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
Tea with BG 
MonsteRawr said:
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.
Jessica said:
I 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…?
Siobhan said:
i 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.
S.Elisabeth said:
Oh 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
Kat said:
I’m thinking of getting a pair of those pants, too!
Susan said:
I’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
Patty said:
A little late… these harem pants are super fun to wear. my pair are high-waisted and, when paired with framed glasses, are delicious! 🙂