How to Wear Harem Pants
December 3rd, 2009
Harem Pants (aka MC Hammer Pants) may have been the poster child for bad 1980s fashion, but they’ve been an unexpected comeback trend this season. These voluminous, low slung trousers may not be traditionally flattering (in fact, they’re more anti-fashion than fashion), but they’re attracting both ridicule and admiration this time around.
What’s the secret to wearing harem pants? Complement these voluminous, structured pants with a loose, drapey top and cinch the volume at the waist. Here’s how to get the look of harem pants for less:
Silk Woven Pant | $29.80 at Forever 21
You can get investment level harem pants for $300, but we’d rather pay less than $30 to capture this trend.
Silk Ruffle Blouse | $59.50 at Gap
This polished blouse complements the voluminous pants with its soft, slouchy fit and feminine details.
AE Braided Belt | $29.50 at American Eagle
Finish off the look with a little bit of texture and color. This braided belt fits the bill.
Lily Suedette Shoetie | $24.80 at Forever 21
Work with the tapered silhouette of the harem pants by slipping on a sleek bootie/shoe (aka a "shoetie").
Entry Filed under: Ready Made Outfits,Women
8 Comments
1. Anonymous | December 3rd, 2009 at 7:21 am
No! Just… no. Please.
2. Melissa | December 3rd, 2009 at 7:22 am
NOO! Just no. These are fug, end of story!
3. Esther | December 3rd, 2009 at 7:29 am
Hi Trisha,
Thanks for this. Can you please tell me more about the brown top on the left? It is very pretty.
4. wha the heck! | December 4th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Although it looks good in the pic, in real life they are a real fashion disaster…
5. Ruby | December 7th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
heck, you said it. this look just does not translate into real life.
6. stellab | December 9th, 2009 at 11:21 am
I’m so impressed with the shoes Forever 21 is pulling out right now. That “shoetie” is adorable and the price is insanity! The harem pants on the other hand, a tough trend to pull off. I like what you’ve pulled but to say that they would flatter more than .01% of the population would be an understatement. Loving the rest of the look though…
7. elena | December 22nd, 2009 at 10:17 pm
i don’t know what some of you are talking about! these harem pants look gooood.. i guess you just have to know how to wear them!
8. Judy | May 9th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Harem Pants!
Are they outdated?