Palazzo pants are back. The wide-leg, flowing pants that were popular in the 1960s and '70s are in style once again. Why wear palazzo pants during the Houston summer, when days can top out at 100-plus degrees? They’re light, easy to wear and provide balance by flattering your figure and creating an illusion of a maxi skirt.

“Palazzo pants are comfortable and perfect to wear during the summer because they’re so airy and breezy,” says nursing student Linda Nguyen.

Before purchasing palazzo pants, consider the length, or be prepared to tailor. If they are too short, you will look chunky; if they are too long, you will look sloppy. Palazzo pants should swish along as you walk, but you shouldn’t be tripping over them. 

Here are five ways you can style this must-try trend this summer:

Office Attire
Create a lasting impression in the office by pairing simple patterns with wedges or block heels and minimal accessories. Tuck in fitted tops to give the illusion of a taller frame. A long-sleeve lace blouse makes for a pretty, feminine look. If you want to maintain a professional look, throw on a blazer over your button down.

Casual
Tuck in your favorite striped tee and go bold with bright palazzo pants for a comfortable look or wear a funky graphic tee and cinch in your waist with a chic belt for a fun look.

Patterned
Pair floral or tribal print palazzo pants with a solid top so the attention is directed towards the bottom half of your outfit or take a risk and mix and match patterns.

Color block with bright colors
Team up your outfit with contrasting colors. Opt for solid colors to avoid looking messy. Your fitted or flowing tops can also be colorful to balance out the look.

Choose the right accessory
Jazz up your outfit with accessories that have the same relaxed look and feel. A handbag with a slouchy shape echoes the silhouette of the pants—avoid stiff and boxy clutches. Add height with wedges or block heels, as these pants are perfect for creating the illusion of legs for days. The jewelry you choose should mirror the look you’re going for – for example, a long, dangly necklace will be perfect for the office.

“I enjoy solid palazzo pants because they give off a '70s vibe. To complete the outfit, I would wear a fitted crop top and polish off the look with a statement necklace and wedges,” says Alexandra Bronson, the manager of Langford Market boutique in Rice Village.

University of Houston art student Sidney Mori says she loves palazzo pants because they’re so free and stylish. “Comfort and style is hard to find sometimes,” she says. The benefit of palazzo pants? They are versatile. “You can dress them up or down. Put a blazer over it and go to an art opening; wear a graphic tee and head to class; go ahead and wear them to sleep, too!”