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flaunt the imperfection
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Last Updated: 12:01am BST 27/08/2008
It's all part of a trend that will see trousers emerge from the back of the wardrobe and take centre-stage again - in so many styles that there's a pair to suit everyone, writes Molly Gunn
In recent years, trousers have been consigned to the back of truly fashionable wardrobes. They just haven't seemed as exciting as the whimsical dresses and skirts that we've been floating around in.
Here, then, to help you make the most of what's on offer, we show you the key styles and how to wear them.
CROPPED
Inspiration Sarah Jessica Parker
Definition The trouser leg stops halfway between the knee and the ankle.
Who they suit "Cropped trousers only suit those with long legs," says Claude Pinnot, personal shopper at Selfridges. "The line cuts the leg horizontally, and therefore shortens it."
How to wear them "They look great with a long top or this season's chunky knits [beige merino wool cardigan, pictured, £260, my-wardrobe.com; 0845 260 3880]," says Pinnot. "Don't wear cropped trousers with knee-length boots - they will fight for attention."
Catwalk £390, by Michael Kors; michaelkors.com
High-street options Zara (£39); Whistles (£85); and Karen Millen (£99).
WIDE LEG
Inspiration Katharine Hepburn
Definition The bottom of the leg is usually one and a half times the width of the top.
Who they suit "Wide-legged trousers are ideal for tall women," says Pinnot. "Short women should avoid them, because the cut can broaden the figure and make legs look stumpy."
How to wear them "Make sure the hem brushes the ground so that only the shoe's toe shows, because this elongates the leg," says Pinnot. "By adding a pair of sturdy heels, the legs will appear super-long. Or for a mannish look like Hepburn's, wear them with a pair of flat loafers [brown leather loafers, £125, Russell & Bromley; 020 7629 6903], or brogues."
Catwalk £235, by Diane von Furstenberg; dvf.com
High-street options Ted Baker (£80); All Saints (£80); and Warehouse (£50).
HIGH-WAIST
Inspiration Marlene Dietrich
Definition The waistband sits just above your navel - and sometimes even higher.
Who they suit "High-waisted trousers are wonderful on tall or petite women with hourglass figures," says Pinnot, "but they should be avoided by pear shapes as they accentuate the hips and the waist."
How to wear them "If you have the confidence to carry them off, high-waisted trousers look amazing with a tucked-in blouse [blue-red cotton plaid blouse, pictured, £34.99, River Island; 020 8991 4759, riverisland.com], or top," says Pinnot. "This draws attention to the waist and lengthens the leg. Alternatively, wear a loose top and the trousers will have the same effect as control pants."
Catwalk Around £263, by Philip Lim; net-a-porter.com
High-street options Whistles (£100); River Island (£39.99); and Reiss (£110).
BOOT CUT
Inspiration Jennifer Aniston
Definition Slim-fitting down to the knee, but they then flare out so that the bottom is wide enough to accommodate a boot.
Who they suit "Boot cuts suit women of all shapes," says Pinnot. "They flatter the leg and bottom and create subtle curves."
How to wear them "They look good with heels or flats," says Pinnot. "But make sure they are long enough - nearly touching the floor - or they will look silly. Any shaped top looks good with them. And this season's blazer [black pinstripe, £45, by Topshop; 0845 121 4519, topshop.com] will work a treat."
Catwalk £695, Burberry.com
High-street options Jaeger (£199); Warehouse (£45); and Miss Selfridge (£25).
SKINNY
Inspiration Audrey Hepburn
Definition As the name suggests, these are figure-hugging in the extreme.
Who they suit "They look fantastic on petites," says Pinnot. "But curvy women should steer clear, because skinnies accentuate curves."
How to wear them "Pair them with a voluminous top to play with proportions," says Pinnot. "Add a pair of round-toed pumps [cream leather pumps, pictured, £85, frenchsole.com] for a classically smart look, or a pair of heels or wedges for killer legs."
Catwalk £775, by Ralph Lauren; ralphlauren.com
High-street options French Connection (£70); Oasis (£40); and Topshop (£38).
PEG LEG
Inspiration Actress Diane Kruger
Definition Pleated and billowing at the top and tapered at the ankle.
Who they suit "Peg legs are an interesting, edgy cut," says Pinnot. "They flatter taller women, and drown small frames. The loose cut at the top makes them ideal for anyone who's self-conscious about their stomach, but they should be avoided by those with big bottoms or thighs."
How to wear them "Wear with a pair of fabulous heels, like a shoe-boot or platform [black patent peep-toes, pictured, £465, Yves Saint Laurent; ysl.com]," says Pinnot. "And a structured jacket or a neat top will offset their looseness."
Catwalk Around £1,024, by Louis Vuitton; louisvuitton.com
High-street options Topshop (£35); Toast (£115); Gap (£35).
The different styles aren't nearly as exclusive as this article implies ...
i am 5'4 and love cropped pants...
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