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 Eden’s Jeannie in the ’60s, MC Hammer’s ’80s gold) to help define summer’s 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 — it’s 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.

RECENT + RELATED

Get the sun-kissed look for summer

Neon fashions turn it up for summer

The perefect outfit for a summer barbecue

Beach bag essentials

A Father's Day gift guide