Harem pants are one of the key looks for spring/ summer 2009. They are identified by a full leg and banded bottom and are going to be hard to avoid this summer - but the bad news is that they are a notoriously difficult look to pull off.

I spotted the trend on many of the key catwalk shows from Ralph Lauren and Chloe, to Diane Von Furstenberg, and Dries Van Noten, among others. Now it has filtered down to the high street and all of the major retailers.

Dependent on your figure type, this may not exactly be the look you are after, as harem pants have a tendency to add weight to fuller figures; however, with the right pair, you can create a stunning, sensual and exotic look. This article explains some of the ways to wear these pants, to help you decide whether or not they are the right fashion item for you and if they are, what other considerations to take into account.

Hints:

Select the fabric style carefully. Some fabrics will drape more elegantly than others; silks, some metallic fabrics, and other delicate fabrics will likely look a lot more stylish when compared to heavy cotton, linen and t-shirt fabric styles. Lycra styles can work well. Be careful of the tie-dyed versions; the fabric used will be prone to sagging and the print as well as the billowing is just too overwhelming an effect. The type of fabric really does matter as it can make or break this look - if in doubt, try it on and see.

Be sure to check that the drop crotch folds are elegant. Harem pants that sag in the centre half way down your legs are not a good look on most people. Make sure that the drop crotch wraps or sits well and that the folds are falling neatly rather than in a sloppy manner.

Wear cropped jackets and tops with harem pants, so that the pants are obvious feature. Not only do short tops help people to see that your pants are deliberately billowing and not a case of trying to keep pants from falling down but they look better and accentuate the style. Keep tops and jackets simple, as the pants are already the feature; alternatively skip the jewellery and wear a more costume-like top as the accent. Whatever you do, defining the waist is key to successful wearing of harem pants.

Keep jewellery to a minimum. One elegant piece around the neck and possibly some bangles.

Wear heels. This will give you the added height needed and it also slims down the leg as the harem pants billow. Flat shoes will deaden the harem pants look unless you are very slim and even then, the shoes would have to be extremely elegant.

Try them on in the store and be very honest with how they look. If you don't feel right in them from the first look in the mirror, chances are they will never look right, no matter what top you try and pair them with. Curvy girls also have the option of choosing wide leg pants, which are in fashion but are infinitely more flattering. If you are a fuller figured woman, be especially judging of the effect of these pants on your silhouette. Given the ballooning nature of these pants, they will really only wear well on tall and slim figures, although InStyle does suggest that wider hipped women might appreciate the give in these pants. Others agree that the "right pair can actually be forgiving", so it pays to try them on with an open-mind.