Pleated pants haven’t been popular since the early ’90’s. Luckily, the current trend is not a rebirth of the 1980’s/1990’s pleated pants. The style has been modernized and is being accessorized quite differently, making the pants much more glamorous than they ever were before. It’s true that, worn the wrong way, they can look like those ‘mom pants’ we all swore we’d never wear. So, if you’re brave enough to try this trend, make sure you do it well. Read more for runway inspiration, how to wear the trend and affordable examples.

Runway Inspiration

Shown: Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, Chloe, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton


As you can see, there’s quite a variety of styles when it comes to pleated pants. The Ralph Lauren pants are a great example of ‘Harem’ pants. The Yves Saint Laurent and Chloe pants are both good examples of cropped pleated pants, just with different leg widths. The Lanvin pants are the style that’s being referred to as ‘Carrot Pants’ because of the way they are wider on the top and taper at the bottom. And, the Louis Vuitton pants are a great example of basic pleated pants, with the pleats making them super-wide leg and flowy.

Types of Pleated Pants

Harem

Harem pants were seen in many Spring 2009 runway shows. Ralph Lauren, especially, made this style a central focus. Harem pants are an essential piece in the safari/tribal looks that are so popular for the Spring. They’re usually worn with wide belts, leather sandals or booties and fitted, tucked in tops. Harem pants are not to be confused with dhoti pants, a similar style. Dhoti pants have a long stride, but are fairly fitted in the leg. Harem pants are wide at the hips and usually have a normal stride.

Carrot Pants

Because of their versatility and not so daring appeal, carrot pants are set to be much more popular than harem pants. Carrot pants are named so because of their carrot-like shape–wide at the hips and tapered at the ankles. Carrot pants can also be worn when sporting the safari/tribal look, but can also be made less rustic. Wear a pair of black carrot pants with a skinny belt, a fitted bow top and stilettos for a sophisticated, urban look.

Basic Pleated Pants

Basic pleated pants are just that…trousers that have pleats. The difference between these and carrot pants is that these pants are not tapered. The pleats help to make the leg wider, fuller and flowy. See the Louis Vuitton pants above. Basic pleated pants are great for work! Pair them with an attractive belt, a fitted top, a blazer and strappy sandals for a very trendy office outfit.

Cropped Pleated Pants

The only difference between these and basic pleated pants is the length. Cropped Pleated Pants should be worn the same way, but make sure you wear heels to fully take advantage of the lengthening qualities of the cropping.

How To Wear Pleated Pants

I already gave you a few tips for each specific type of pant above. Here are the basics:

1. Wear with heels

Pleated pants can make your legs look shorter and thicker. Wear with heels for to contrast the fullness of the pants and created a long look. Harem pants can be worn with flats (DKNY showed them with Converse like shoes), but it’s not as great of a look.

2. Wear a belt

If you’re going for the rustic, safari look, choose a wide leather belt with an interesting buckle or details.
If you’re wearing a more elegant pair of pleated pants and are going for an urban, classy look, choose a skinny belt.

3. Stockings

Depending on the time of year, the pants, and the shoes you choose to wear with them, stocking might be a good option. For example, if you’re wearing a pair of cropped pleated pants, pair with like colored stockings and heels to lengthen your leg.

4. Choose fitted tops

Since your bottom half is so full, choose a fitted top to contrast and take the bulk away from the look. You can soften the look by adding a scarf or choosing a fitted top that has a bow or flowy neckline.

5. Simplify your accessories

Especially if you are wearing harem pants, you should keep your accessories simple. You do NOT want to look like you’re wearing a costume. A simple, one-strand necklace is fine.

6. Watch the waist

In terms of waist height, choose a pair of pants that is either obviously high-waisted or right at your waist. Don’t wear a pair of pants that falls in-between or you’ll run the risk of falling in that ‘mom pants’ category.

Some Options

Shown: High-Waist Pants ($14.99), Zippered Leg Pant ($10.99), Philip Lim Pants ($275.00), Pleated Crop Pant ($29.99), Harem Pants ($15.80)

What do you think?

Are pleated pants still ‘mom pants’? Or, will you be trying them this Spring?
Do you like Harem Pants or do you think they should go?