Taffeta! Drawstring! Balloon! 25 Non-Denim Pants That Are Slated to Sell Out by July 31
Ah, summer. There are so many things to love about this season—the sweltering heat, though? Let's just say it's not one of the positives, especially for people who struggle to find non-denim bottoms as appealing as their signature jeans. Honestly, we get it. Jeans are the ideal staple pants to wear for everything until it's too hot outside to even think about squeezing into rigid denim. Yet finding non-denim bottoms that are as versatile as jeans can feel equally as difficult. One of the only benefits to come out of the record-breaking heat waves over the last couple of weeks has been the surplus of non-denim pant trends surfacing on social media and throughout the market.
We've been reporting on all the viral alternatives that have bubbled up this summer, from taffeta trousers to drawstring pants, but if you've somehow gone this long without securing a pair for yourself, consider this your sign. The coolest pairs are selling out as fast as the temperatures are rising. You might always have a special place in your heart for your jeans, but we have a feeling these alternative pant options just might make you like—and maybe even love—summer dressing a little more.
Style Notes: There's one emerging non-denim style that's gaining traction as a major summer trend: taffeta pants. The lighter material isn't the only reason this pant trend has become popular with fashion people, as brands like Chan Luu and Khaite have created versions in pink, pistachio, and pretty much every other trending shade. Not only can this pant trend add a dose of color to your closet, but like denim, it can also elevate a simple tank top, oversize button-down shirt, or slinky flip-flops.
Style Notes: Drawstring pants are adjustable at the waist and typically made from lightweight materials like cotton poplin and linen, so you'll be comfortable when you wear them. Styling them with everything from boxy T-shirts and thong sandals to halter tops and heels and even button-down shirts and loafers, fashion people have proven that these pants are as versatile as any pair of jeans.
Style Notes: At one point, balloon pants might have been considered divisive, but they've soared in popularity thanks to their presence in the collections of Chloé and Alaïa. But it's not just runway shows that have proven balloon pants can be a practical alternative to jeans. Fashion people have shown just how versatile this pant trend can be by styling them with silk camisoles, strappy sandals, silk tanks, sleek heels, and so much more. It's proof that you don't always need to wear denim to feel like you've reached fashion transcendence. Just try balloon pants instead.
Style Notes: It might be a controversial take, but there's no better way to wear a tailored pant silhouette in the summertime than by opting for capri pants. Simply put, skinny jeans can't check all the boxes that capri pants can. Short hemline? Lightweight material? Styling versatility? Check, check, check. For all these reasons, we've seen this pant trend emerge on the runway and in real life.
Style Notes: We've slowly seen the style set gravitate toward a more elevated take on board shorts by opting for surfer-inspired shorts and pants. Fashion people are leaning into their sporty feel by styling them with bright sneakers, team jerseys, and even swimwear. It's only a matter of time before this bottom trend becomes as pervasive as taffeta pants, if you ask us.
