Yeah, I can’t believe I’m writing this either, but honestly, I think harem pants are getting a bad rap. They don’t suit everyone; they’re a trend that only the very bold can pull off. Which is why I think many just dismiss them outright – because personally, they can’t wear them. No, not everyone is jealous of those who can wear harem pants successfully, but I do think that’s what has sparked some of the intense hatred. And I speak from experience here – I HATED the skinny jean trend in the beginning, but mostly because I knew I’d never be able to look good in skinny jeans. Same with leggings. But now, I appreciate those who can wear skinny jeans & legging and look great. Ditto for harem pants.
It’s taken me time to learn this appreciation for harem pants, I mean, initially, they reminded me of how a toddler looks wearing pants with perhaps a too-full diaper. The saggy crotch takes some getting used to, but like anything in fashion, there will always be haters…after all if what you’re wearing doesn’t garner some intense feeling one way or the other, either in yourself, or those around you, what’s the point? Fashion is fun, and always controversial. Dressing is about love; you wear what you love, leave the hate to everyone else.
That said, there are ways to style harem pants that work better than others, and below, I’ve chosen some of my favorites from some personal fashion blogs as well as online boutiques.
 Karla's Closet |  Kingdom of Style |  Vicky, on Streetpeeper |
I think Karla’s look is my favorite of these three – it shows how the harem pant can be dressed up, and I love the proportion of the fitted jacket over slouchy pants. And she leaves just enough skin to be edgy.
Kindom of Style’s look is kind of counter-intuitive; she wears all “slouchy” together and yet, it works. Normally, I like to see a fitted top if the bottom is baggy, and vice versa, but the combination of the asymmetrical top, harem pants and bold necklace work incredibly well in this outfit.
Finally, Vicky’s all black ensemble just draws you in and makes you appreciate her effortless style.
Out of the following looks from online boutiques, my favorites are the two from Pixie Market: the Tribal harem pants, and the silk jumpsuit. In a way, I feel like if you’re going to wear harem pants, you might as well go all out – and harem pants in a tribal print or in silk just work better – they’re more natural. And of course accessories and shoes are key to any outfit, and both of those outfits couldn’t be styled any better. But I’d really like to LIVE in the Rick Owens Lillies look.
 Vanessa Bruno Athe @ La Garconne |  Just FM @ Pixie Market |
 Convertible Harems @ Free People |  Rick Owens Lillies @ Kirna Zabete |
 Gestuz Jumpsuit @ Pixie Market |  McQ @ Net-a-Porter |
So…what do you think? do you wear harem pants? how do you feel about them as a trend? what do you think about the ones posted? which outfit is your favorite? do you think I’m full of sh*t? Do tell!!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh my god, nooooooooo!!!
This is an atrocious, trendoid look. It’s the same way I feel about “bofriend” jeans that are tattered and pegged at the bottom. Yikes, not a good look for most women, excepting women from Morocco or fashion designers with a decidedly quirky bent. If I saw this in Chicago, I would laugh out loud.
LOL susan…guess you’re not a fan. i do agree that it’s not a good look for most women – but i applaud those who can pull it off successfully.
Sorry, I’m with Susan. If even supermodels and celebrities can’t pull them off, what chance do the rest of us have? Poor Vicky, she looks like a homeless person, is Kingdom of Style going for that “Court Jester” look?, Karla’s Closet *almost* pulls it off, but I still think if you saw it IRL it would look ridiculous. And don’t *even* get me started on jumpsuits!
I agree with you Grechen. They do look like “how a toddler looks wearing pants with perhaps a too-full diaper”. Sorry girl, but they are hideous! In my opinion these don’t compliment even the best bods. I agree with Din…very Court Jestery indeed
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i tried some on and they were very comfy actually.
i was oppossed to harem pant at first, but reali love them now! they look great with a nice pair of heels and a fitted jacket. perfect for a night out on the town!