Thank goodness for celebs like Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba and Olivia Palermo, who’ve shown Us just how easy it is to rock spring’s hottest trend of printed pants. “It’s a season of individuality,” Stacey Bendet, Alice + Olivia designer and CEO, tells Us Weekly of the playful look.
While printed pants keep the comfort of sweats but add a hefty dose of polish, navigating the many varieties of prints, fit, and colors can be tricky. “There are so many silhouettes that there is literally something for everyone,” Jamie Lewin, design and trend director of Piperlime.com, tells Us. “From skinny jeans to soft joggers, structured, cropped and wide leg pants, there is a shape that works for every body type.”
If you’re petite like Witherspoon (wearing Michael Kors), look for smaller prints so it’s not overwhelming. “Cropped pants also help elongate legs,” Lewin says.
Slender women should consider a more fitted style (see: Palermo’s chic look). “A high-waist tapered leg pant is generally better on leaner women since it creates the illusion of curves,” says Bendet. Curvier women can balance and flatter their shapes with wide-leg pants.
To avoid looking like you’re wearing pajama bottoms, pair the look with a solid top like Alba. “Pay attention to the fabric itself and make sure to wear a top in a different texture and is more fitted if the pants are flowy,” Bendet tells Us. “But sometimes a full print look is fun too! Wear the matching blouse or jacket to give a jumpsuit illusion.”
When it comes to footwear, sandals like Joie Pradeaux thongs with ankle-straps are perfect for daytime and heels for evening. Dress up wide-leg pants, and elongate legs, with platform heels.
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To accessorize, look first to the print. “If the pant is really bold, it’s safer to go with a solid accessory,” Bendet says. “That said, you can still be bold with colors that coordinate.”
Now that you’re armed with a fit guide, check out Us Weekly‘s top picks for printed pants.
If you want to create curves, try the high-waisted fit of the Alice + Olivia Elastic Waist Gathered pant ($242, Aliceandolivia.com)
Petite women won’t be overwhelmed by the small print of the Drapey Tuxedo Pants ($25 on sale, Oldnavy.com).
If you’re curvy, opt for the wide-leg style of the Rachel Zoe Aldridge Pants ($275, Piperlime.com).
