Top Trouser Trends for Summer 2008
From Cropped to Tailored, Baggy to Flared, Skinny to Sailor Pants
With the onset of summer, vacationing women everywhere are likely to be seen in some of the most questionable attire in the name of fashion. Jumpsuits and playsuits are a case in point, or harem pants which look more at home in a Majilis (Arabic tent) or in a circus. However, not all pants this season are mad or wacky; take a look at some of the top trends in summer trousers:
7/8th Ankle Cropped Pants
Just-too-short trousers are having a moment this summer; flash some ankle with this season’s edgy 7/8th pants. This new length finishes just above or on the ankle, with the best materials being “stiff black or navy cotton, according to Net-A-Porter, in their weekly magazine feature “Walk this way, this summer wear the pants.” These look great on a slim, well proportioned figure, and need to be worked with footwear that has a slimming effect on the leg. Avoid ankle straps or shoe boots, which make the ankle appear thicker, these trousers are screaming to be teamed with chic ballet flats. Think Audrey Hepburn, in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, wearing her cropped pants, a shirt and a headscarf – the ultimate in glamour.
Super-Flared Jeans
In keeping with the retro trend, this summer sees the revival of bell-bottom jean, ultra flared denims which flare from the knee and almost touch the floor. Inspired by the styles of the ‘70s, these flares are flattering and slimming, and are being made popular by stylesetters such as Victoria Beckham. Go for traditional stonewashed or indigo denim or shades or summer such as pink, orange or green. Victoria Beckham’s DVB jeans have several flared styles and Ditto have some authentic 1970s-style flares.
Narrow Cigarette Pants
From one extreme to another, these trousers cling as close to the legs as possible, without morphing into leggings. Work them with volumnous tops to balance out their shape, or a smart blazer. Chloé has a classy pair of black slim-leg pants at £135 which can be teamed with pretty much anything, but this style should only be worn by those with slender legs. Wear them long if you dare, with ruched hems over tough platforms, for a very Now look.
Jodphurs
To avoid the truly equestrian look wear traditional close fitting jodhpurs with a stylish white shirt or a short tailored jacket and toned thighs! These pants can be unforgiving, you need height and a waif-like figure but if you are one of the lucky few who can carry them off, they are stylish and calf-slimming. There is also another version of this trouser, with a baggier, slouchy leg (see slouchy pants below).
Sailor Pants
The nautical trend has a stronger influence on summer fashion than it has had in a long while. In keeping with our current passion for anything naval, sailor pants are high-waisted with button detailing, slightly flared (and therefore flattering) and stylish. Wear them with bright colored shoes (long enough to tough the tip) and a sheer silk blouse of nautical-style tee. According to Karen Homer in her book, “Things a Woman Should Know about Style, “’30s-style sailor pants are flattering to all figures. Says Homer, “If you have wide hips and chunky legs or just rounded all over, this style will balance your shape.”
Shorts
From the shortest of hotpants to longer-length Bermudas, take you pick of the styles this summer, to suit your mood (and your legs!). Wear the briefest of hotpants with waistcoats and printed tees and Bermudas with soft floaty, feminine blouses or nautical tops. The new Summer Collection 2008 at Kate Moss for Top Shop includes some edgy hotpants and co-coordinating waistcoats.
Slouchy, Loose Fit Pants
These slouchy trousers are a cross between a crop and a wide-legged pant, and have evolved from an original jodhpur cut. To balance out the fullness they have what’s known as a paper-bag waist, and some have turn-ups or sloppy roll-ups (as showcased by Versace) for a more casual look. Wear these with care, they need to fit properly around the waist, otherwise you appear as if you are wearing someone else’s cast-offs. However, they can be super trendy if you work the look well, with summer’s newest and prettiest gladiators. Stella McCartney’s slouchy Jodhpurs (£365) at Net-A-Porter are one of the best examples of the season.
Tailored Lounge Pants
Nothing is more safe in the pants department that a comfortable, sharp tailored cut. Slouchy and full on the legs (pajama pant-style) with a sharp seam down the front and fitted on the waist, these are your go-anywhere trousers. Smart yet casual, depending on how you to choose to accessorize. Net-A-Porter advises to wear them with sandals and painted toes. Oscar De La Renta’s white silk Crepe pants (£935) are the ultimate in glamour and minimal in fuss. This is a classic runway look that will transcend seasons.
