Filed under: Fashion
Has anyone been tempted to get one of these genie/harem pants floating on the racks this season?
Because I have. I nearly got these brown DVF genie pants (top left) from Barneys the other weekend. It is a good twist of the regular cropped pants and I’ve always had a soft spot for Aladdin. I figured that the silky material of these pants would also stop me from looking like a hobo. Plus, they’d be very comfortable on the plane. But then after being once subtly and twice not so subtly discouraged against them, I started seeing them differently and realized that there really isn’t much design going on in this DVF Allen pants. In fact, they remind me a little of those horrible gaucho pants from way back then. ugh. The genie pants is no easy trend.
To really get the genie look right, a la Sienna Miller (one of the few celebs I’ve seen to get it right) and the Ralph Lauren runway above here are a few thoughts:
- Do not just pick any old genie pants off the rack because they look like genie pants. Pick one with some design and tailoring, like the Alice + Olivia ones (top right). You can see that there are pleats in this one. That makes a huge difference.
- Unless you plan to take a page from Princess Jasmine and go barefoot, wear it with cute high sandals. You don’t need to be weighed down anymore than necessary and a pair of heels make everything look nicer
- Pair your genie pants with a structured top like a blazer, a structured cropped jacket or a dress shirt. By structure though, I don’t mean rigid. A casual blazer and a loose dress shirt goes with the harem theme so much more.
Hmm maybe I should give those Alice + Olivia ones a try…….
Image Source: Shopbop
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You are a brave, brave woman. Not even a 5th of vodka and a fun-house mirror could convince me that those pants would look good on me.
Comment by MonsteRawr July 10, 2009 @ 1:08 pmI almost purchased the harem pants but I happened to be shopping with my husband and he STRONGLY encouraged me to put it back on the shelf or at least try it on before purchase. I was too lazy to try it on so I left it back at the shelf. Mostly I think it looks very comfortable (especially after wearing skinny jeans for the longest time), airy, and so they must be cooler in the summer if I don’t want to wear shorts/skirts…?
Comment by Jessica July 10, 2009 @ 9:38 pmi think this is a very strange fashion trend, but those two models can definately pull it off, i think it depends on the styke of hareem pants they are, and also the quality of fabric, and the sizse of the person wearing them.
Comment by Siobhan July 11, 2009 @ 11:07 amOh thank goodness you didn’t buy those pants; they’re absolutely hideous! Are they even really harem pants?! The other choice looks a million times better. Love the tips
Comment by S.Elisabeth July 12, 2009 @ 9:57 amI’m thinking of getting a pair of those pants, too!
Comment by Kat July 14, 2009 @ 2:11 pmI’ve been wearing my Indian floral harem pants all summer – they’re so comfortable and great for travelling in. You can find them at http://www.shopcurious.com/Products/ShopCurious/Indian-floral-print-cotton-harem-pants-pantaloon.aspx
Comment by Susan July 16, 2009 @ 5:31 amA little late… these harem pants are super fun to wear. my pair are high-waisted and, when paired with framed glasses, are delicious!
Comment by Patty July 21, 2009 @ 10:27 pm