A fashion statement imported from Italy

I've always wanted to study abroad and travel outside of the United States. 

But never in a million years did I ever imagine that the first country I would travel to and study in would be Italy, the capital of fashion.

During the summer 2012, I had the opportunity to study abroad and intern in Urbino, a small, historic town in central Italy. 

My experience was phenomenal.

I acquired international reporting skills and learned a great deal about the Italian culture, but most importantly, I gained lifelong, American and Italian friends.

The atmosphere there felt very much like a second home. Everyone who I encountered was polite, welcoming and eager to help.

But while I was there, I noticed that the University of Urbino's students' daily "swag" differed fromWinston-Salem State students. 

Many of the students in Urbino wore harem pants, whereas, many of the students here wear leggings. I was shocked.

I can recall the first time seeing an Italian person wearing harem pants. It was my first Saturday in Urbino. 

As we made our way through town, up and down the slopes, I saw a tall young, fair-skinned woman walking through the square with large pants on. 

Surprised, I said to the other American students, "Hey, she has on genie pants!" 

Not too long afterward, I saw a man sporting similar pants but in a different color.

After the first week, I quickly realized that harem pants were a fashion statement in this small historic town. 

Fascinated and ready to blend in with the Italian students,  

I took it upon myself to buy some harem pants; I have to say, I got a little out of control.

The first pair of harem trousers I fell in love with I bought in Pesaro,  a beach-town 45 minutes outside of Urbino. 

I bought my second pair, my favorite ones one morning during a quick walk through the Saturday market. 

The third and last, navy blue with pink flowers pants was bought the last weekend of our stay.

If my friends had not stopped me, I would have bought another pair in Ars Nova, a leather shop that sold hand-made leather accessories and clothes. 

My friend, a graduate of WSSU, who also studied abroad in Urbino, thought the trousers were so cool, he even bought a pair for himself.  

These trousers have an elastic band on them, so even if your weight fluctuates they can still be worn. 

Now I'm rocking my harem pants everywhere on campus.

The second week of classes, I decided to bring out one pair from my closet and wear them on the Yard. 

I wore them with an orange blazer and summer wedges and received tons of compliments. 

One student even asked to borrow them from me. 

I understand why so many Italian women and men wear them in Urbino. 

They are comfortable and the simplicity of these trousers allows you to wear it with almost anything. 

You can't go wrong with harem pants.

Pachia Lee is a  mass 

Communications  major. 

She participated in 

ieiMedia's magazine 

writing class in Urbino, Italy

in June.