Luxe trousers are fast becoming a user-friendly alternative to the ubiquitous evening gown, writes Rachel Wells.
I can barely believe I am saying this, but fashion has been kind this past year.
I know. I know. I hear you. "What about all those mini dresses?" "Those latex leggings?" "And short shorts?"
Well, yes. You have a point. But the best thing about fashion in 2008 is that for every bottom-grazing mini, there was an ankle-grazing maxi. For every pair of catwoman-esque, saddlebag-hugging leggings, there was a pair of wide-legged "what saddlebags?" trousers. And for every pair of shrink-wrap hotpants, there was a pair of tailored, city shorts hemmed modestly at the knee.
In fact, in retrospect, fashion in 2008 was incredibly kind. There were roomy dirndl skirts big enough to hide the fact you hadn't exercised all winter; silk, puff-sleeve blouses that neatly covered tuckshop arms; slimline blazers and tuxedo jackets that trimmed the waistline; and more shapewear than you could poke a sticky bun at.
But just when you thought it couldn't get any better, it has. The latest user-friendly fashion item to emerge from global design studios is the evening trouser. Fashioned from luxurious silks, satins and sequins, the evening trouser is the perfect alternative for anyone with an aversion to their own knees - or entire legs, for that matter - or for those who simply haven't had time to shave and faux tan before a glamorous night out.
In the past few months, dozens of well-heeled celebrities from Stella McCartney to Victoria Beckham have ditched the ubiquitous evening gown for a shiny pair of trousers.
At the Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards last month, for example - one of the biggest nights on New York's fashion calendar - dozens of designers and celebrities ditched leg-baring gowns for evening trousers.
Agyness Deyn, in skinny black trousers and tuxedo jacket; Naomi Campbell, in black, sequined harem pants and sheer blouse; Ashley Olsen, in tuxedo-waisted Calvin Klein peg pants; Maggie Gyllenhaal in Proenza Schouler black harem pants and tunic; and Diane von Furstenberg, in black satin wide-legged trousers, were among those who looked glamorous in 2008's hot new user-friendly trend.
The peg pant - roomy at the hip and tapered at the ankle - is fast becoming the evening trouser de rigueur, while other popular styles include high-waisted tuxedo pants, wide-legged trousers, drop-crotch and harem pants.
The most glamorous turn up as satin and silk peg pants at Collette Dinnigan and Kate Sylvester; in skinny leg versions at Cohen et Sabine; in silk harem pants at Lisa Ho; and wide-legged styles at Madame Marie.
In fact, there are so many to choose from, you may never have to shave, wax or faux tan your legs again. Well, at least not until early 2009.
