Trends Autumn/Winter '09-'10 : Pants

Thanks be to the fashion gods! This winter, no skinnies and that means NO peeking thongs, NO muffin top squeezers and NO butt crack. Pants are high both on the waist and on the cuff. Last year’s vintage washed denim makes way for midnight blue blocks of color whilst the skinny-leg gives way to a subtle flare.

Styles of pants varied a lot in designers’ collections. Some couturiers showed usual classic styles, while others offered newer and fresher ideas. Peg legged pants were on the forefront, as well as shorter trousers (or rolled up as per  the boyfriend jeans trend).

Sometimes the two styles were combined. The style looked amazing on classic office pants. They were cut shorter than they usually are and it looked chic and beautiful.

Wide leg pants also showed up, although not in jeans. Steffanie Moreland showed beautiful mustard ones at the Audi SA Fashion Week.

As a longtime fan of Katharine Hepburn trousers, I’m always excited when wide legged pants return.

Harem pants are still on the scene and they’ve been made in winter fabrics. Some were made in embellished fabrics that move seamlessly from day to night.

Jodhpurs had their moment on runways, evolving into paneled close-fitting trousers in a neutral color palette of khaki and stone. 

A micro trend is that of splattered, graffiti-print jeans, (Proenza Schouler).

If you're so inclined, give a nod to some street art to express your individuality.

How to wear it?

Rock your highwaisted pants with a something fitted and cropped up top.

If you dare, try them in bold colours. Accentuate your raised waistline with a belt to visually create some extra curves. A pair of statement tights or socks peeking under the rolled up cuff gives them that 'x-factor'. The pants look great with a pair of brogues but if you're on the short side, finish the look with some chic heels and you're ready to go.

Remember, the rolled-up cuff needs to have a casual, hand-rolled look-rather than the look of a pressed cuff.