Harem pants are one of the returning fashion trends this summer season. They’re billowy, feminine and can be dressed up or down. This style, however, doesn’t suit every body shape; the right pair can make you look tall and slim, the wrong pair can make you look short and wide. Here are some practical style tips to ensure this summer seasons trend works for your body shape.

• Don’t choose heavy fabrics as they do not drape as elegantly as delicate ones would, soft fabrics work best
• Wear a top in a soft fabric, avoid shirts in stiff fabrics i.e.: soft fabrics on the top half of your body work best with soft fabrics on the bottom half of your body
• For the most flattering shape wear cropped tops and jackets, or tops tucked in; this will highlight your waist. Avoid long tops as the volume of the long top, together with the volume of the harem pants will only emphasis your tummy, hips, bottom and thighs
• Avoid harem pants with very wide legs, opt for a slightly full hip and a gently draped crotch
• Don’t choose pants with an extremely low crotch; pants that sag halfway down your legs don’t look good look, even on the tallest woman. This dropping effect also makes the pants to look less elegant and stylish. If you wear more subtle harem pants, you can hide your problem areas rather than create new ones
• If you are tall flat and high heels work; if you are short a high heel is an absolute must to ensure your legs look long and sexy

CREDITS
Models: Susan, 42, Senior Deputy Director and Saras, 38, Consultant
Hairdresser: Lunatic Fringe
Makeup products by Clarins
Makeup artists: Bianca Bryne and Charlie Runge
Photographer: Francois Booyens
Other: Cosmo, Pinterest