Skinny and form-fitting pants and jeans have dominated our lower halves for the past few seasons, writes Amy Parsons-King, but a new trend is emerging focused on comfort and style.
Wide-legged pants are making a comeback for spring and summer, offering a refreshing silhouette and an exceptionally versatile style.
If you're like me and vertically challenged, don't be put off by this loose-fitting look.
That's what platforms and skyscraper heels were made for! Here's some ideas on how you can make this trend work for you this season.
Plain and simple
Whether you're wearing your wide-leg pants cropped or floor-sweeping, to keep your look sharp and simple keep colours basic and lines clean. Pair your billowing bottoms with a cute shoestring cami, crisp fitted shirt or if you are game enough, a bandeau or bralet. Accessorise with statement heels and sandals, minimalist jewellery, and a low-slung pony or slick-backed wet look to achieve an uncomplicated approach to this burgeoning trend.
Masculine
We've been borrowing from our boyfriends' wardrobe for a while now: recall the oversized blazer, boyfriend jeans and cardigans? Taking a cue from our male counterparts, the wide-legged ''masculine'' trend is all about wearing ''his'' clothes while still feeling supremely feminine. Team your wide legs with a blazer, simple T-shirt or work shirt. If this is all a bit too macho for you, wear a bralet or semi-sheer shirt under your blazer to spice the whole look up. This style goes well with flat sandals or brogues. Accessorise with a chunky watch, statement sunglasses and hair in a low-slung pony or out, sleek and centre-parted.
Athletic appeal
Wear your wide-leg pants right to the floor or cropped in a durable fabric for a look that has an emphasis on effortless style. For the sporty trend, pair them with racer-back singlets, mesh tops, sweaters, T-shirts, bomber jackets or bandeaus. For the ultimate in athletic styling bare your belly in a cropped-top or shirt. Top off this look with bright-coloured sneakers or on-trend slides. Wear your hair in a high pony or topknot and accessorise with stylish sunnies and statement jewellery.
Ultrafeminine
If you like your look to be floaty and feminine, opt for pants with plenty of volume and movement. High-waisted belted pants, worn with a tailored shirt, sheer or lace blouse or an off-the-shoulder top, will ensure this look is pulled off to perfection. Accessorise with killer heels or elegant flats, delicate jewellery and your favourite clutch.
Something for every shape
Pear
Women with wider hips may grimace at the thought of wearing wide-leg pants, but they can be extremely flattering if worn correctly. What you'll need to do is keep your silhouette looking straight. Ensure the legs are about the same width at the waist and hem. Another key factor is to draw the eyes to your small mid-section with detailing such as buttons, pockets or a standout belt.
Apple
A slightly narrower leg in a lightweight fabric with minimum bulk around the stomach area is how you want to wear your wide-leg pants. If you're conscious of your tummy and concerned you can't get away with this trend in a high-waisted style, throw a long-line blazer over the top to cover any bits you want to hide.
Hourglass
Yours is one of the few figures that can really pull off bell-bottoms. Lucky you! The hourglass figure has all the right curves in all the right places to pull off such a voluminous hem. Wear a chunky platform and some oversized sunglasses to really channel the 1970s.
Straight
If your figure is straight up and down, you can wear your wide-legs at any proportion. To accentuate hips, opt for high-waisted wide-leg pants with side pockets. Wear voluminous tops in lightweight fabrics to add bulk to your upper half, too.
