MANILA, Philippines?It used to be all about hemlines, or how many inches they should fall above or below the knee.

But these days, the pendulum has swung back towards the pants. Skinny or baggy? Cropped or flared? Low- or high-waisted? Tight or wide? Take your pick.

Instead of being obsessed with wearing the pants silhouette that?s currently hot (even if it?s not the most flattering cut for you), check out all the options out there. The good news is skinny jeans have found company.

Style icon Kate Moss has been spotted rocking the baggy pants. Looks like MC Hammer has not been relegated to pop purgatory?at least not his signature ?Hammer? pants, which were popular in the early ?90s.

Even Madonna, who turned a fabulous 50, has been seen in baggy trousers, which flatter her muscular legs. Rachel Bilson has also jumped on the anti-skinny trend, favoring tights and baggy trousers.

But if the thought of baggy pants scares you, there are always the median alternatives? skinny flares or the wide leg. This year, wide-leg pants, cut wide from the hips down, have made a big comeback, thanks to runway gods.

Wide legs are dressier, more versatile, and can be worn with high heels or flats. Pair them with higher or belted waists, to avoid a slouchy, frumpy silhouette. Skinny flares, also known as tight boot, retain the figure-hugging form at the hip and thighs, but widen out at the bottom.

The nip/tuck style, seen on celebs like Katie Holmes, is another hot trend. Wear this with caution, however, as it may go the way of the frumpy farmer. It?s best to pair the look with striking, killer heels.

Of course, if you?re still Velcroed to your skinnies, there?s the ultra-skinny version for you. It?s heaven-sent for those rare few women who have sticks for legs.

Tuck them into boots, or wear them with stilettos to better elongate legs. Skinnies also get a shot of personality with prints and patterns, such as checks or animal prints.

Whatever your pants style, it?s always good to experiment with a variety of cuts. Self-expression, as always, is key.

E-mail the author at jfashion@inquirer.com.ph