Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Topless,

It's true that fitted pants seem to be showing up everywhere these days, especially with the capri-style craze. But that hasn't bumped wide-legged pants out of the style picture yet! The key to keeping your bell-bottoms "in" is topping them off with the right shirt. A great look going right now is the layered effect, where you combine several pieces, usually in lightweight fabrics. Wide-legged pants look great under a long tunic-style shirt or a long dress that falls just below the knees. Look for wide-legged pants in sheer fabrics like chiffon and gauze.

Another wide-legged style to look for is wrap-around pants. They "wrap" around the waist and flare out at the leg bottoms. Tie-around bell-bottoms that imitate sarongs in exotic floral patterns look good with solid colored bandeau tops.

You can go for the bohemian chic look with drop-waisted, hip-hugging bell-bottoms. Mix them with a tiny t-shirt, halter top, or high-cut knitted sweater. Throw on a pair of chunky sandals and go!

If you have some bell-bottoms sitting in the closet that you're unsure of, consider "trimming" them. Get some ethnic-style ribbons and trim to sew on the hems of the bell-bottom legs. You can also stitch fringe, tassels, or beads on the hems and side seams of the pants.

Have fun creating new variations on the bell-bottom theme!

Sincerely,