Ode to the wrap pants

By Kimberly Anger


Once you grab a hold of the truly great fashion statement, you are reluctant to give it up.  If my 1974 wrap-style pants could talk they would have more than a few stories to tell.  They have accompanied me on 6 trips to Hawaii and 3 to Mexico.  They are my go-to vacation party pants.  Their diaper-type styling allows room to grow and keeps me in them through my menopausal weight gains.  As the original owner, I recall when the fabric was stiff and new.  The colors were bright and vivid and went with my entire wardrobe of tank tops.  Also the fact that you could flash a lengthly bit of leg made them sexy and eye-catching.  The trick to tying them was to make sure the final knot ended up in the front.  This prevented some party pranksters from untying the back knot and exposing your bare behind to the world.  But after a few drinks, that possibility seemed less and less intimidating.

Now the pants are soft with muted colors.  I love to tie them at the ankles and put on a pretty pair of sandals.  I have seen this same style surface 3 times since the 70's.  I never let them go.  When I wear them, I am 18 again with long tanned legs.  They actually make me feel good about where I have been and where I am now:  whether its on an island or in the backyard.