TREND: Palazzo Pants (The Death of the Skinny?)

Alvin Valley Palazzo Pant
$297.00
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Available at: ShopBop.com

Skinny pants are everywhere. You'd have to be living under a rock to not know that skinny is the trend du jour. Check your favorite store or online shopping destination and I bet you dimes to dollars that the skinny look is in your face. But wait. There is a new trend emerging from the depths of the designer section. There, wedged between the skinny black pants and the ultra skinny jeans. The biggest names in fashion are going-- Gasp-- ultra wide leg! It's true. I've got the goods to prove it. Could this be the death of the skinny?!?

Alvin Valley, one of the absolute best labels for fabulous fitting pants, has turned out a pair of flattering Palazzo Pants that are to die for (right). The combination of the slim waistband and single inverted pleat that starts a little lower on the thigh creates a super modern look that emphasizes a slim waist while minimizing the hips and thighs. Add a slim cashmere sweater for a look that is 100% jet-set.

That's right. Flattering pants are chic once more. Every closet needs a least one pair of classic wide leg trousers and these Oxford Trousers from Marc by Marc Jacobs are just right. No crazy details; no gimmicks. The simple, long, lean shape is oh-so-classy chic. This is a look that will go to the boardroom when paired with a button down shirt and platform pumps, and then off to the cocktail lounge when topped with a spare tank and finished off with strappy heels.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Wool Oxford Wide Leg Trouser$248.00
Available at: eLUXURY

Head off to Sunday brunch in style with these Herringbone Palazzo Pants from Walter. The loose fit and sweet bow belt are weekend-relaxed, but the superior fit keeps the look from appearing sloppy.

Walter Herringbone Palazzo Pants
$126.00 (was $210-- save 40%!)
Available at: Bluefly.com

Has several seasons of increasingly skinnier pants left you a little wary of going ultra-wide all at once? Not a problem. Ease into the trend with these Arden B. Palazzo Pants. The fit is wide, but not so much so as to be overly dramatic.

Arden B. Front Pleated Palazzo Pant
$88.00
Available at: ArdenB.com

The zany side-tie on these Robert Rodriguez Wide-Leg Pants adds a little touch of whimsy that will be perfect for festive occasions. I'd throw on a sequined top and metallic pumps for a fresh party look.

Robert Rodriguez Gabardine Wide-Leg Pants
$159.00 (was $265-- save 40%!)
Available at: Bluefly.com

Still don't believe that wide-leg is the next big thing? Try on the look on the cheap with these Wide-Leg Belted Trousers. When you are hailed as being the most fashion-forward kid on the block, you'll be back for the investment worthy pieces. Mark my word.

Wide-Leg Belted Trousers
$34.50
Available at: OldNavy.com

Click on any photo to link directly to where you can purchase that pair of trendy wide-leg pants online.