Harem pants: How to make them say ‘sexy’, not M.C. Hammer
By Melissa Magsaysay, Times staff writer
When harem pants came down the runways at Chloé and Alexander McQueen for spring 2009, they somehow glided past the cartoony pop culture associations (Barbara Edens Jeannie in the 60s, MC Hammers 80s gold) to help define summers effortlessly slouchy look.
But the style is hardly effortless to pull off. In fact, next to hot pants and high-waisted trousers, harem pants may be the most daunting item of clothing to wear. They tend to make the hips, rear and thighs look larger while making legs seem shorter. So, why venture into the harem? Because these pants are a great way to mix up the predictable pieces of the season and add something daring to a wardrobe. You can make these pants look chic and flattering its all a matter of balancing proportions and adding the right accessories so the statement is bold, not I Dream of Jeannie.
Ella Moss pants; Corso Como sandals, $109 at American Rag, www.amrag.com.
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These pants fall and drape in the right places on our lithe, 5-foot-9-inch model, but if youre heavy in the hips and thighs or have short legs and a long torso, youll want to wear really high heels to get a similar effect. Sky-high stilettos will eliminate the frump factor and add a seriously sexy line to the portion of leg not enveloped in the pants. To keep the overall silhouette clean and balanced, wear something tight and minimal on top body skimming tanks are best for summer tucked in or belted so that the waist shows.
Splendid pants, $87 at Splendid, L.A.; Enza Costa tank top, $71 at Lost and Found, L.A.; Nine West heels, $89 at Nine West stores; Asha ring, $595 at www.ashabyadm.com; Tysa scarf, $68 at Planet Blue. Ippolita Thick Hammered bangle, $1,195; Shiny Fettucine bangle, $2,500; and earrings, $1,095; at www.ippolita.com;
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If you are large chested, wear a cropped, fitted blazer or jacket to keep the proportions right. Stay away from shoulder pads or anything too bulky, though, unless youre trying for that Hammer time feeling.
American Apparel pants, $42 at American Apparel stores; Jimmy Choo heels, $895 at Jimmy Choo Beverly Hills.
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The most easily wearable pants I found were a black and white printed silk style from 3.1 Phillip Lim. The slightly slouchy drape across the front looks relaxed but not overwhelming, and because the style isnt as extreme as most, you can wear flat sandals to keep the pants summery and island chic.
3.1 Phillip Lim pants, $350 at 3.1 Phillip Lim, Los Angeles; Alexis Lamontagna tank top, $90 at Madison, Los Angeles; Ippolita necklace, $1,800, and bracelets, $595, at www.ippolita.com; Corso Como sandals, $109, at American Rag, www.amrag.com.
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Sir Alistair Rai has a bolder take, with sequins, billowy legs and a waistband thats similar to the ones on boxing shorts. Since the pants are the main attraction here, pair them with a tank in a muted color. Some chunky gold jewelry and strong heels make this look elegant but daring, and with the elastic waistband, its an evening outfit you can actually eat in.
Sir Alistair Rai pants, $533 at www.siralistair.rai.com; Enza Costa tank top, $93 at Wendy Foster, Santa Barbara; Jimmy Choo heels, $895 at Jimmy Choo, Beverly Hills; Lia Sophia necklace, $700 at www.liasophia.com; Kotur clutch, stylists own.
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American Apparel, Alexis Lamontagna and Ella Moss are using comfy cotton jersey for their version of the look. Their harem pants are casual and can be worn with something more sporty, such as a racer-back tank or fitted V-neck T-shirt. Great heels will dress them up and flatter the body, but if youre comfortable with the silhouette, flats or flip-flops will work too.
All these pants have a huge cool factor because the look is so unexpected. And trust me when it works, it has an attitude and slouch that simply says sexy tomboy. Dont be afraid to try it.
Alexis Lamontagna pants, $212 at Madison, Los Angeles; Jimmy Choo heels, Jimmy Choo, Beverly Hills
Photographs by Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times Styled by Melissa Magsaysay / Los Angeles Times Model: Alex / L.A. Models Hair and makeup: Amber Kerns / Solo Artists
RECENT + RELATED
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A Father’s Day gift guide (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)