Pretty in Pants

So far, this season has proven to be full of fashion risks, and the new printed-pant craze is certainly no exception. While elaborate prints have traditionally been used for casual tops and evening wear, this season brings in the bold with a new wardrobe essential: the printed pant. Whether you’re a fan of skinny jeans or structured trousers, there is a pair that is tailor-made to fit your taste. Designers like Balenciaga, Etro, Roberto Cavalli, and Dries Van Noten have all given this new style a go, and the results have been magnificent. While these high-end designers did this trend justice, my favorite pairs come from ASOS. Their styles have high-end details available at a low-end price. What I love most about this trend is that it involves a certain degree of bravery- wearing these pants on the street is a lot different than admiring them on the runway. However, if you’re up to the challenge, the results will definitely pay off. I can think of no better way to experiment with colors and textures than to play with a pair of printed pants. Match a pair with a basic tank to keep the focus on the pants, or experiment just a little with a bold colored crop-top, another summer essential. The most important thing to remember when wearing this trend is not to overdo it. If you choose a pair of loose harem pants, opt for a more form-fitting top to avoid looking too slouchy. If you pick a pair of printed skinnies, choose a blouse or flowy tee to create the perfect balance. Don’t be afraid to mix prints, either, it’s a great way to express yourself without going overboard.

By Ali Antonucci

Designer: Shenan

For those of you who had feared the 80's harem pants and cut-off tees,  you might have to get over it, they are a trend for this Summer. While many commit some serious crimes (harem pants, that look like diaper dumps and tees that can fit your little sister and/or cousin), Shenan successfully serves up offerings that have you on trend and not a nostalgia piece.

With a fashion pedigree from Parsons (she also worked at DKNY and Calvin Klein) and clients including Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Shenan Fraguadas has definitely created a niche for herself. With silk cut-off tees and harem pants in silk and knit jersey with ditsy floral prints, everyone can channel their inner Woodstock. More importantly, her offerings are at moderate price points ($80-$300) so anyone can jump in on this trend. Based in New York, the collection is sold at Thistle & Clover (221 Dekalb Avenue) and online at shenan.bigcartel.com .

-Tamera Blair Darden

Leave Your Parachute at Home

While we are on the subject of pants I'd thought I should bring up another trend that is not so chic as the one previously reported on (see below). I'm talking about parachute pants (or, harem pants as they've now been dubbed) that graced the runway last year and are now infiltrating the streets of New York. If they haven't already, they may be coming to a city near you...

These poufy, un-flattering, MC Hammer meets Cher trousers do not look good. On anyone. Period.

Of course, here at Chaos we are all about the reader taking fashion risks, developing a unique personal style, and having fun building his or her wardrobe. But parachute/harem pants should not be part of that wardrobe unless they are your back-up Halloween outfit.

So please, please, if you are at H&M, TopShop, Zara or, god forbid, a designer's store that sells them for beaucoup de l'argent (I won't name the perpetrators) , re-assess your purchase before you wind up stumbling down the street in a diaper-like ensemble.

Stick with jeans.