I’d like to say that I have a thing for dresses because I’m so feminine, but that would be a half-truth. Sure, there’s that, but also, I’m short. This spring, however, pants are hard to ignore, with designers sending so many new styles down the runway, reinventing a closet staple and creating oodles of shopping temptations. Which is awesome, because I was totally out of things to buy.
The catch, and there’s always a catch, is that not every pant is for every woman. Here, as spring style week continues, I examine 4 of spring’s new pant trends, and help you determine whether or not they’re for you.
1. The Culotte
When I was 12, my mom made me red culottes with a matching striped shirt. I have spent the last couple of decades trying to forget that outfit, but this trend brought those memories flooding back. Fortunately, this time around, they look a little different. This season, they’re wide legged and voluminous, sometimes to the point or resembling a skirt, with a medium to high waist.
Are they for you?
These are very forgiving and flattering, but only if you are medium to tall with a long waist. Wear them with a top tucked in for maximum flattery, and a heel if you are on the shorter end of tall. A stacked sandal is ideal.
2. The Wide Leg
Airy, flowy wide leg pants are super-comfortable and pretty, especially in the season’s best prints.
Are they for you?
If the length is right, this style will work for anyone. Unlike skinnies, wide leg pants need to be hemmed a specific height, and wedges or heels will work best for most women. If you have shape in your hips, look for a straighter, flowy style, but if you’ve got a boyish or classic hourglass frame, wear these as wide and flowy as you like, provided your legs are long enough so that you don’t appear to be swimming in fabric. Petite women, keep proportion in mind, and opt for a slightly narrower silhouette. Higher waisted styles, like the style from DailyLook, below, are best on longer waisted women.
3. The Flare
Yes, boyfriend jeans are still super-stylish and current, but if they’re not your thing, flares are the other major denim (and pant) trend this season.
Are they for you?
Any pant style that is narrow at the knee and wider at the ankle, like a flare, will accentuate the hip and booty area, which makes them best for women with classic hourglass or even boyish frames. If you’re curvy in the hips, these may not be your best choice.
4. The Jogger
This relaxed, super-comfortable silhouette is your new yoga or sweat pant. This style generally has an elasticized waist (yes to lunch!), a slim but slouchy leg and is banded or cuffed at the hem.
Are they for you?
This easy style works on pretty much every body type, provided the details are right. Most women will want to avoid any unnecessary gathering, fabric or huge ties at the waistline that can add bulk and limit the versatility.
No, the newly hip mom jeans did not make the list. Trust me. It’s for your own good. Out of the styles that did make my wearable-in-real-life edit, which is your favorite? (Oh, and as always, pictures are all linked, so click on them to shop.)
Nada Manley says
I love mine Jan! You won’t regret it!
Jan says
I think I may have to go buy or make a pair of joggers!
Carol says
I’ve never been a fan of sweat pants but these look really cute. Not ready to give up the slim leg so I’d vote for the Jogger.