The problem with odd trend of the ‘puddle pants’
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am puzzled about some- thing I just read about in a fashion blog: “Puddle Pants.” Apparently these are now a must-wear among models, celebs and the people who are photographed for “On the Street Fashion” outside fashion shows in Paris, etc. Can you explain this odd trend?
— Callie J.
Dear Callie: For those not familiar with this term, puddle pants are women’s wide-leg pants (though men can wear them too), intentionally oversized that are so long they often cover the shoes and then some, “puddling” at the ankle. And, they drag on the street (“kissing the ground,” in fashion speak) into puddles or whatever else you might find on the sidewalk. Yuck.
These are the opposite of skinny jeans and we should have seen them coming, since styles need to change often to get us to reach into our wallets to “freshen” our wardrobes.
For many years I’ve been surprised by regular people, mostly in jeans, sweeping the ground with their too-long pants, just not bothering to shorten them. Who knew that would one day be considered stylish? As you can tell from my skeptical explanation, I think this trend is impractical and not at all flattering for those of us who walk on sidewalks or run for the bus. In other words, all of us.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
After losing some weight
about a year ago, I am left with wrinkly skin, mostly on my upper legs. I have worn a bathing suit with a skirt, but it only covers my very upper thighs. My question is ... is there any type of covering that would cover a good part of my thighs above my knees, and is stylish?
— Lily O.
Dear Lily: There are many women who prefer a little more modesty in their swimwear and manufacturers are catching on. Lands’ End, for instance, sells a long “Active Board Skort Swim Skirt” that is 17 or 17 inches long (landsend.com, on sale for $58.45), or search online for “long swim skort” to find some good options that pair with a separate swim top.
Reader Rant
Several readers have their say about weddings…
Joy I. writes: “My rant:
We are encouraging a generation (or two) of self-centered bridezillas when we refer to their weddings as ‘their day.’ If the groom-to-be doesn’t have equal status, what’s the point?”
From Tonia R.: “I agree with you that white or black can be worn by anyone to a wedding or rehearsal. White only became ‘bridal’ when Queen Victoria chose it as her dress color. Prior, it was chosen for death! Brides, it’s time to practice your grown-up choice to get married by not dictating what anyone wears to your party. You’re not 8 years old! You and your partner will be the focus no matter what people wear.”
Now it’s your turn
Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail. com.