The first time I wore Harem pants they were the genuine article,
Bought while I was travelling through the Middle East back in cough splutter cough ’89. Thinking in my naiveté I’d blend into the crowd, when clearly wearing male garb in this region would actually make me stand out like a sore thumb! Oh the stupidity innocense of youth.
Curiously I was only accosted one time – whilst browsing the notoriously dodgy essence shops of Cairo the over sexed shop keeper backed me into a corner, slobbering all over my face, I ducked under his arm & made haste to the bustling male dominated streets. Ah yes indeed it was a wonderful time of learning for this young girl from Oz…
But that’s for a different post…
This pair of Harem pants I bought 25 years later
Whilst in Copenhagen on a mini break with my girlfriend doing our bit for the local economy. Although I have worn many in the meantime I think these are my stand out favourite. They’re a tissue light silk of avocado shades in a funky snake print. Worn as luxurious lounge wear or smartened up for drinks with the girls whatever the occasion Harem pants are comfort & style not restricted to twentysomethings. Us over 40 fashionistas should be enjoying the delights of a dropped crotch with the rest of them!
In warmer months I wear the sexy black All Saints top from this post however for today’s outfit I’ve chosen a long-sleeved peplum top & casual black blazer.
I paired my purples with McQueen skull scarf & OPI varnish – Just so you know, I was not in the slightest bit tempted to write “paired a POP of purple” hahahaha!
Mary Janes are having a moment in case you haven’t noticed wink . My wedge heeled Mary Jane type shoes are from famous Sydney shoe designer Raymond Castles that I bought when I was living there in my twenties. Just as Sergio Rossis son Gianvito has taken up the mantle, Raymonds son Gary is now a brilliant designer in his own right. Blimey, if like me you’re a collector of shoes, eventually you’ll end up with the entire Dynasty!
When the black suede needed freshening up I decided for fun to use a very deep purple suede dye instead of black. This effectively gave them a subtle purple hue that I was incredibly impressed with & has lasted many years to this day.
Can you see it in the photos?
Shop my Outfit
- Top – Aubin Wills is no longer available I like this
- Harem pants – Sign I like these & these & these
- Scarf – Alexander McQueen also like this
- Bag – thrifted also like this one & this & this & this
- Shoes – Raymond Castle similar & here
- Blazer – Whistles similar & here
- Varnish – OPI
- Ring – Marks & Spencer no longer available, I like this
How do you feel about wearing Harem pants? Too much of a baggy crotch? Mx
Comments ( 6 )
Abby@midlifecrisisnut.com
25 years ago, you’re saying Michelle, that kind of makes us look pretty old, dammit:) I find it’s great that you own things from back then. Me, I moved so many times and every time I moved I totally cleared my closet, so that now I don’t own anything older then a few years. I find you look really cool in this outfit! xx Abby
retrochicmama
Ok so you purge your wardrobe every time you move? I think I’d get rid of a kid before I got rid of anything Chanel. 😉
Just sayin’
xxx
The Stylopedia
I had a pair of harem pants back in the day as well; mine were awful, black with metallic gold and mustard coloured squiggles and line drawings all over them. These look really nice and funky on you, like a cross between joggers and harem pants, not as saggy as the ones I used to have!
retrochicmama
Oh I know the ones you mean Lisa! These aren’t as baggy in the crotch because I wear them up on my waist. I suppose that’s cheating a bit but I don’t like the feeling of a saggy nappy type look going on – does that make sense?
Becky
Oh I love harem pants. Believe it or not I bought a pair at Nordstrom Rack for $.001 yes an American penny!
retrochicmama
OMG I can’t believe there’s even such as thing as a sale rack with one penny items! What a stroke of luck, well done Becky x