Recently I’ve fallen hard for the relaxed elegance and streamlined ease of a great palazzo pant. Universally flattering, elongating and waist-minimising – they tick every style box with aplomb. While admittedly I’ve always had a tendency towards out-there trousers (a pair of striped burgundy and navy flares back in my acting days spring to mind), wide leg pants are a guaranteed double threat: a wardrobe staple and street-style win in one breezy package.

Their tendency to billow about movie-star style at the slightest breeze is another plus in my book. If you’ve avoided this trend in the past for fear it was too tricky, you had curves or you weren’t tall enough, now’s the time to throw caution to the wind and give it a go. Here’s how:

Cut and Fit

Even more than most clothes, cut and fit is everything with wide leg pants. If you’re keen to make your waist appear as tiny as possible (and which girl isn’t?), you’ll want to choose a pair that sit at the waist or a tad higher. Palazzo pants are also a brilliant and sneaky way to elongate the appearance of your legs. If the cropped style I’m wearing from Zara strikes you as a bit too adventurous, opt for a longer pair that skims the ground with the tip of your shoe peeking out. Super elegant either way.

Styling

There’s two things to consider here. First off, do you want to experiment with a print – like these delightful dusky pink cranes – or would an all-over colour give you more mileage? One thing’s certain: a fabulous print is more fun and gets far more attention. I styled this wide leg pair with a simple James Perse tank to balance the busyness of the pattern, which freed me up to go all in with these knockout Oscar de la Renta earrings.

The second thing to consider is whether to go with heels or flats. For this I’d say it really depends on your body type. If you’re tall and athletic à la Katherine Hepburn, then flats can be a killer choice. But if you’re petite and need extra length – or indeed if you just darn well feel like it (who needs a reason to bust out a fab stiletto?) – then opt for heels. These to-die-for gold cage booties by Sophia Webster are on full display with the cropped pant. Just as they should be.

Full length or cropped, printed or plain, with heels or with flats – it’s time to add a wide leg pant to your wardrobe. Let me know how you go!

xo

PHOTOGRAPHY – Sharleen Christie

PANTS – Zara

TOP – James Perse

EARRINGS – Oscar de la Renta

SUNGLASSES – Dior

BAG – à la Issey Miyake

HEELS – Sophia Webster