Harem pants are one of the IN things nowadays, although the hit started nearly a couple of months ago. Now they're everywhere - in the runways, magazine articles, as online store entities.. I bought mine when I saw an online store started promoting them a while ago, and hey.. I thought the idea of it was really neat!

Harem pants.. what exactly are those? According to Wikipedia, they are described as a baggy pant tapered at the ankle, with side flaps on the hip that buttoned at the waist area. The popularity of the harem pant circulated in the mid-1980s with MC Hammer. But now they're in again, with more colors, designs and mix and match items to wear them with. Personally, I think they're perfect for people with less than perfect bodies, as they will hide layers of fat in the stomach and thigh area. They will also hide boyish figures and make them look fuller, and vice versa. There are many models to choose from, so worry not and let's hunt for the perfect pair for our body types.

I think the trick to wear these pants is to be confident. My mom sometimes cracks up and says I look like Aladdin when I wear mine, which is half true. That is why we need to match them with something appropriate and less costumey. Keep it simple, but wear it with confidence.

First, color. Light colors such as white and pale pink look best with long and lean bodies, as they give more sillhouette to the body, especially in the waist area. It will give a definitive shadow to a thin figure.

As for those with fuller body types, I would say darker colors will do wonders. Black, maroon, dark purple, dark blue, and dark grey are very interesting choice of colors. They are also easy to combine with the shirts in your wardrobe.

Then, we move on to models. Some harem pants can be worn just as pants, some can be worn like a jumpsuit with a tube top attached.

There are also long and shorter harem pants, depending on your preference.

If have an hour glass body type, for instance, you could opt for the jumpsuit type, so that pants will not show off your waist too much. Some harem pants are even very subtle, looking like skinny jeans. These are easier to mix and match, you could wear it with your basic T-shirt, mix it with a large tote bag and the right accessory, and you're ready to go.

Now, what should we wear them with? They are high waisted, baggy on the thighs, and fitted on the calves. They are kind of hard to combine with anything, aren't they? But that's the beauty of it, you can look chic with one simple outfit! The trick is, don't overdo it. They could be worn with cropped tops, fitted tops or tank tops so that you don't look completely baggy or drowned in those clothes.

You could wear them with plain tops, but you could also make it fun by trying out wild patterns (stripes, florals, abstract), if the harem pants are plain.

To tone down a brightly colored harem pants, or a pair that is bling bling (gold or silver in color), choose a natural colored blouse such as beige.

To experiment, layer with scarves or cardigans and blazers.

As for accessories, experimenting with belts, hats and scarves are fun. If you decided to play it plain, perhaps you could splurge on the accessories - big tribal necklaces and boho bangles. Oh, for the shoes, I love to match them with high heels. They make the legs appear longer and blend well with the narrowness of the pants.

A little tip: fitted tops look better with short harem pants. layered looks look great with longer harem pants.

This trend does not always work on everyone, though, so try first and see if they suit you before you decide :)