When I see a pair of harem trousers, I can't help but conjure up images of Aladdin on his magic carpet or MC Hammer telling us we can't touch while doing some ferocious foot work. Although, I never understood what we couldn't touch exactly, Mr. Hammer fully embraced the harems in varying colours and styles. It is quite hard to explain my love for trousers that make grown-ups look like they're wearing a pair of giant nappies, but I quite like them. I really do.
The shape of harems were marketed in the 1800s as a form of women's wear that would allow for an active lifestyle without compromising decency. They were supposed to be a freeing substitute to tight corsets and petticoats. But apparently, not all women liked the feel of air in their lungs since harems didn't quite catch on then. French designer Paul Poiret, came along in the 1920s and was able to convince harem snobs that the trousers can indeed take one from a mere commoner to Greek goddess. He produced a collection of head dresses, kaftans and harem trousers in lampshade silhouettes.
image credit: examiner
This pair is nothing compared to the glamour of Poiret's, but I have to be able to walk down the street without blinding everyone that comes within 100 yards of me. I love the skirt silhouette and the fact that they fall just below the knees. I swapped the plain black for this braided one and paired it with a floral cardi (I'm still not over the prints).
Say, where did the entire month of September go? Hope you are all geared up for the October! Have a great weekend, and see you soon!
Bisous
Abs
Abs
39 Contributions:
Abi I'm definitely with you on the harems!! I have a slight obsession with bold-print gypsy style pants and also your blog, which I haven't visited in a while but is lovely as usual! Have a divine weekend too! x
I love them too but definitely can't wear them. I'm already high-waisted so they make me look like my abdomen is about a mile long! Ha! So I just look at people like you who look adorable in them and sigh. . .
Jenn
wow your harems are so flattering! also you've got a rocking top to go with it :)
LOVE!
xStace
TEE&FAME
That's a gorgeous look Abi, love the pants!
yea join the club hun and we'll be gym freaks together, lol.
You wear them so well!
Love Grace.
i know. where did september go? but those pants are amazing. :)
Really interesting story about the origin of this type of trouser. I like the way you've combined them with the coloured top to add some colour to the whole outfit. You look great!!
http://myownstrangelittle-world.blogspot.com
That outfit on the doll is great, and so is yours!! That pants is amazing! Wish we had a F21 in the Netherlands :(
Nice background info, btw ;)
www.m-4-l.blogspot.com
Yes, Aladdin! So true my friend. You look absolutely amazing. Love your style!
coool outfit!!!
sorry for my late reply...
I've always been a bit intimidated by harem pants but you make them totally chic and wearable! love it
Oh, I'd like to try on Paul Poiret's harems! That'd be amazing! Piece of art!
Love your harem pants, love that they give the illusion of a skirt :) And a rope belt - love, love it!
I don't normally like harems but I can see the attraction of yours. Very nice, make me want a pair.
Color of the blouse fits you so well^^ and great pants
Love how you match this two :D
im so in LOVE with harem pants at the moment too! i matched it the opposite way though; my harem pant's floral-patterned and the top's a plain coloured. i love the length of ur harem pants, mine's the longer version.
(pics here --> http://thebabyandherhoneybear.blogspot.com/2010/10/pancake-parlour-is-my-second-home.html)
p.s. im so glad u visited over @ my blog, cos i adore ur style! am now a follower :D
love, mica (the coffeebaby!)
Thanks for your comment! And yeah... now that I think about, that model looks like James Franco (who is very good-looking... mmm ... hahaha).
I actually despise harem pants because, as you says, they look like "nappies". However, you definitely pull them off! I have some grey ones just like that, but I wear them at home (they're comfy!)... maybe you've convinced me to wear them in public...
Hey Abi:
I love the way you styled this outfit with that belt. It really makes it pop!
www.fashionablyblack.blogspot.com
love it ,, u look gorgeous ,, admire ur style <3
keep it up .
I've never been a fan of harem pants, but those look really fab on you! Perfect length and cute belt detail!
invasionista
beautiful
xx
lovin the harems you look STUNNING!
stayfabulous,
zarna
http://zarnasrunway.blogspot.com
interesting post about harems. im not too into them, but the ones your wearing you pull off so well!
Wow, I wouldn't have thought I would ever really like 'hammer pants' but you definitely pull them off! I think they look great with the floral top as well to 'girlify' them up a bit too.
I like this trouser !
Thanks for sharing this post !
Best,
wow, these pants are fabulous!
the harmes look fab on you. i have a pair that i can't tell if the are harem or just long in the crotch and i feel so silly in them, but i still wear them from time to time.
Very lovely outfit! That top is amazing!
Hugs,
http://achameleonscloset.blogspot.com/
Hahaha..I love your harems!!
LOVE!
I love your pants and how you paired it with that top. I must say, you have such wonderful style. keep it up. following your blog.
-Philip of
FASHION TOY GUN
these harem trousers are fantastic...i love the ease of harem pants and you wear these so well!
http://style-haus.blogspot.com/
@grace: thank you kindly! you're too sweet with your words :) I had a pleasant weekend. Hope you did as well!
@The Suburb Experiment: oh my! Really? That's no good.
@StylishedForever: Indeed we shall ;)
@Shanna: They're coming to London soon, so hopefully a store would open by you in no time ;)
@mica the coffeebaby: thanks for following! I would be sure to stop by your blog and have a look at your styling soon
@Trixie: hahaha! they do make for good housewear!
@Philip the Fashion Shooter: thanks for following :)
this outfit is absolutely amazing, great print
vasilieva
http://elenavasilieva.blogspot.com/
x
You and your perfect shades of blue, and perfect bone structure!
Abi, you are like a style guru for me! :)) Everytime I look at your pictures they take me away! <3
nice photoss! and ofcourse your outfit! :D
Like the picture with the wink haha;)
xoxo
I'm really flattered!
Wow, just amazing. Your style blows me away. Followed :)
Loving those trousers!
x
Thanks!
I appreciate that you're following Rebecca :)
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