It's hard to tempt a girl out of her jeans, but this season's alternatives - from playful harem pants to super-skinny peg legs - might be enough to make her ditch those denims.
Q I need to find trousers other than skinny jeans and leggings but I’m not sure what styles to go for. Can you tell me what trouser styles will be in for autumn/winter 2009?
A Is there anything more exciting than a new autumn/winter season? Spring/summer is all very well but you can only get so excited by a bunch of mini skirts and flip flops. Autumn is "proper" fashion: a chance to tweak your look and significantly expand your wardrobe with the latest looks.
The good news is that there’s a plethora of new trouser styles to choose from this season, whether it be peg trousers, baggies, cropped Capri style, wide or straight legs .From daytime casual to formal dinners, from boardroom to hotel bars, the high street is filled with unlimited choice for women of all ages.
The world of grown-up trousers is tough to navigate. It seems very all-or-nothing. You are either an uber cool teen in your dark skinny jeans and slogan tee or that defeated-looking woman sitting across from you on the Dart in her depressing "versatile black pants" and frumpy pastel blouse.
So what’s the solution?
Well, if you've been living in skinny jeans, perhaps it's time to rediscover proper, grown up trousers – not only will they make you look sophisticated and chic, they’re incredibly flattering too.
If you want a sophisticated style, the "peg" (volume at the thigh, slim at the ankle) is the shape of the season. French connection are really working the look this season and I just love their Stella Wool Peg Leg Trouser (€95) in crème wool; It’s the perfect piece to wear with cosy knits this autumn’s laired relaxed styles.
For formal occasions, the best trousers around this winter are in wool, and often in soft brown or moss tweed. They sit either on the waist or just above, are cut generously in the leg without swamping your frame. The great news is that this cut is incredibly flattering, especially if you have wider hips. I always think, too, that unless you are Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, wide trousers need a feminine heel, either chunky or stiletto.
If you are still not sure about what trouser style will suit your frame - here are a few of our favourite styles for autumn / winter 2009
Carrot top trousers: The style getting attention is a slim line version of the peg-top trouser line, which was in fashion in 1980s. These peg-top pants sometimes now called carrot top trousers taper to the ankle, and usually have tuck pleat fullness at the waistband. This style can be very flattering if you have a paunch. Note that too much fullness can make a woman look frumpy.
Harem Pants: The hip-harem-pants are in trend this year and can be seen round everyone's waist. Ali Baba inspired harem pants may be tricky for some, but when worn with tucked-in tops, they give a trendy look which can balance out proportion. If you have ample hips – avoid this look like the plague – as it will only emphasise your widest point.
Bold-Coloured Trousers: Whether it is this season's bold tangerine orange, purple or Santorini blue, this season trousers are coming with a slight twist of clashing colour. Some fashion designers have also recommended the ladies go for make-up with muted tones of honeydew and blush to brush down the electrifying shades.
Straight-Leg Trousers: Simple and stylish, straight leg trousers are a modern classic that flatters most figures. Wear them everywhere! Versatile and in-vogue, straight-leg trousers are equally at home in the office or on the town. Pair straight-leg pants with medium-heeled pumps or loafers for a classic office look.
