Cool Girls Are Wearing These Pant Trends With Flats, Heels, and Everything in Between
From embellished denim to breezy linen trousers, these are the non-basic pants to know this summer.
If there's one thing I've noticed lately, it's that pants are doing a lot more of the heavy lifting in an outfit than usual. Instead of defaulting to simple denim and miniskirts, fashion people are leaning into pant trends that are truly underrated and then styling them with everything from barely-there sandals to classic heels. I remember a time when I thought pants were only worth investing in from fall through spring, but part of maturing is learning that they need to be worn year-round.
What I've found since then is a roundup of styles that feel surprisingly versatile. Whether you're getting dressed for a casual day or something slightly more elevated, the right pair of pants can completely shift the tone. Below, read about the styles I'm seeing everywhere and exactly why they work.
Embellished Denim
A little sparkle goes a long way. Rhinestone and crystal details instantly make denim feel night out ready—no outfit change required.
Black Flares
Sleek, slightly retro, and endlessly flattering, they're the easiest way to make a simple top feel styled.
Capris
Yes, they're back, and styled correctly, they feel very now. Add kitten heels and your look is set.
Wide Open
The looser, the better. These breezy silhouettes are equal parts comfortable and polished, especially with minimalist sandals.
Bootcut Jeans
These jeans have a subtle flare that works with everything from sneakers to heels. It's arguably the most wearable denim silhouette right now.
Linen Pants
Lightweight, breathable, and intentionally relaxed, linen pants are basically the backbone of a summer wardrobe.
Khaki Jeans
Khaki jeans are a softer alternative to classic blue denim that somehow makes every outfit feel more elevated and works best when the forecast is hot.

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.