Joining the roster of revived trends are the pants of many names: genie pants, Aladdin pants, balloon pants, or simply, harem pants. With roots tracing back over a century, they’ve breezed through the bohemian ’70s, the flashy ’80s, and Y2K street style.
This year, New York Fashion Week runways gave them a modern and unapologetically bold spin. Michael Kors, Brandon Maxwell, Altuzarra, Ashlyn—each designer offered their own vision, from structured layers to fluid draping.Here’s how to take the runway look into your own wardrobe.
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Loose and Minimalist
Take it from Michael Kors: Lean into the drape of harem pants with an equally loose top. Go monochromatic for an elongated, effortless look. Pair with a pendant necklace, heels, and a bag that would contrast or complement—either way, it’s a look.
Or take a page out of Altuzarra and Ashlyn. Contrast the pants’ shape with a form-fitted top and pair with pointed toe heels. Simple, minimalist, but gives shape thanks to the bottoms.
Streetwear Edge
Contrast the harem’s soft fabrics with edge—a leather jacket, thick belts and boots. Take it up a notch with oversized pieces to balance the pants’ balloon effect.
For the bold, experiment with colors and textures. Altuzarra went all in with burgundy leather, desert taupe harems, and snakeskin accessories—proof that risk comes with sartorial reward.
Evening Upgrade
Elevate evening dressing with a cinched blazer to offset the pants’ volume. Keep it as sleek as Kors’ or as dramatic as Ashlyn’s .
And if you’re not feeling the blazers, go for Altuzarra’s fur coat alternative. Polished and picture-perfect for a fall or winter trip to a colder city.
Harem pants aren’t the easiest to style—the dropped crotch and balloon fit can make or break a look. Yet their NYFW revival proves their versatility today: bold but easy, dramatic yet wearable.
Featured Image and Photos: MICHAEL KORS, ASHLYN (via Instagram), ALTUZARRA (via Website)
