store I frequent - and I imagine my best bets are the more junior chain stores like H &M and F21?

Of course I am fully capable of digging around on Pinterest and looking for styling ideas, but I would love to hear from those of you who wear these successfully - what tops are you wearing with them? What has worked and what definitely didn't? And for toppers if any - what works there? I'm a little concerned that they may require cropped and fitted tops , which will not work for me. Remember, I will qualify for the seniors' discount at Shoppers Drug Mart later this year - so keep that in mind with any styling advice you have to impart.

Looking forward to hearing from you : Deb, Caro, Brooklyn, Suz, Una, Aida , Ann? Anyone else out there wearing these cool things?

And , sorry for taking up so much forum space this week. Ugh - I promise I settle down after this .

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE harem pants. I've had a silky pair for many years and I will never pass them on. Here is the latest styling. I know that the way I wear them is too dressy for you, Lisa. But for completeness sake I'll post my latest pics here.

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columbine(erin)

Veteran

I'm on my phone so I don't know if this link will work. But I remember Kellygirl looking great in the Zella capris with a drapy maybe surplice front top, I wonder if you could find a version that feels you.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ire-review

Inge

(website)

I don't have any pictures of myself sporting the look, but I'm sure the other ladies will chime in shortly, Lisa.

In the meantime, I really liked how Angie wore her harem shorts in the past (which also shows that there are other options than fitted cropped tops, hurrah;-)
http://youlookfab.com/2010/06/.....-ensemble/

http://youlookfab.com/2015/09/.....tro-drape/

http://youlookfab.com/2011/09/.....t-to-play/

http://youlookfab.com/2010/06/.....-ensemble/

And, these are Angie's jodhpur jeans, but I think this kind of top (with or without topper) will work great with harem pants too.
http://youlookfab.com/2011/09/.....e-sparkle/

Anonymous

Angie - I remember seeing these pictures - and they are so pretty! Not too dressy, just not a length I would wear. I like that these are ordinary length tops here - and not too fitted! Are they a designer brand?

And columbine - I actually have these pants, and they really aren't harems, just loose fit pants (or maybe I didn't buy them big enough - haha) But good idea on the cross over front top.

Inge - you are still being such a fountain of good information ! I fear that Angie makes anything look good though. My fav is the denim jacket and untucked top though - if i could wear them like that I'd be in heaven

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lisa, yeah. Both those blouses are designer. What's wrong with the length of the harem pants?

columbine(erin)

Veteran

Yes, I have the Zella's and they're not harems, just referring to the top.

Anonymous

Angie - just not the length i'm looking for . I'd wear either a cropped pant version , or a shorter short, that's all. A proportion thing for me. . And it was the harem pant I was wondering about - designer or not. Still curious where I'll find them.

Aida

Veteran

I'll have to go digging for some older photos and see if I still have some. I had some long silk cargo cropped pants which I wore suuuuper slouchy and may as well have been harems; those I wore with tucked or semi-tucked tops (sorry!) along with high-low hems, shorter summer sweaters, and cropped jackets. Last year I bought the printed Zella capris and most often wore with swingy boxy tees and hi-low tops. I just found a pair of floral pants I'd stashed away which might be fun to play with this season, too. Likely will simply pair with cropped tops and jackets.

Zella 'Inspire' Jogger Pants

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catgirl

Veteran

Here are some better and worse stylings of my silk harem pants which I LOVE...

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....hotobomber

Anonymous

Una - woah, I forgot you had those. So dressy yet not so- if that makes any sense. I love those - Rich & Skinny ? Ha.

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

OK Lisa, first you have to understand that I too have a proportion issue, whether real or perceived, and I've gotten around that by doing a column of color in many of my outfits. Here are all the pics (good bad and well...) that I have of my EF harems. You've inspired me to work more with them because they're not as easy to style as jeans and I want to have more ways to wear them. Oh and boy shorts are important to prevent chub rub...
#1 Black fitted tee tucked in with fuchsia moto sweatshirt (the cutaway at the bottom is lengthening, to my eye). Switch in any moto jacket. Gladiators are perfect with harems.
#2 With a semi-sheer black moto long vest and peep toe booties/heels
#3 Probably wearing a black long-sleeved tee, covered with an asymmetrical waterfall cardigan and introducing non-black footwear. Scarf is AllSaints, find below (edgy much?)
#4 Same topper as #3 and high-tops and a spirit hood, cuz why not
#5 Valentine's Day to the symphony and dinner. Black fitted long-sleeve tee, peplum vest/shirt thing and peep-toe sling-back pumps with a hint of pewter.

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BCBGMAXAZRIA Abrielle Sleeveless Peplum Top

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Vince Shiny Scoop Neck Tee

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by dashielle (Ann)

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Eileen Fisher Harem Pants (Regular & Petite)

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Via Spiga Nino Ankle Strap Heel

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by dashielle (Ann)

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BC Footwear Women's Off The Cuff Gladiator Sandal

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Aida

Veteran

Ok I don't have as many of them as I'd hoped, but I did manage to round up some of them. Not really harem pants but all slouchy (dropped crotch) and styled similarly.

1/2, 6, and 10 are from 2014. 3-5 are from 2015. 7-9 are 2013 or 2012 (I think?). Fun to look back ^^

EDIT: Also I tend to style those GAP olive tencel pants similarly as well since they're quite slouchy on me. You can see the ones I posted if you look at the links in the Find.

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Anonymous

I just emerged from Pinterest - and BABIES wearing harems. Anyways, there are certainly varying degrees of crotch drop in harem pants, and many are really just slouchy sweatpants in my eye. But an equal number are full-on Barbara Eden pants. Anyways - this is all very interesting. I can't help but think this may be my first foray back into sewing in so many years.

Ann - you have the best closet ever. I've seen pictures of these EF pants, and am not sure I would ever wear them, just not brave enough, but boy do you look good in them. Every single way you've styled them is perfect. I think I can relate to your style best. My god that scarf is beautiful. I need all of these pieces you've shown. Can I go shopping with you one day?

Aida - I knew you'd have a good assortment of pics. I can see wearing much of what you've shown . I'm still not sure of the knee-length styling you and Angie have shown, but that's just me. Thank you!

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dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

Fair enough Lisa The EF harems feel and often look like a long bubble skirt. Next time you're on the West Coast, we should have a Lisa-fest! One note that may or may not influence your choice in length of crotch drop...I have a couple of gear harems with drops around mid-thigh and I find having a crotch seam anywhere above my knees irritating. T..May be a conformational thing, as, to express it in terms of horse show conformation judging, 'both of my legs come out of the same hole'. Narrow hips and 'athletic' thighs add chafe factor. I also found that with 'athletic' calves, I dislike crops that hit at the widest part of my calf.

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Sal

Veteran

Here are a few pics - don't better than others. I have worn 3 the most this summer.

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Anonymous

Sally - all of these are really nice ! I'm beginning to think that what I thought of as just loose-fit slouchy pants are what others are calling harem pants. Not to get all caught up in semantics, but this has become an interesting search. I'd like to start with a solid -I need to ease into this quietly - or until I lose more weight. I notice you are turning up the hems too - looks good that way with heels.

Deborah

Veteran

Lisa we can keep each other company on our harem short obsession.

I have two pairs of drop crotch (or droppies lol as my friend calls them) pants.

Find #1 - Urban Outfitters drop crotch legging
](Denise kindly helped me source these)

Fine #2 - French Connection drop crotch pant
(Our lovely Caro brought these to my attention)

Pic #1 & #2 are the shorts I could sell my soul for (Rick Owens)

And a couple of older outfits with my harem leggings (fwhey I was a bit chunkier lol)

For tops, I usually go for shorter tops - hi low or simply more cropped lengths. I will often top with a jacket.. not too long but longer than the waist.

Proportions seem to be key as if I wear to much volume on top and the wrong length I just look like a blob.

I do hope Caro chimes in. I would love to see how she wears her harem shorts.

p.s. I see a very distinct difference between a slouchy pant and drop crotch pant

p.s.s. I think Una also has a pair of EF drop crotch pants that are more like my french connections ones. Not as extreme as the ones Dashielle has.

BTW Search Etsy. You will find some very cool versions there.

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Brooklyn

Veteran

Happy to chime in but I don't think my shorts count as harem pants. They are slouchy and have a slightly dropped crotch. I have found they work best with tops with a front hem that ends anywhere between my waist and my hip bone. That way the crossover front shows. The back can be longer so high low is fine. I don't tuck (too hot in summer!) although sometimes I fake a semi tuck with a knot in my top. I only wear fluid or boxy style tops with them. Here are a couple of photos with a crossover fringey top and an asymmetrical tee. They also work with a side split tunic. A tunic does cover the crossover front but the splits leave the pockets available for slouching, if that makes sense.
Lisa, if you look at the model in the fringey top find she is wearing similar shorts to mine but a bit shorter. I reckon you could go shorter too - seniors card and all.

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Sal

Veteran

Yes you could be right. while mine are not super drop crotch they are low-ish. I had another pair with a cross front but they ripped

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Anonymous

Deborah - could you imagine wearing those RO shorts ? I would be a very happy woman owning those . They're probably $1000.00 - ha. I do distinguish between drop crotch, slouchy fit and harem too - glad I'm not the only one . I'd like to find something like your French Connection ones . And I can do a shorter top if I have a longer third piece covering my high hip . Good idea .

Brooklyn- whatever you call them , I still love those shorts !

Deborah

Veteran

Lisa, yes I would absolutely wear those shorts:)

This is Kim from The Mourning Cloak wearing my shorts:) And that's how I would wear them:)
http://www.themourningcloak.co.....-nine.html
She is Canadian and I LOVE her style.

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CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Goodness, please do not apologize for engaging the forum! Never feel bad for creating content, I say.

I was in love with my harems before but they seem to be neglected now. I don't know, I was taking more chances a few years ago. Also, I had no fear of black. Today is the first day I'm wearing black in a long time. I pulled out the cropped sweater I'm wearing in #1, to see if I still liked it or if it needs to go. Unfortunately the past 2 years have not been kind to me in the aging department, so I feel much more self conscious in black now.

The harem pants in #1 and 3 and 4 are woven, from UO. #2 pants are also from UO, the same knit ones Deborah referenced. #4 shows harem pants in hot weather. I might try to wear this outfit again because it kept me cool (in spite of being black). Jeans in #5 are harem jeans, sort of.

#6 were my first harem pants, sort of harem lights, from Three Dots. Another cozy summer outfit I think.

It's been a bit depressing collecting these pictures because I have aged so much. #6 is from 2013, nearly 3 years ago.

ETA -- Oh no, reading back, I totally turned this into "all about me" and "whining." I hope you can still find some inspiration!

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Deborah

Veteran

Wow Denise, I always hide the waist band!! I am going to have to try a look with it showing.

Shall we start a thread on how we feel about ageing!! Denise you always look amazing and gorgeous. Maybe you are being little hard on yourself. And I had forgotten how awesome your harem outfits are, it's good to see them again.

Anonymous

Denise - these are great pictures! I could wear these - and I have to check out UO as soon as I can. I didn't think of them as a resource for this type of thing and I'm in there pretty often ! I still prefer the longer length for me - I'm just not that avant garde in my look to pull it off the shorter ones with any degree of authenticity. But who knows....

And aging? Don't get me started

Deborah - thanks for the connection to this blogger. I seem to recall seeing this pic before - maybe you've told us about her already? Those shorts are indeed fantastic. Need to find a copy asap!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Lisa UO is or used to be one of my favorite places to experiment with emerging trends. I think they might be more conservative than they used to be. Lots of "Festival" type attire.

MyHabit has these past season sheer summer harem pants now for just $140 USD. I wear 6-8-10 (IT 40-42-44) in RO. They all fit, just look a bit different depending on the size.
http://www.myhabit.com/#page=d.....038;qid=ap

Urban Outfitters

Out From Under Textured Harem Pant

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Colette

Veteran

I think you all look fab in your harem pants and shorts. I don't think harem pants or shorts are for me and my simple style, but I do love a sarong skirt. The closest I've come to this look are a pair of Zella Move 2 active pants that I wear to death as soon as it starts warming up. I usually unzip the bottom and that gives them a different look. I'm considering adding The Keep It Up Capri this year, perhaps I'll size up for some slouch.

As far as styling ideas, I can only offer Yul Brynner in the King and I for inspiration.

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Anonymous

First, I am relieved to hear harem pants are still in style. I have the same EF ones as Ann and prefer them for the reasons she notes. I tried some with a higher (mid-thigh) drop and tighter on the calf and felt like I was wearing a nappy. Funnily enough, they also felt like an edgier look to me than the longer-drop EFs, and I live in a fairly fashion-backward area.

I do like the UO pair that CocoLion posted above and may try those. The drape around the calf looks more comfortable and will probably be better on me.

Afraid I have no photos because the truth is I've worn mine (purchased 2 or 3 years ago) just a handful of times, mostly at the beach. They are super comfy and great for windy days when I worry a flowy skirt might blow over my head. If it weren't 35 degrees here, I'd wear them for our beach jaunt today and snap a pic. Because of the voluminous style of mine, I usually pair them with a fitted black tee and scarf or moto style jacket. I wear mine with chunkier footwear: strappy flat sandals, block heel black cutout sandals, or open-toe black booties.

Hope you find your ideal pair!

Anonymous

Oh my god Colette - now I'll never be able to wear these without thinking of Yul Brynner. Gee thanks. HAHA!

I can see this may take some trying on and experimenting. From the rear, some of these don't look all that traditionally attractive, with that full-diaper look going on. But others are quite fine. Re the EF ones Aliona and Ann have - I can't figure out how one could walk in them! Isn't that rather restrictive to have the leg openings so close together at the hem? I envision doing a face-plant in my first foray out in something like that

Again, my creative/experimental juices are flowing and UO is on my list of places to check out on Monday!

Deborah

Veteran

Lisa just popped back to say that the lack of conventional flattery is what appeals to me about these pants. My sister refers to mine as my diaper or hammer pants! She dislikes them with a great intensity:). So I always wear them when we catch up lol. I do think the right top or jacket can help to create a more flattering view from behind;)