Harem

What is it? Also known as parachute or Turkish pants, what makes a trouser 'harem style' is the slightly lowered crotch, billowed thigh and tapered leg.

Where did it come from? Givenchy and Armani first showed them last year and although they immediately caught on in some of the more forward-fashion circles, it wasn't until the S/S Ralph Lauren show for '09 that they went mainstream. This season you will see everyone from New Look to Next doing versions.

How do I wear them? Harem pants are coming in everything from slinky jersey and denim to tough cotton and silk and the trick to wearing them is to keep the heels high and off-set the saggy bottom with a structured top. You can wear them boyish style, with a skinny leather jacket and boots or glam them up for evening wear with a cropped jacket and tall Gladiators. When it comes to holiday dressing, these are going to look great on the beach worn with a simple top and flip flops.

Can anyone do this trend? Weirdly yes, as their voluminous properties hide a multitude, but you do have to feel confident while wearing them, so they probably aren't for shrinking violets.

Pyjama

What is it? These trousers are similar to what we might have called palazzo pants a few years ago except that they are more voluminous and flare at the end, and are to be worn in more of a layered way than as statement pieces in themselves.

Where did it come from? Paul Smith and Maxmara got the just-out-of-bed trend rolling last summer, and this season Dolce & Gabbana has styled a whole campaign around them. They were also on the catwalks of Louis Vuitton, Jean Paul Gaultier and Marni.

How do I wear them? The idea with the pyjama shape is that they flow and create movement when you walk, so the way to wear them is on the hip, always past the ankle and never without height in the form of wedges or some form of heels.

Can anyone do this trend? Definitely a look that will suit a lot of people; these trousers are not only remarkably comfortable to wear but very forgiving on fuller figures. Great for lounging at home and but can easily be dressed up with a snappy jacket and a good bag.

¾ length

What is it? These modern-day pedal pushers come in so many different styles – combat, Capri-style, loose and flowing and even cullotte. As long as they end flatteringly at your calf they are right for this season.

Where did it come from? Paul Smith and Maxmara did them first and now most of the designers championing the harem trend are also doing ¾ length version.

How do I wear them? If wearing them skinny try a full-skirted dress or top with heels; if wearing carrot-shaped try a thin knit and a long layer with flats instead. The other way to wear them is preppy and Gossip Girl-style, with a crisp top, brogues and long socks.

Can anyone do this trend? The off-duty feel of slouchy jeans worn rolled up is really taking off at the moment, but it does take confidence. Play around with the look and find the right combination for you as getting it right definitely earns extra fashion points.

Carrot

What is it? Delicately cropped, wide on the hips and narrow on the ankles, when designers picked up on the fact that this was something the high street couldn't copy as quickly as everything else it wasn't long before the peg-leg or 'carrot shape' soon became cultish.

Where did it come from? Luella Bartley, Hermes and Ralph Lauren brought the turnip/jodphur back and this season Stella McCartney, Stefano Pilati for YSL and Kenzo are making sure it's here to stay.

How do I wear them? Whether worn punky and street – it's all about multiple haberdashery in the form of zips and button trims this season – or styled up very conservatively for the office (when teamed with crisp white cottons and a blazer) these trousers are a lot more versatile than you think.

Can anyone do this trend? The key rule with any style is balance, and as long as you stick to the basic rule of proportion (wide below knees, skinny on top, and vice versa), you'll get it right.

Tailored

What is it? Tapered narrow pants first snuck their way back into fashion in the form of zipped-up leggings and ski pants, but this season a good pair of trousers is becoming a style statement in itself.

Where did it come from? Now that our obsession for dresses is waining,

it is inevitable that, as consumers, we're turning our attention to trousers. Designers have read and set the consumer mood perfectly and everyone from Chanel to Calvin Klein has done a smart version this season.

How do I wear them? A sharp silhouette demands some good tailoring so don't throw the look away by confusing it with our slouchy friends. Keep tops streamlined to show off belts and waspish waists. Wear with good jewellery and a snappy haircut.

Can anyone do this trend? Good trousers are very much the skeleton of a bare-basics capsule wardrobe and when we talk about investment pieces this is what we mean. Come next autumn, when we are all ready to move on from the looser summer shapes such as the harem, this is the forever style that won't be going anywhere for some time. Embrace the trend now and stay well ahead of the style posse.

City shorts

What is it? Sometimes it's said that the new shorts look is to trousers what mini skirts are to dresses, and if you style it like this you will definitely stay on the safe side of how to wear them.

Where did it come from? City shorts and hot pants have been around for seasons now but new arrivals this year are Bermudas (Louis Vuitton and Chloe) and denim cut-offs (Mulberry), versions of which you will find on every high street.

How do I wear them? Style them up with hot heels and frilly top, Cheryl Cole- style, for going out or wear easy-weekend style with plimsolls and slouchy sweat. At this time of year it is perfectly acceptable to wear the tailored variety (although not the floral or green as pictured) with tights.

Can anyone do this trend? We say anyone under 40 with good legs should definitely give them a go.

All-in-one

What is it? Whether you call it a jumpsuit, boilersuit or playsuit, this is the garment that just refuses to go away. Clingy or slouchy, evening or daywear, and in every fabric from denim to silk, this is the one trend that is everywhere right now.

Where did it come from? This season Lanvin, Chloe, Chanel and Diane Von Furstenberg all did versions but these beauties have been on catwalks for over three seasons now. It looks like this is the year they finally stick.

How do I wear them? Aficianados are already shouting about how incredibly easy-to-wear and comfortable they are but in reality and if you haven't tried it yet, it's going to take a bit of practice. Think of it as a shirt dress rather than trousers and a top, and wear accordingly.

Can anyone do this trend? Not to be age-ist, but this one might be best kept to the under-30 demographic.