If you follow fashion at all, by now you're likely familiar with one of the biggest trends to emerge this year: puddle pants. The name is exactly as it suggests: extra long and loose pants that seemingly flow into the ground creating a puddle effect around your ankles. The shift toward looser and baggier silhouettes has been steadily pacing for a few seasons now, so it makes sense that celebrities and designers alike have welcomed puddle pants with open arms.
Personally, I've never met a pair of wide-leg pants that I didn't like, so it only took a few images of Meghan Markle wearing the trend to convince me to go all in with puddle pants mind, body and soul. Since spring, I've slowly amassed a collection of them, adding a pair here and there over the months. They've won out over jeans and floral dresses as my most worn staple of the summer simply because there's just so much versatility with a great pair of trousers. As a puddle pants fanatic, I've assembled my top pairs that I'd wear over and over again below. Keep scrolling to shop them all along with some outfit inspiration.
When it's still blazing hot outside, you're going to want a pair of linen pants. I love that these have a drawstring so you can easily slip them on.
Puddle pants on a budget.
A little khaki, a little green, this color is really fun.
Don't sleep on ASOS.
I've been wearing this pair to its last thread.
One thing H&M does well is trousers. These look and feel more than its $35 price tag.
I like to reserve my flared puddle pants for fancier occasions. They look incredible with strappy sandals.
I'm definitely thinking about getting the full set.
Elastic waistbands are always a yes.
One of my favorite pairs of all time.
This pair is on the wider end of the spectrum, but the looser, the better in my book.
If you're into the 2000s low-waist revival, these will scratch that itch.
A new release from Everlane, these pants are also available a cool selection of colors.
The gold standard of puddle pants.
Style these with a white tank and a cropped denim jacket.
I'm a big fan of Frankie Shop's crisp tailoring.
There's a little less puddling happening here, but you can easily adjust with your choice of heels.
I have yet to try a pair of Anine Bing trousers, but my editor friends keep raving about them.
So chic.
Leave it to Theory to make the best workwear pants.
Yes, yes, yes.
No one does elevated basics like Nili Lotan.
My summer pants from here on out.
Take a styling cue and add a skinny belt for a polished look.
The "inside out" waistband is a really cool detail.
Next: I'm a Fashion Editor in My 30s—These Are the Brands I Shop for Chic Basics
-
Madewell, J.Crew, and Banana Republic Are Hosting Big-Deal Sales RN—Do Your WorstAnd do it fast.
-
The Only 35 Swimsuits You Need to Know About in 2024From bikinis to maillots.
-
I'm Prepping for My Trip to Havana—39 Items on My Shopping Wish ListI want it all.
-
French Women Are Wearing Socks With These Classic Shoe Styles This SpringChic as always.
-
This Beloved British Brand Just Arrived in NYC—12 Items I Tried On and LovedIt's even Kate Middleton–approved.
-
I Objectively Have Enough Shoes, But Then I Saw These On-Trend Styles From Nordstrom, Zara, and ShopbopThey're all under $300, too.
-
I Just Ravaged Nordstrom's Sale Section, and You'll Definitely Want to See My SpoilsThese are all too good to pass up.
-
I Shop for a Living—These Are the Only 5 Pieces to Buy From Shopbop's SaleOut of more than 16,000.
