During the winter, I’m always a big baby about the cold. Although I did recently receive a Snuggie for my birthday, I’m quite sure my friends and family wouldn’t speak to me if I wore it out of the house for dinner or cocktails. As much as I love to dress up, I oftentimes find myself pulling on the same old pair of jeans — the warmest practical option during the freezing winter months.

Still — jeans feel somewhat boring, plain and not at all dressed up without the addition of heels, boots or sophisticated flats. Most pants are a monotone color that must be jazzed up with glittery jewelry or a fancy purse.

Yet new printed pants are emerging on runways everywhere, one optimistic option for 2010.

Finally, a bold pair of trousers — one that speaks for itself. If you, too, feel tired of wearing the same old humdrum jeans, pull on a pair of printed pants that let your legs do all the talking.

Styles:

Patterned trousers are fashionable in many different cuts.

From skinny to loose, trouser to harem, pick a cut that works best for your own body type. Do choose a lighter fabric, as anything too stiff will visually affect the pattern (some patterns tend to look quite blinding or dizzying, but once you put them on, they “move” with your body).

Also, shy away from patterned pants with a big boot cut or flare — ’60s-inspired bell-bottoms are not part of this trend.

Prints and patterns:

The variety of patterns on the runways is diverse. Geometric and abstract shapes, stripes and natural prints were all presented. Oftentimes, the shape of the pant is indicative of the pattern. For example, a tailored trouser easily lends itself to a small, repetitive, geometric pattern; a more flowing, fading pattern looks great on a loose, harem pant. Whether you want your look to be dressy or casual, there is a patterned trouser out there.

Rules for wear:

-Balance your tops and bottoms. If your top is fitted, wear relaxed-fit pants.

-Do mix patterns, but use caution; also, don’t overmatch your tops and bottoms or you’ll come off looking younger or older than intended.

-Structured trousers are the most elegant version of the patterned pant (preferably with a matching blazer available for purchase).

-Loose-fit patterned pants, such as the loose-trouser (borderline loungewear), is easy to style — nontraditional color combinations are appropriate. Also, there are numerous options for layering on top — think boyfriend blazers, sweaters and lightweight knits.

Look at these designers for inspiration and styling ideas.

Basso and Brooke S/S 2010: gorgeous, lightweight silk printed pants with fitted vests

Dries Van Noten S/S 2010: casual, chic patterned pants with half-tucked shirts

Etro S/S 2010: loungewear-like printed bottoms

Isabel Marant S/S 2010: casual bohemian, dressed-up with lux fabrics

Givenchy S/S 2010: graphic print, tight patterned bottoms

Jason Wu S/S 2010: patterned trousers with matching tops

Josh Goot S/S 2010: color-fades, graphic bottoms, intentionally paired items

Luella S/S 2010: polka dot high-waist trousers

Marni S/S 2010: modern boho-casual pants paired w/ socks, sandals, and loose layers

Missoni S/S 2010: (no surprise here) Missoni for patterned everything

Matthew Williamson S/S 2010: patterned trousers for the long-haul, tailored w/ sophistication, colors that lend themselves to easy matching options

Roberto Cavalli: loose trouser printed pant, often paired with neutrals

Balenciaga S/S 2010: printed skinny pants.