This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Spotted on celebrities and in fashion magazines, printed pants have rocked the runways. Now the sassy slacks trend is hitting the streets of Salt Lake City, with designs ranging from bold geometrics and feminine florals to tribal prints.

"So much fun," is how Jordan Halversen, a Salt Lake City-based fashion designer, described the trend. "There is a need to be lighthearted, and wearing florals is fun and also therapeutic. Don't be boring — make a statement."

Here are some ideas about how to adopt the trend into your wardrobe.

Keep it simple • Consider a patterned pant as a statement piece — bold bottoms are the boss, so choose a solid top, cardi or jacket to go with them. Pick a secondary tone from the pattern, a neutral, or pair any print with a fitted white T-shirt. Don't mix printed pants with printed tops, says Lori Harris, owner of Mary Jane's in Park City.

For a more sophisticated look, consider natural colors, earth tones and neutrals in a tribal or Ikat print. To hit a polished or professional note, add a belted blouse or tailored blazer with a patent leather pump.

Large, high-contrast prints are attention-grabbers. Yet bright bottoms can be toned down, simply, with a long tunic top. For a softer statement, watercolor designs and muted tones are easy to wear.

Accessorize • Again, the keep-it-simple rule applies. Balance the look with strong accent pieces in complementary colors on top such as a bold necklace, bangles or scarf. Choose shoes with a heel and solid colors — basic platform pumps, a wedge heel or '70s-inspired sandals. With boldly patterned pants, Harris suggests wearing a chunky heel, or any type of shoe with heel, to make your legs look longer.

Ageless • If worn correctly, printed pants can be for any age group, said Harris, of Mary Jane's. "The bolder, racier prints are for a younger fasionista," Harris said. For a classic look, she suggested a black fleur de lys print on white twill pant by 7 For All Mankind that would be style-appropriate for a woman in her 40s or 50s, when paired with a solid top and a bright flat shoe.

Caution • The tricky part about prints is that they can amplify certain body features or flaws. To minimize those areas, choose darker-toned prints, such as black on gray, which will be more flattering than a bright color with more contrast. Also choose a smaller print, such as florals or polka dots, for a more minimizing effect than a big bold print. Use your intuition and follow your instincts, Halversen suggests. If you feel good with what you're wearing, you'll probably look good, too.

The length of the trend • Patterned pants aren't just a summertime fling. Nearly every contemporary denim brand has several skinny jean print options, from plaid to brocade to camouflage. Harris believes that the style will still be popular going into fall and winter. "Usually when you are in a down time economically, fashion tends to become more whimsical in an effort to lift your spirits," she said. "This season, prints, neons and bold colors are the mood enhancers."

features@sltrib.com; facebook.com/nowsaltlake —

On trend: Sassy slacks

Models Kori Agee and Christina Gamester supplied the attitude to illustrate our fashion trend story about printed pants.

Clothes for this fashion shoot were supplied by:

Jordan Halversen • A men's and women's wear designer based in Salt Lake City, noted for his signature patterned pants. Halversen combines classic details and traditional tailoring skills with playful prints and innovative embellishments. He also specializes in theatrical headpieces and hats.

Contact • http://www.jhalversen.com and on Facebook.

Mary Jane's • An independent clothing and designer shoe store in Park City.

Contact • 613 Main St., Park City; 435-645-7463; http://www.maryjanesshoes.com.