I guess because I was too young when the "ski" look was prevalent, I don't see these as gear. Like others mentioned, I see them as a stirrup version of ponte pants. I do think the stirrup might be more challenging in avoiding the frump factor; then again, YLF members did manage to sway my eye where stirrup leggings are concerned.
Bottom line - I think it's certainly worth a try!
(Off topic, but when I was 7-8 years old, during the early 90's, I was *so* obsessed with stirrup stretch pants. My "uniform" was a pair of stirrup knit pants, an oversized and VERY bright or floral tee shirt, brightly colored socks folded over with a little ruffled edge, and Keds slip ons. I thought that was the height of coolness!)
