TROUSERS SET TO STRIDE AHEAD: Finally, it's time to move on from skinny jeans. A new shape of trousers is getting a firm leg-hold this summer, and the good news is that it is super-flattering

Making a fashion statement with your pants is a risqué thing to attempt. Only the sartorially brave have the confidence to pull off a printed pantaloon, leopard print legging or neon-coloured jean. But the good news is there’s a much easier trend that will still score you style points .Yes girls , the wide legged trouser is the tipped to be the hottest trend this spring. Part of the reason billowing trousers are going to be in fashion for the next few months, is that the 1970s are back. In a big way.

From Halston-inspired jersey one-pieces, to silk wrap-around dresses and wide-leg trousers, classic 1970s fashion is having a bit of a moment. The trend kicked off with Tom Ford's first women's collection in his name, which was influenced by the disco decade, and now it’s been picked up by the high street. Topshop, usually awash with skinny jeans, has already started focusing on the wide leg and all the trimmings, as has Reiss and A|Wear. For the more masculine take, Oasis and Warehouse are tops for trousers, that will work perfectly in the office.

But what’s to like about the new shape? It's the way they skim (rather than hug) the thigh that makes them so flattering this, and the fact that the wider hem balances out any top- heaviness, much in the same way that the bootcut jean did. Remember the beloved bootcut jean? What a loss to our wardrobes that it has looked so wrong for so long now. Ladies, the wide trouser is your modern alternative. To wear on a day-to-day basis, look out for cuts which are more tailored around the hips and waist. Black and grey will also flatter the figure, although bold prints should be given a wide berth unless you've got the legs of a gazelle.

Just remember proportion. A short crop top with wide bottoms is fine as long as a cinched in waist is visible. A tailored jacket is excellent as long as the shoulders are not too wide, while both fine and chunky long knits, left loose with a tucked-in blouse, are the most elegant and casual way to wear them.

Chunky heels and platforms work best and the bigger the handbag the better. If fashion forward girls are voting with their feet (or should that be thighs?) and snapping up the new trouser shape in droves, it seems that, after an unnaturally long reign, the skinny jeans' days are finally numbered. I'll eat to that..

　

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