How to Wear Printed Pants for Summer 2011

Be it florals, polka dots, leopard print or jazzy graphic patterns, prints are traditionally part of summer’s fashion furniture.
Sometimes, though the warm weather can cause women to let their fashion sense slip when it comes to these perennial prints. Never is this more true than the latest trend in printed trousers. We are venturing into dangerous fashion territory here, where the style-challenged may need a few tips.
Printed trousers, once solely the domain of the under 25’s can now certainly be worn by women of a certain age, but choose wisely as the secret is in the cut and the fabric. This summer’s age-defying soft silky fabrics ooze chic and the season’s slouchy styles also offer great comfort.
Spring 2011 runways were awash with patterned trousers, from Louis Vuitton’s wide leg animal prints to Etro’s monochrome tribal prints and Moschino’s summery pink florals. Honeysuckle pink is a key color for the season, adding a cheerful color pop to a warm weather wardrobe.

How to Look Stylish in Printed Trousers

Wide-leg pants in soft slouchy fabrics are stylish and classy provided you do not commit the ultimate fashion faux pas of wearing them too short. Wide leg trousers (especially prints) need to be long and flowing – i.e. finishing below your ankle and not above.
This season’s on-trend trousers also come in tapered designs such as cigarette pants and baggier harem styles. Look for softer cuts that taper gently in at the ankle, and go for a neutral shade/print, such as a monochrome pattern or classic leopard print for a chicer, more timeless look.
The key to being stylish in printed pants is to keep the rest of the outfit simple. This year’s trend is to make printed trousers the anchor for the rest of your outfit, rather than clashing or mixing and matching prints, which is oh-so-2010. Pair trousers with a plain tank top or soft silky shirt in a neutral shade. You can always add a white jacket to smarten up the whole ensemble, as a white blazer is one of the must-have pieces of the season.
This summer’s prints can be accessorized with simple flats for some understated chic as well as high-heeled strappy sandals.
If, however, you want to make a stronger, edgier fashion statement then consider embracing the season’s retro 70s look. Extra wide-leg pants in floral prints are the way to go. Add a wide-brimmed hat to balance out your silhouette, a plain top and a 70s-style across body bag for good measure.