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    Seeing Red

    Below the belt: Longer skirts & wide leg pants are hot looks for spring

    Roz Pactor
    Mar 14, 2011 | 8:00 am
    • Cate Blanchett looks great in wide-leg pants, here paired with a jacket.
    • Skirts or dresses that fall to the ankle are a hot look for spring
    • The short and long of it: short shorts and cropped pants
    • In denim, this wider leg is back with us this season, certainly in a trouser,best in dark denim for now.
    • The '70s influence prevalent in many of the collections is personified in thebell-bottom, flare leg or boot cut styles that are available from every jeanline.
    • Jeans with a Marakesh flarie from British Denim House, Made in Heaven

     Vogue editors describe spring as “not a season of radical reinvention," but that must be O.K., as retail business around town is definitely on the rise.

    Not much has been said about the trends of the season, beyond color. For me, the news of this season resides from the waist down, hence bottoms up! I am hearing from buyers that consumers are already loving the wide leg pants and longer skirts arriving in stores for spring.

     Wide-legged pants

    The first of these trends is the return of wide leg pants. Skinnies, particularly in denim, are not gone, nor is it considered un-chic or less-knowing if you continue to wear them. However, wide leg trousers, with a softened menswear influence, look new, fresh and Katharine Hepburn elegant.

    Trousers with an extra leg width that starts softly at the waist and flows to the ankles are best in neutral shades of white, black, khaki or my new fave, navy. Pair them with a short, lady-like jacket (another seasonal trend) and the pantsuit craze that started last fall is taken to a new dimension and proportion.

    “After squeezing into skinnies for the past two years, I was thrilled to see the return of a relaxed and sophisticated silhouette. My uniform this spring will be silk palazzos paired with a tailored blazer a la Hepburn or Dietrich,” says Tootsies denim and contemporary buyer Jennifer Cunningham.

    In denim, this wider leg is back with us this season, certainly in a trouser, best in dark denim.

    However, the '70s influence that was so prevalent in many of the collections is personified in the bell-bottom, flare leg or boot cut styles that are available from every jean line. The image of Cher at her finest should be popping in your heads about now.

    In shopping the floors of the new Tootsies with Cunningham, she is quick to point out the style that is the most flattering to most female shapes is slim through the thighs with all of the flare action happening from the knees to the ankle. She is particularly excited about British denim house Made in Heaven, whose Marrakesh flare is the one to have.

    This is a huge shift from the skinny, tucked-in-your-boots look that we have been living comfy in for the last several seasons. At a recent trend presentation that I held at Tootsies, I had no problem convincing the ladies to try on these new shapes. They tried and they bought, as the flattering look to most body types is apparent as soon as you try them on. However, it should be noted that this new shape changes everything for the wearer, from the tops she chooses to the shoe she wears.

     Skirts are getting longer

    Also for spring, everything is getting longer. Maxi skirts are back in plentiful versions and consumers are loving them.

    The more popular styles here are soft, slim, close-to-the body shapes that stray to the ankles. Knowing that these ankle length skirts are becoming all the rage, look for dresses to follow suit in the always-popular ankle-length maxi dresses (a name I prefer but synonymous with "patio dresses" from days past).

    Midi-styles are here also but must be tried on for reassurance. The calf is not usually a favorite feature for most women. Try it on, see where it hits and make your decision accordingly. It's not a look for everybody, particularly in the spring when you don’t have the security of boots to fill in the gap. You may want to stay closer to the knee-grazer length for spring/summer, adorable with flat sandals.

    Another length-story is the crop pant. It's long been a local favorite in our town as just those few inches above the ankles translate into coolness in the depths of Houston summertime heat.

    The gaucho is back. The wider leg crop has come back to the forefront, and if that is not a fave of yours, try the slimmer “skimmer” crop; it's already selling in both denim and khaki. (White or khaki is the best way to go here.)

    Shorts continue to grow in importance and are no longer only a weekend wear item. City shorts, a little longer and oftentimes cuffed, can be worn dressed up for dinner and, depending on where you collect your paycheck, for work as well.

     How to wear the longer look

    The new trends on the bottom change just about everything about what works best at the top. If from the waist down is full, then the top needs to be fitted, sexy and close to the body…think skinny tops and short cropped jackets.

    Heels or wedges — a must to lengthen the leg — look best with the wide and flared leg pants and jeans.

    Alterations are back in the "must-do" department, as careful attention to tapering and hemming are now a necessity after being spoiled by the scrunched-at-the-ankle look of the slim leg jean. (Remember to always ask for the original hem when altering.)

    Certain lines, like James Jeans and Citizens of Humanity, have a slightly shorter inseam. For the little people out there, like me, your best fit will be flare leg crops, that — you guessed it —fit perfectly at the ankle. (Thanks, to Jennifer for pointing that out to me, as I was stressing over hemming my flare away in these new jeans. It works!)

    With long, lean, to-the-ankle skirts and dresses, add long layered necklaces that are so in vogue this season. Depending on your height and what makes you feel most comfortable, a flat sandal completes a great outfit.

    unspecified
    news/fashion

    WHERE TO SHOP IN JULY

    Where to shop right now: 10 Houston stores with summer fashion finds

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Jul 3, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Dolly Parton
    Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott
    Kendra Scott’s latest collaboration with Dolly Parton features vintage-inspired pieces with hearts and butterflies, available for a limited time.

    Temperatures are heating up, and so are the fashion finds in the Bayou City. With summer sales in full swing and new limited-time collabs hitting the racks, Houston shoppers can refresh their closets before fall styles roll in.

    And let's be real, the summertime temps will be here through October, so a mid-year update is in order. Here are 10 standout spots to check out this month.

    Chloe Dao
    July marks the halfway point of the year, but it also means the countdown for Chloe Dao's Annual Birthday Sale is officially on. On Saturday, July 26th, shoppers will receive 50 percent off most items in the store (some exclusions apply) from 10 am-12 pm. The sale continues with 30 percent off for the rest of the weekend, and shoppers will also find 25 percent off select Dao Chloe Dao Original Designs.

    Jimmy Choo
    Jimmy Choo recently debuted a line of jelly shoes, blending the nostalgic trend with the brand's signature glamour and craftsmanship. The summertime staple is available in a variety of colors and styles at the Jimmy Choo boutique in the Galleria.

    Kendra Scott x Dolly Parton
    Country music legend Dolly Parton teamed up with Texas jewelry giant Kendra Scott for a second time with a line of vintage-inspired accessories inspired by her music. The limited-time collection features 10 styles, heavily featuring hearts and butterflies.

    La Fragancia
    The premier perfume chain store, with locations across California and Denver, opened its first Houston outpost at Houston Premium Outlets, near Saks Off 5th. It offers high-end fragrances for men and women, carrying all major brands from Armani to Zegna. La Fragancia also specializes in niche perfumes from France, the Middle East, and Italy, as well as exclusive imports and gift sets at discount prices.

    Loewe
    Fans of the luxury Spanish brand known for its iconic puzzle bags can now get their hands on the 10th anniversary Loewe Confetti bag. Available at the Loewe boutique in River Oaks District, the limited-edition design is made from leather and hand-embroidered with thousands of confetti pieces in colors perfect for summer.

    Maison Francis Kurkdjian
    Maison Francis Kurkdjian has officially opened its only Texas boutique at River Oaks District. Houstonians can now discover the world of Kurkdjian's artistry, featuring cult-favorite Baccarat Rouge 540 and exclusive boutique offerings. In celebration of the opening, Houstonians can receive a complimentary gift with purchase and complimentary engraving.

    Perigold
    The leading online luxury retailer recently debuted its first brick-and-mortar store in Highland Village. The massive 20,000-square-foot flagship store features a curated selection of furniture, decor, and lighting, showcasing over 150 luxury home brands. [Editor's note: Read CultureMap's full visit to the store here.]

    Rag & Bone
    The iconic denim retailer recently opened a boutique in Houston Premium Outlets. Customers can find favorites, including authentic heritage clothing with modern details for both men and women.

    Tiffany x Pharrell Williams
    Available at Tiffany in The Galleria, the Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection incorporates sharp spear-like spikes in everything from necklaces and earrings to bracelets and rings. The collection is available in 18K gold or titanium, featuring all-metal and diamond styles.

    Veronica Beard x Head Sportswear
    The exclusive Veronica Beard x Head Sportswear capsule collection is available at Veronica Beard in River Oaks District. This eight-piece collection, designed for athletes and fashion enthusiasts, features versatile women's tennis and activewear, crafted in Head's signature high-performance fabric. The new line includes a zip-front dress, jacket, skort, and top set, as well as a bra and leggings in limited-edition colorways of white, sage, and terracotta, complementing Veronica Beard's Pre-Fall 2025 collection.

    Dolly Parton
      

    Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

    Kendra Scott’s latest collaboration with Dolly Parton features vintage-inspired pieces with hearts and butterflies, available for a limited time.

    jimmy chookendra scottriver oaks districthouston galleriawhere to shop in houston
    news/fashion

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