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• July 21, 2008
• Trend Spotting

Bottom Line

Pleats, volume, and a little crop define the big trouser of the moment. By Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi

From left: In Stockholm via Face Hunter; in Paris via Garance Doré

Fashion can be so predictable. Once we've had our fill of one trend (cobalt blue, tiny jackets, flares) we switch gears and immediately start gagging for the opposite. So, it's only natural that the sheer hysteria over the skinniest jeans would eventually surrender to a slim, straighter cut…and, now, to an even bigger, baggier shape. (Note to self: Never say never.)

Belts, paper-bag waists, lots of pleats and volume, and a few cuffs at the hem create a surprisingly flattering, almost forties silhouette. Paired with little tanks and soft, relaxed jackets, these big bottoms hit the mark and work equally well with a thick high heel or some easy flats. And when it's 90 degrees outside, who wouldn't choose cool and loose over suffocation? Check out our favorite ways to do baggy right from Paris to Stockholm.

From left: In Paris via Garance Doré; in Stockholm via Face Hunter

Pleats, volume, and a little crop define the big trouser of the moment.