Go Buy Now: Tapered Trousers
The WhoWhatWear.com readers are a stylish bunch, able to master the toughest trends in the blink of an eye. Undoubtedly you already know how to wear wide-leg trousers in a flattering way and can style skinny jeans in seconds. However, judging from the number of emails we've recently received, there is one pant silhouette that seems to confuse, confound, and flat out frustrate everyone—the tapered trouser. Today, we'd like to put those feelings of fear and loathing to rest, because these pants are poised to become an important part of your spring wardrobe.
Long before the tapered trouser appeared on runways all over the world and red carpets galore, one key individual—Stefano Pilati—championed this style. Fashion devotees know that the Yves Saint Laurent designer has been dedicated to this shape for ages; over the past four seasons, he's consistently included a few high-waisted options in each collection. But this spring, the tailored and slouchy style is officially getting its big break, as designers ranging from Phillip Lim to Sophia Kokosalaki are showing their own versions of this Go Buy Now item. Of course, the runways aren't the only place these pants are popular; a few daring members of Hollywood are trying them too. In fact, Keira Knightley just wore a pair of Chloe tapered trousers (from Pre-Fall 09) to the Berlin International Film Festival and looked darling and dashing in her selection!
If you've been reluctant to try this trend or dismissed it outright because you assumed it would be unflattering, we'd like to offer a counter argument to your concerns. First of all, the tapered trouser is exceedingly figure-friendly and works well on lots of different body types. Much like boyfriend jeans, these pants are a little baggy and relaxed—which means they're comfortable—so they're actually quite kind to your thighs and stomach. Additionally, the cropped length allows you to show off an eye-catching pair of shoes, a lovely bonus indeed!
Though there are heaps of amazing styles available right now, we narrowed it down to three pairs (and matched them up with coordinating shoes) for today's story. Up-and-coming British designer Richard Nicoll made a tapered trouser for Topshop that's simply smashing. The white cotton Richard Nicoll Trouser ($110) is generously cut at the top and narrows down to a simple slim cuff at the bottom. In our dream world, we’d wear them with Stella McCartney's Mesh Basket Sandals
($995)—as recently seen on Mary-Kate Olsen—though in the real world, we’ll probably pair them with something like the Givenchy-like Calista Lace-Up
($154) by Dolce Vita.
If you'd prefer a less-voluminous, pleat-free pant, then 3.1 Phillip Lim's Peg Leg Pants
($450) might be just the ticket. As seen on the runway, these semi-loose silk pants are relatively high-waisted and less cropped than our other pairs, which means they're going to lengthen your legs. The slightly longer length hits at the ankle, making for the perfect backdrop for a stunning pair of tough shoes, like Pour la Victoire's Sabrina Grommet Heels
($311).
Unsurprisingly, H&M is also making a spot-on style this season. Their subtly stylish Tapered Pants ($39.90) are the ideal way for most readers to try this trend, thanks to the moderate cut and excellent price. We love the little details, like the elongated rise and diagonally slashed pockets, which really give this pair a great deal of style. Punctuate their long, lean line with an equally modern shoe (like Calvin Klein's Dail Peep Toe Platform
($130), shown above in Chino) for a noteworthy spring look!
Last, but most certainly not least, we'd like to remind you that today's the last day to enter the amazing WhoWhatWear.com/Purseblog.com Louis Vuitton Luggage Giveaway! Don't forget that by telling your friends about the contest, you can increase your chances of winning this insane prize! Spread the word today!
Photo of Keira Knightley, Getty Images.
Long before the tapered trouser appeared on runways all over the world and red carpets galore, one key individual—Stefano Pilati—championed this style. Fashion devotees know that the Yves Saint Laurent designer has been dedicated to this shape for ages; over the past four seasons, he's consistently included a few high-waisted options in each collection. But this spring, the tailored and slouchy style is officially getting its big break, as designers ranging from Phillip Lim to Sophia Kokosalaki are showing their own versions of this Go Buy Now item. Of course, the runways aren't the only place these pants are popular; a few daring members of Hollywood are trying them too. In fact, Keira Knightley just wore a pair of Chloe tapered trousers (from Pre-Fall 09) to the Berlin International Film Festival and looked darling and dashing in her selection!
If you've been reluctant to try this trend or dismissed it outright because you assumed it would be unflattering, we'd like to offer a counter argument to your concerns. First of all, the tapered trouser is exceedingly figure-friendly and works well on lots of different body types. Much like boyfriend jeans, these pants are a little baggy and relaxed—which means they're comfortable—so they're actually quite kind to your thighs and stomach. Additionally, the cropped length allows you to show off an eye-catching pair of shoes, a lovely bonus indeed!
Though there are heaps of amazing styles available right now, we narrowed it down to three pairs (and matched them up with coordinating shoes) for today's story. Up-and-coming British designer Richard Nicoll made a tapered trouser for Topshop that's simply smashing. The white cotton Richard Nicoll Trouser ($110) is generously cut at the top and narrows down to a simple slim cuff at the bottom. In our dream world, we’d wear them with Stella McCartney's Mesh Basket Sandals
If you'd prefer a less-voluminous, pleat-free pant, then 3.1 Phillip Lim's Peg Leg Pants
Unsurprisingly, H&M is also making a spot-on style this season. Their subtly stylish Tapered Pants ($39.90) are the ideal way for most readers to try this trend, thanks to the moderate cut and excellent price. We love the little details, like the elongated rise and diagonally slashed pockets, which really give this pair a great deal of style. Punctuate their long, lean line with an equally modern shoe (like Calvin Klein's Dail Peep Toe Platform
Last, but most certainly not least, we'd like to remind you that today's the last day to enter the amazing WhoWhatWear.com/Purseblog.com Louis Vuitton Luggage Giveaway! Don't forget that by telling your friends about the contest, you can increase your chances of winning this insane prize! Spread the word today!
Photo of Keira Knightley, Getty Images.
Kiera's hair is absolutely awful!!! yuck!
Posted by: janina | 2009-03-08 19:59:57
Knightly is a terrible, wrinkled mess. I like the trend, but to see it done much hotter, look to Gwen Stefani.
Posted by: MEP | 2009-03-05 08:08:27
It looks like a similar Pour La Victoire just went on sale on Nordstrom.com. It's called the "Sacha" and they're only $172! http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2998555?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=pour+la+victoire+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults
Posted by: Danyelle | 2009-03-04 11:09:38
ARE YOUR SERIOUS?! Keira looks 20 years older thn she is! This trend is seriously not flattering unless your like 6,1!! Post just keep going down hill...
Posted by: Jordan | 2009-03-03 20:12:41
WhoWhatWear should do a post on trends that will suit certain body shapes. Not every trend is appropriate and looks great on every body. I should know, I'm short and have a curvy figure.
Posted by: Brittany | 2009-03-03 19:44:55
I've already done my diy version of tapered trousers. [: exquisillusiore.blogspot.com
Posted by: Hadley | 2009-03-03 16:33:03
These pants are super cute-I really want to try out the H&M pair. wtfuskumbag.blogspot.com
Posted by: Nadia | 2009-03-03 15:49:31
I love this trend!
Posted by: D. | 2009-03-03 15:06:05
ugh so unflattering-- you have to be a model to wear these or else you look ridiculous
Posted by: Mag | 2009-03-03 15:02:08
Keira does look cute, but I agree. In real life, her legs are not that huge. Those pants make them look that way.
Posted by: Laurie | 2009-03-03 14:34:47
relating to this tapered trousers post, whitney wore some really cool olive green tapered trousers on the city last night - i'm almost positive that they were dvf...does anyone know where i could score some?
Posted by: rachel | 2009-03-03 14:15:14
I just bought a pair of tapered trousers on Sunday by McQ for Target. They fit great! They have more of a higher waist thing going on which helps since I'm only 5'4". I wore them with flats and a short vintage sweater. But they also looked really cute with these new studded booties I just bought!
Posted by: Danyelle | 2009-03-03 13:24:53
Keira is wearing head to toe chloe, it's pre fall 09 i believe. that is why it's so matchy matchy. I think the tapered pant trend is cute. I think maybe silks will be a little more flattering for girls with hips.
Posted by: frances | 2009-03-03 13:17:48
Fashionsmashion - that's a good point about the matchy-matchy outfit. The runway pics look MUCH better.
Posted by: Jen | 2009-03-03 12:04:41
No, born and raised in NYC, still here. I just don't like them. Every trend is not for everybody or should I say every body. I'm tiny but I have a butt and hips. This is not the shape for me, it makes my hips look bigger than I like. I workout way too hard for that!
Posted by: Jen | 2009-03-03 12:02:04
Good trend, but I think a better example could have been used. Kiera doesn't look that good. Not digging her matchy matchy outfit.
Posted by: fashionsmashion | 2009-03-03 11:41:35
I agree that these pants are very chic, too. Some women pull it off SO well, with the right top, right shoes, etc. On me they look great from the front, but from the back it looks like my ass is 2 feet long.... it's scary. I love how they look from the front, but I would make a very unsightly exit! Maybe a longer tee or jacket is the solution. I try on a pair of these pants every time I see them (Zara and H&M) but I have yet to find the "right" pair for me.
Posted by: fashi0nlover | 2009-03-03 11:18:03
I tried on those H&M pants, and because I'm short, 5'4, they looked stupid on me. I would prefer something like the Philip Lim pants, that aren't so wide in the thigh area.
Posted by: Jaz | 2009-03-03 11:00:34
i agree with sarah! i think the only reason you may think these pants are unflaterring is if you have nt found that perfect for yourself.....im loving this trend...especially the phillip lims! have a very similar pair....they are great for job interviews as well as for everyday
Posted by: kainaz | 2009-03-03 10:18:50
M: Not to stir up a too fat/too thin conversation, but don't you think that's a good thing in Kiera's case? I think she looks (dare I say it) better with the "exceedingly figure-friendly" pants on because they're *not* skin tight.
Posted by: captain | 2009-03-03 10:13:43
Jen and M., Do you live in middle America? How do you not see that these pants are super chic?
Posted by: Sarah | 2009-03-03 09:55:17
This was the half of 80s fashion that was so horribly wrong. I don't like this look at all. Not even Keira looks good - she looks like she is auditioning for a supporting role in a remake of "Working Girl." I am tiny but I have curves - I know my athletic bum would look ridiculous in these. Comfy maybe, but I dislike any pants that are roomy in the hips. It instantly adds a size to your hips. This is why they had to have shoulder pads 25 years ago... does anyone really want to see THOSE come back?!
Posted by: Jen | 2009-03-03 09:36:04
They can look amazing on some people but I can't see them being the least bit friendly to my large hips. Loving the shoes you posted though! (Click http://fatalfashionattraction.blogspot.com/2009/02/win-rachel-leighs-sex-and-city-inspired.html for the chance to win a Rachel Leigh Sex and the City-inspired studded belt!)
Posted by: Danz | 2009-03-03 09:17:40
I have a pair I bought at H&M last summer and I wear them with some gladiator flats and like an oversized white tee or tank tucked in kind of in the front...these pants aren't really meant to be flattering but you gotta get them a little oversized. if they're tight on your thighs or anything it's definitely not a cute look
Posted by: Liz | 2009-03-03 08:46:39
Everytime I try on pants like this, I get sad because they just do NOT look good on me. And I'm a skinny girl. My ass just screams "MOM PANTS." I wish I could pull these off. I see a lot of other girls in NYC wearing them effortlessly, but they don't look right on me! Also, my boyfriend is totally not a fan of the sagging crotch/ass look. This is one trend boys will DEFINITELY not get.
Posted by: fashi0nlover | 2009-03-03 08:45:24
Hm, not very sure about this yet. I want to hit up my H&M and see if they have those to test it out. Liking the Calvin Klein shoes, but I am wondering how often either of these pieces would be appropriate in my life.
Posted by: SheShe | 2009-03-03 08:18:54
i love those 3.1 Phillip Lim pants and those Calvin Klein platforms, h e a v e n. come see me here- http://noirblancetrougepartout.blogspot.com/ x
Posted by: s | 2009-03-03 07:01:47
"exceedingly figure-friendly"??? they add about 20 lbs to kiera knightley's hip region in that top right picture.
Posted by: M. | 2009-03-03 04:49:31