When I first saw a pair of Harem pants , I thought NO WAY! But as trends finally become fashion after the kinks have been removed, I usually fall on the fashion hand grenade with everyone else. It took me a while to find them presented in a fresh, ecletic way, but it finally happened. Forever 21's Twelve by Twelve Vintage Garden ( no, they didn't pay me to say this) - I saw the perfect mix of vintage style mixed with Harems! Too cool ! Here is my version and how I made them !
FIRST : I grabbed an old broomstick style FULL skirt from my skirt pile.
SECOND : I put it on. I leaned forward and grabbed about a foot down from my crotch and pinned it.
THIRD : I layed it out and doubled it over long-ways, and cut a deep U shape from the center, leaving the legs full.
FOURTH : I turned it inside out, and pinned the cut area in place to create 2 legs. I stitched them up (by hand while watching a Buffy re-run)
FIFTH : I put it on right side out, and tied a knot on each leg side. Make the knot lay flat. This may take a few tries, but it will determine how your legs will lay properly.
SIXTH : Turned them inside-out again, and stitched a 1/2 " hem for elastic. I left the hole where the knot is to thread the elastic through. I was out of elastic, so I just used a ribbon instead! Use a big safety pin, attached to the end of the ribbon to pull it through easily. Slip em on, tie the ribbon , blouse out the legs and Done !
YOU JUST MADE A HAREM PANT !!!
There are many different styles and lengths of this pant. Some are full, Some are more tapered. You get to pick the style you like best ! Mine are actually called RAI style, short and folksy.
Here are some examples. You can alter the length as you desire !
HOW TO AVOID LOOKING "COSTUMEY" :
1. Avoid the Alladdin look by steering away from ankle bells, Over accessorizing, Scarves and the Genie shoe. Hats look great with harems !
2. Mix them with a vintage look to make them look fresh and current. Such as a lace top, straw hat, Flower brooches, pearls, simple cardigans, or even a small floral print, as long as the pant remains the focus.
3.. Consider the Shoe! Harems shorten the leg, so keep shoes simple and try a peep-toe pump. Ankle straps will make you appear shorter, but harems look great with Gladiators and a simple tank!
I have seen them on tall, petite, shorter, and full figures. They all rock !
4.. Keep your top simple. The focus is on the pant! This look is terrific for ladies with a larger upper torso ! Pair them with a fitted jacket or top, it looks awesome !
Here are a few examples from latimes.com
my favorite !
Some great sources for how to make , And how to wear harems are :
Just type in how to make harem pants .
U Tube has great tips on how to wear them also.
However, my inspiration is from F21's Twelve by Twelve Vintage Garden. Check it out for really cool vintage inspired outfits !
I made these pant in about 1 hour. I added a Vintage lace blouse and a thrifted knit black lace cardi for contrast. It was hard to lay off the accessories, as I love em, but the hat and simple pearl drop earring were enough. My shoes "grounded" the look by being black, but the florette on the toe kept them in a vintage mode. I think they look great belted, also or with flowy layers. That will be my next try.
HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR STRAW HATS:
Take a wide, knit head band and pull it over your hat to create a wide band in any color. You can pick these up at any dollar store / drug store usually in 3 packs for a couple bucks. I pinned a contrasting flower on the side. Wa-La! A new hat !
IN SUMMARY : I always know an outfit is "working" when I feel great in it. I felt trendy, but not costumey in this look. I don't do How-To's very often, so if anyone has a question, I'll be happy to answer! Honestly, I am a "guesser" when it comes to sewing. This project turned out all right. And, when I tire of the Harem trend, I will cut it off and make a skirt! A two for one! That's MY kind of cost cutting!!! If you are wondering how this trend would look on you, go to U-Tube. There are alot of women showing us how they wear their harems. The fun part for me was that there are Sooo many different types to choose from. I believe anyone can pull off the dreaded HAREM ! *Reva*
