ONLY a couple of weeks ago I was talking harem pants as an alternative to the more figure hugging printed leggings.

And this week I’ve gone just one step further, and a little looser, by sharing with the totally unrestricting wide-leg trouser.

Breathe a sigh of calming relief because these are perfect for keeping you cool in the summer weather.

And while these may be ‘floaty’, they are also flattering - coming in tightly at the waist.

Somewhere between colottes and a long skirt, you can be in danger of looking more like you’ve stepped into your gran’s curtains rather than off the catwalk.

So the trick with these is keeping everything else simple.

Topshop have a pretty pair of zig-zag wide-leg trousers with a handy concealed zip at £40.

With a range of detailed patterns in oranges, blues and reds, why not match some statement African-style jewellery?

Team the trousers with gold Grecian-style sandals, a white lacey linen crop top - both available in shops - matching orange beads and a brass cuff.

Alternatively, get online to ASOS where they have a pair of black high-waist pants with a big daisy-like floral print at £45.

These also have ever-practical side pockets and are made of a lightweight woven fabric to keep you cool.

Let the trousers ‘do the talking’ and keep it simple again by tucking in a silky white string vest top, wear your hair in a topknot and finish off with a pair of wayfarer or aviator style shades.