Everywhere you look, palazzo pants are making a comeback. You see them on the street, at a party, at the beach, in the office and even at weddings. Hugely popular in the 60s and 70s, it’s easy to see why everyone loves them now. They’re stylish, comfortable, and above all versatile, so if you’re wondering whether they’re for you, or you’re stuck for ideas about how to wear palazzo pants, take the plunge and jump right in.
What Are The Signature Features Of Palazzo Pants?
Palazzo pants are supremely comfortable because of their wonderfully loose cut, which allows the legs to swirl around you as you walk and gives a graceful flare to your figure. This loose styling can be relatively conservative, rather like French-cut flared jeans which flare from the hip rather than the waist. But if you prefer, you can find palazzo pants which are very loosely styled, looking almost like a maxi dress rather than pants.
As well as the standard waistline, there are also high-waisted and low rise versions, each bringing its own special flair to the palazzo pants style. Some palazzo pants, especially the closer fitting versions, have zip closures at the front or side, but the looser styles tend to have elasticated or drawstring waists. Hems are often left to move freely, but a gathered ankle gives a different ambience.
Will Palazzo Pants Suit My Figure?
It’s a common myth that shorter women, or those with curves, can’t wear palazzo pants, but nothing could be further from the truth. Naturally, it’s important to choose your palazzo pants outfits carefully so you make the best of your silhouette, but with a little effort, you can make yourself look superb.
If you are shorter or curvier, opt for palazzo pants that aren’t too loose or you can easily look overwhelmed, especially if you pick a bold design or bright colour. Be careful to choose a well-fitting top or use light layering to avoid giving a larger impression. Taller women can wear very loose palazzo pants with confidence, but always remember to consider your overall impression when selecting the rest of your outfit.
Palazzo Pants Colours And Patterns
You can find palazzo pants to match every mood and taste. Plain colours range between subtle pastels, brilliant rainbow shades, muted tones and of course, classic black and white. There’s a mouth-watering variety of patterns available. Some retro prints echo the vibe of the 70s, with intricate psychedelics, monochrome Jacquards and
How To Style Palazzo Pants
There’s a wealth of choice when you’re deciding what to wear with palazzo pants, and it all depends on the occasion and the look you want to achieve.
Cute Palazzo Pants Outfits
The feminine cut of palazzo pants makes them perfect for creating a cute look. Loosely-styled pants, perhaps with a little polka-dot print and teamed with a frilled cross-over top, is a wonderful choice for a summer evening. Or try a gorgeous pastel pair with a hint of pink, matched with a soft pin-striped top for the ultimate in cool elegance.
Sophisticated Palazzo Pants Outfits
A well-chosen palazzo pants outfit can simply exude sophistication, especially when teamed with high heels. But it’s often a case of ‘less is more’, and understating the look is definitely the way to go, with a monochrome palette a popular choice. Plain black palazzo pants worn with a flowing tunic-style top will catch every eye, and an ornate waist belt will add an interesting focal point to the ensemble. Monochrome print palazzos and a black ruffled top featuring embellished bishop sleeves creates a real air of the exotic, whilst tailored cream palazzos looks unbelievable when teamed with a boldly striped chevron top.
Casual Palazzo Pants Outfits
The superb comfort of palazzo pants makes them a natural choice for the casual look. For an unfussy approach, choose plain palazzos in a vibrant colour and wear with a plain contrasting top. To give emphasis to the flaring nature of your palazzos, go for a stretch top such as a classic tee, crop top or spaghetti top. Or to bring out your softer side, try palazzos with a pretty floral print together with a frilled gypsy top. And nothing works better as a beach cover-up than light palazzos with a bikini top or plunging scoop neck vest.
Vintage Palazzo Pants Outfits
Of course, with its roots so firmly in vintage culture, the retro look really lets your palazzo pants outfit shine. Classic vintage-print palazzos are the order of the day here, with striking monochrome prints such as diagonals or Jacquards, as well as richly coloured choices like ethnic mandala patterns, kaleidoscopic designs or bold florals. These palazzos make the best impact teamed with a plain-coloured top.
What Shoes Work Best With Palazzo Pants?
Naturally, you want the emphasis to be firmly on your palazzos, but there’s no doubt that finding the right shoes to wear with palazzo pants gives the finishing touch. Although it may seem that your shoes are less important because they’ll be mostly hidden under the wide legs of your palazzos, it’s actually even more important to pick the right footwear if you only catch a fleeting glimpse.
Elegant high heels are always a great choice, as they accent the length of your legs and the shapeliness of your feet. A summer outfit begs for strappy sandals, whilst classic heeled court shoes work wonderfully for a formal occasion. Mid-height heels also look good; cork mules retain the retro theme for a vintage ensemble and low sandals are a comfortable option for a semi-casual theme. But don’t discount flat shoes either. A pair of espadrilles can totally make a sailor-style palazzo ensemble and Adidas sneakers give laid-back chic to a casual outfit.
So why wait any longer? The palazzo pants style is most definitely for everyone and finding the right look for you is just a matter of looking around at what’s on offer and making your choice.
The featured photo is of Sazan Barzani . A great example of the polka dot palazzo pants.
Why not try pairing palazzo pants with a stylish vest and chunky accessories to steal Diana DeMarino’s elegant summer style. This look is ideal for those warm evenings, and can be dressed up with heels for a night out!
Caroline Daur wears a pair of floaty patterned palazzo trousers with an adorable cropped white blouse and a fringed leather bag. This look is hippy chic at its finest!
These trousers look great with a tie front top and bright coloured bag! 
Go wild with stripes this summer in these trousers paired with a white vest! 
Salem Indrias is really pulling off the palazzo pants trend in these black and white stripes paired with a white tee!
Is this the perfect palazzo pants outfit? You gotta Love that top and those pants.
Stripes are always great, but even better when on snazzy palazzo pants like Laura combined with a cut out tee!
When it doubt, go with stripes! Take inspiration from Lisa Ollsen and wear these stunning palazzo pants with an off the shoulder tee!
Floral prints will never go out of style! Just pair these summery trousers with a white tee and you’re done!
