Apr 18, 2007

High-waisted, wide-leg pants are somehow creeping back into the fashion vernacular, popping up in everything from cropped pedal pushers to jeans to trousers. Thanks to stars like Mary Kate, who used the trend to get out of her little fashion rut, comfortable wide-leg pants are coming back in style and letting curvy girls rejoice. See how Ms. Olsen wears her manly slacks? Two thumbs up for nailing the style just right. Here’s how you can wear the trend:

1. The pants should be just long enough to graze the floor and let your toes peek out. Otherwise you look footless. Also, they shouldn’t be so wide that you swim in them, especially if you’re petite since it can make you look short and squat rather than long and lean.

2. Heels are a must. Wedges and other chunky heeled boots or pumps will juxtapose all that extra fabric and add length to the legs.

3. On top, opt for something fitted, like a waist-cinching dolman or nipped-waist, button-up blouse with short sleeves. Wide-leg trousers and a fitted blazer look excellent at work.

4. When choosing denim, go for a dark navy wash, like the Grey Ant High Waisted Carpenter Jean or these 7 For All Mankind Ginger Wide Leg Jeans. Gray is also a hot color, as is white for summer.

Some inspiration to ponder:

Mary Kate’s Trouser Style: Alice + Olivia Front Pleat Wide Leg Pant
Center: Adam + Eve French Cuff Shirt and Pants.
Right: Charles Nolan Contrast-Trimmed Jacket and High-Waisted Linen Pants.

So what do you think? Will you wear this trend? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.