There’s a proliferation of legging-ish garments parading as pants this fall, but frankly, at this point, that’s to be expected. And there are plenty of ways to make them look pretty and presentable. However, Racked drew our attention to a more disturbing phenomenon yesterday: not-pants parading as pants.

So we thought we’d issue a pants PSA: The items on the left are pants. The ones on the right are not. Discuss.

Pants: Black skinny jeans ($154) – sleek, simple, and they cover your legs.

Not pants: Black skinny jeans with mesh inserts that go higher than any respectable miniskirt ($242). We’re cold just looking at them.

Pants: DVF pleat-front trousers ($285) – admittedly a tougher shape to pull off, but with heels and a slim-fitting top, we’re behind it.

Not pants: “Trousers” ($50) with horizontal stripes, a foldover waistband, and an adult-diaper cut. Made of viscose. These are pajamas, people. They’re for wearing to bed.

Pants: Very slim cropped wool trousers ($168), with a cheeky little zipper at the ankle; rebel against corporate trousers in an HR-friendly way.

Not pants: Polyurethane leggings ($895) with cutouts all the way up to and including the crotch. It’s these or the rent. And these won’t keep the rain out.

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If you’re like us, this year’s summer reading has been all about how to wear harem pants, the somewhat wacky trend that has dumbfounded even the most fashion forward of women. Hopefully, the hordes of instruction manuals on the proper way to don these hip pants, affectionately known as “droopy crotch” or “diaper” pants, have helped you to accept that this fashion movement is more than just a drift.

So with autumn on the way, it’s officially time to lose your harem pant virginity, which is why we suggest you take a look our intensive guide, devised especially to help you through this important time of change. We’ve got it all – from dressy harem pants made for sexy sandals to pairs that are best worn rolling around on your couch. There’s bound to be a style here for you.

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Browse our shoe and jewelry guides for ways to spice up your evening attire.

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Yes, we know harem pants are a touchy subject. But like it or not, they’re probably not going anywhere fast. So we’d like to jump in and show you how to pull them off – figuratively, that is. Because you really shouldn’t be scared.

First, choose a cropped pair (no diaper versions, or any that graze the ankle thus resembling pajama pants). You’ll want to counter the slouchiness of the pants with structure on top, so opt for a modern straight-cut boyfriend blazer along with a simple, yet dressy, blouse.

To keep with the modern theme, choose sharp angled accessories, and shoes that will make a statement against the black. Carry a fun clutch and you’ve got an evening ensemble so much more exciting than your safe black dress.

Aqua Jersey Harem Pants ($58)

Vince Lightweight Boyfriend Jacket ($440)

Bi La Li Silk Origami Top ($185 from $370)

Long Geometric Necklace ($28)

Striped Foldover Clutch ($39.50)

Luella Strappy Platform Sandal ($145)

Now that you’ve got the trend down pat, check out more options in our guide to harem pants.

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The final four designers put it all out on the runway at Cipriani Wall Street for part one of the finale of Bravo’s The Fashion Show. The twist was that only three of the four would make it to the final viewer’s choice vote, which by the time you read this, will be closed.

Next week, the winner is crowned during a reunion show.

Daniella’s “soft robot” collection was a combination of leather, epaulets, and femininity that judges described as fashionable. The medieval androgyny she was aiming for would have worked if the construction was better – her only real criticism from the panel.

James Paul’s collection was equally abstract, with his inspiration coming from western wear. None on the pieces were really reminiscent of cowboy couture, but in usual JP fashion, his muted color palette and textures won raves from Isaac and co.

The circle skirt jacket from Reco was just one of the bright, glam pieces in his Aztec goddess-inspired collection. He did everything from separates to a wedding gown, but the absence of detailed designs pushed him out of the final four.

Anna, however, was the crowd favorite. While knocked as being the least cohesive, her collection was bright and wearable, incorporating her successful pleating as well as a floral palette that won raves in previous episodes.

Although Kelly Rowland rarely delivers any sage fashion advice, she did point out that knee-length dresses are a staple of any burgeoning wardrobe. J. Crew’s strapless floral Lorelei dress ($250) is an ode to Anna’s bright, floral prints. And for a more office-appropriate look, this Donna Morgan Jersey Dress ($79 from $118) can be jazzed up with a statement belt.

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Just because you want to wear skinny jeans doesn’t mean you should wind up shelling out for something that’s not right for your body type.  Lucky Jeans makes great denim that fits well and is well-priced, to boot.

I like the reasonable straight leg going on here, with a slim shape that’s still relaxed ($80 from $160).

For those of you who can’t get enough of white jeans, or already ruined your first pair (like me) try this white denim from Lucky ($49.50 from $99).

I love the fresh, summery color of these straight-legged jeans. Pair with a breezy white top or simple black ($57.50 from $115).

And check out our other denim picks to beef up your jeans collection.

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What’s the deal with liquid leggings?  Besides the fact that they’re definitely catching on, as far as being a definite fall trend again. As stores begin stocking new stuff for September, we’re already beginning to plan our proverbial back-to-school outfits, and these definitely include some form of leggings.

But thinking about seeing them everywhere once the weather cools down got us wondering – can everyone wear them, or only skinny-minis?

Sure, they’re on the wackier side of the fashion spectrum, but they look great when done right.  And what with their gaining prevalence as a wardrobe staple, you’ll want to make sure you’re in the first wave to pick up a pair and show them off right.

So now that the liquid leggings are covered, let’s talk about treggings.

Basically, skinny jeans are not skinny enough.  The tregging is a step up from that style, a cross between a trouser and a legging.  Made in every fabric, from leather to denim to stretchy cotton, this pant style is gaining in popularity.

It’s pretty out there, but if you’re up for exploring, we say go for it and branch out this fall.

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It’s heating up, so store away that dark denim.  It’s time to go with light-reflecting white for summer.

Nice fit, nice buttoned back pocket detail. These Calvin Kleins are $54.50 from $109.

Skinny jeans with zippers are trendy in a subtle way.  Especially when they’re such a good buy ($66 from $88.)

These white pants ($39.50 from $79) are a total steal, so don’t fret if they get dirty at a barbecue.

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Bermuda shorts have been around for a while now, but unlike capri pants, this is a style that’s more appropriate for the relentless July heat. They’re fashionable and useful, and easy to dress up or down.

Below are three faves:

1. The urban mecca of prep, J.Crew, has a stretch summerweight Bermuda ($49.50) that comes in every color you could want.

2. Gap has curvy girls covered with these polished plaid Bermudas ($20 from $39.50) that hit a balance between relaxed and tailored.

3. A classic white Bermuda, these DKNY shorts ($40) are the embodiment of a lazy Saturday afternoon.

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Skinny jeans have no breathability.  Slacks are too formal.  Leather leggings, trendy as they may be, we won’t even go there.  What are you supposed to do for pants as the weather heats up?  Loose-fitting, breezy cotton pants.

I can’t wait to not have to squeeze into these ($175 from $349.)

This look from Maxine Dillon ($94 from $187) is a great example of tailored-yet-comfortable womenswear inspired by menswear.

These cotton pants are a casual staple you can use all year. ($49 from $98.)

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From real women to teenagers, episode 6 of Bravo's The Fashion Show opened with a mini challenge that asked the nine remaining designers to create campaign slogan t-shirts for high school senior Giuliana's run for class president. The catch was that each designer had to target them to a specific high school clique (skaters, treehuggers, drama, nerds, etc.). Daniella won with her literal treehugger shirt, and also won immunity for this week's competition.

The following elimination challenge built on the clique concept, and each
designer had to create an outfit for a twenty-something woman inspired
by their clique.

Most of the outfits were indeed inspired, but some definitely missed the mark. Johnny, who unfortunately scored the jock clique, designed a strange tank top and shiny shorts combo and then put it over fringed leggings. Hmmm. Angel landed in the bottom two again with her B-girl ensemble that included wool office-wear pants (of different hem lengths) and a shiny puffer vest.

Guest judge Charlotte Ronson did not heart this outfit at all, and Angel was sent packing.

Alas, Merlin's tears of frustration were for naught as his Mean Girls-inspired sheer top, fitted jeans, and creative sweater won the audience over. Unfortunately the sweater is not for sale but you can certainly take home the Mean sheer top ($95) or Mean cut jeans ($150).

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