Eighties throwbacks are the order of the day for spring/summer collections currently gracing the catwalk, and one of the most controversial looks of the season are harem trousers.

Traditionally, trousers are the one item that you can always rely on to be safe and practical. However, this is not quite the case with harem trousers, which have a dropped crotch, exaggerated material around the thighs and are tapered at the ankle!

This is a lot of drama for a pair of trousers but, love it or loathe it, it is the silhouette of the season and you are sure to turn heads if you are prepared to wear it.

The way to wear the harem trousers is surprisingly simple - they are very bold, so the most difficult part is choosing a pair out of the many extreme variations in colour and material available. Cotton and polyester are suitable for the day, while satin and metallic finishes are great for the night.

This season, the harem trouser is commonly high waisted and tapered at the leg, which will give the illusion of a very long body. As a result, you need to define the waist and make it look as small as possible against the exaggerated hips.

There are three rules to follow to achieve this. Firstly, keep the shape of your top flattering and light. A camisole or this season's tailored blazer will be perfect as it will be tight and structured in comparison to the trousers.

Braver fashion followers could wear both the camisole and blazer to create an edgy yet effortless look, as Derek Lam did so well.

Secondly, tops will look better with harem trousers if they are tucked in, as it creates a streamlined torso to offset the voluminous bottom half. Paul Smith and Just Cavalli tucked feminine sheer blouses into their harem trousers to create a chic look.

Finally, utilise this season's elaborate and colourful belts, as Blumarine did, by framing the top of your trousers and creating a horizontal visionary above the pleated hip of the trouser to, you guessed it, define the waist!

In general, avoid wearing flats with the harem trouser as heels are the only way to keep the illusion of a lengthy body and avoid looking like an extra from a MC Hammer video!