The Truth About Harem Pants

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Harem Pants: Hoss Intropia (Bloomingdales) | Cowl Neck Top: Theory (Tokio 7) | Bucket Bag: Alexander Wang (Nordstrom) | Sandals: Jeffrey Campbell (Free People)

Harem pants are tough to wear. In theory, the style is “on trend,” but in practice? Hot mess waiting to happen.

Most harem pants include any number of unflattering features: Crotches that droop to the wearers’ kneecaps, elastic waistbands, Spandex-poly fabrics, neon prints & patterns. It’s like a Hawaiian shirt for your butt!

Not cute.

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Terrible Harem Pants: H&M. Currently $17.95 and worth not a penny more.

I spotted my pair in Miami last December. Unlike the cheapo versions, this style is blessedly elastic free, closing at the waist with a zip. I gravitated toward the simple color palette and luxe features, like the gilded leather flowers at the waist.

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Bracelet: Vintage (Antique Show) | Nail Polish: Totally 80s (Milani), Blue Print (Milani), Fuzz-Sea (Sally Hansen)

Best of all? Because the pants are hunter green and not something horrific like M.C. HAMMER ZEBRA, I can wear them to work. I’ve sported this outfit everywhere, from networking functions to the souks of Morocco.

But therein lies the problem with harem pants: Because the style is such a specific shape, I can only wear these pants with the EXACT shirt in this photograph, making them completely inflexible if the top is at the dry cleaner.

My take? Harem pants are worth the investment — if you’re down to trade up for a more sophisticated version.

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Sandals: Jeffrey Campbell x Free People (Isabel Marant knock-offs) | Toenail Polish: Now You Sea Me (L’Oreal)