ROAD TEST

They’re the biggest trend in pantsthis fall, but pulling off these proportions can be no small feat—until now, thatis.

HOWTO WEAR WIDE-LEG PANTS

Written by Brandi Broxson Photographs by Philip Friedman

NICE EXTRA Pintuck pleats create subtle curves for narrow frames.

1 HOWTO WEAR

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FIT TIP Culottes with a wide waistband keep your middle looking trim.

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fashion

STYLE UPGRADE The side slit on this cream sweater makes it less boxy.

CULOTTES

Hitting at or above the knee, thisstyle highlights thewaist on hourglass and pear-shape figures.Think of it asa more voluminous (and refined)version of Bermuda shorts, says LaurenA. Rothman,the author of Style Bible. Petite?Skip this cut because it canhave a shortening effect.

HOWTO WEAR THEM 1 FEMININE

Burgundy lace has ladylike appeal. Balance this pair’s vintage vibe with a sleek, similarly colored top and equally luxe textures, like velvet.

2 CASUAL

These cozy wool culottes are just the thing for crisp autumn weekends. Flat Mary Janes and a soft sweater feel relaxed but look put-together.

3 POLISHED

Still feeling intimidated? Just think of this style as a skirt (the inverted pleats add volume without bulk) and create a familiar ensemble with a pretty blouse and pointy-toed pumps.

TO BUY 1: ZARA CULOTTES, $70, ZARA.COM. LINE& DOT TOP, $87, LINEANDDOT.COM. COLE HAAN PUMPS, $250, COLEHAAN.COM. BANANA REPUBLIC NECKLACE, $48, BANANAREPUBLIC. COM. 2: REISS CULOTTES, $245, REISS.COM. SIMPLY VERA VERA WANG PULLOVER, $64, KOHLS.COM. CANVAS BY LANDS’ END FLATS, $90, CANVASBYLANDSEND.COM. ORLA KIELY BAG, $440, ORLAKIELY.COM. SOLE SOCIETY SUNGLASSES (AVAILABLE IN BLACK AND TO RTOISE), $30, SOLESOCIETY.COM. 3: MILLY CULOTTES, $450, MILLY.COM. TUCKER TOP, $295, TUCKERNYC.COM. IMAGINE VINCE CAMUTO HEELS, $150, IMAGINEVINCECAMUTO.COM. BAUBLEBAR EARRINGS, $34, BAUBLEBAR.COM.