The "Ugly" Trend I'm Borrowing From Grandpas Everywhere
Above everything, I like to be comfortable when I’m getting dressed so I was very ready to embrace sweatpants and leggings into my wardrobe in a larger way over the last year. But I also like to feel polished, so when I slip into a sweatpant suit too many days in a row, I start to feel the impulse to put in a little more effort. That’s why I’ve been adopting the slouchy pants trend into my wardrobe in a big way.
Spotted on the S/S 21 runways at brands including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and The Row, designers made a major case for relaxed yet tailored trousers and jeans. Think of them as your grandpa’s favorite slacks in a few sizes up but tailored in all of the right places. These roomy pants add exactly the right amount of tailored polish to any look, with the added bonus of being super comfortable. I guess grandpa knew what he was doing all along.
Slouchy Khakis
On the runway:
There's no doubt that relaxed tailoring had a major moment on the S/S 21 runways, but slouchy khakis are one of the microtrends within the category that I'm expecting to really take off. The billowy, beige pants were spotted everywhere from Louis Vuitton to The Row to Tory Burch, offering a cool new staple for minimalist fashion enthusiasts. Think of these as a more polished replacement for your comfy sweatpants.
Pictured: Louis Vuitton S/S 21
Pictured: The Row S/S 21
Pictured: Tory Burch S/S 21
How I'm wearing them:
Admittedly, my wardrobe is pretty deficient in trousers. I'm typically more of a denim person but lately, I've been adding more tailored pants to my closet—especially comfortable, slouchy styles. I was immediately drawn to this pair from Tove and they've become a regular wardrobe staple to wear with tees and boots or heels.
Pictured: Frankie Shop tee; Tove pants; Manu Atelier boots; Krewe sunglasses; Bagatiba necklace
On the fashion set:
Already a favorite piece among fashion insiders, one message is clear: the slouchier, the better. I've noticed super wide-cut silhouettes paired with everything from sleeveless turtlenecks to oversize button-down tops—two more rising trends I've had my eye on recently.
Pictured: Isabel Marant sweater; Celine pants; Chanel bag
Pictured: Coach bag
Pictured: Ganni pants; Wandler heels; Boyy bag
Shop the trend:
Baggy Jeans
On the runway:
Every season, I keep my eyes peeled for the new denim trends that are hitting the runways. Since jeans are a major staple in my closet, I tend to try out whatever feels fresh and new. For spring 2021, baggy jeans were the trend that you simply couldn't ignore, with brands like Chanel, Victoria Beckham, and Balenciaga making a compelling case for them. Simply add an oversize button-down and a tee and tailored jacket.
Pictured: Chanel S/S 21
Pictured: Victoria Beckham S/S 21
Pictured: Balenciaga S/S 21
How I'm wearing them:
I grew up wearing lots of denim, so I feel like I'm always experimenting with new shapes and styles. Until recently, though, baggy denim was never a silhouette I tried out. As I've been working from home though, I've found that looser jeans are more comfortable to wear all day. I particularly love styling them with a more tailored piece on top, like this sculptural blazer.
Pictured: A.W.A.K.E. MODE blazer; Agolde jeans; Batatiba necklace; Daphine ring
On the fashion set:
It turns out that all you need to pull off super-roomy jeans is a fitted tee or flowy blouse topped off with a vest. Add a pair of sleek heels or boots and you've instantly pulled off the trend.
Pictured: Celine jeans
Pictured: Uniqlo jeans; By Far bag; Etnia Barcelona sunglasses
Pictured: Bottega Veneta bag; Joripapa heels
Next, shop 25 cool fashion finds I'm obsessing over right now.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury and runway content as well as wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
Jennifer Lopez Just Wore the $98 Jeans the Internet Loves
She must've read the reviews.
By Allyson Payer
-
Fashion People in Paris Will Wear These 4 Elevated Basics With Jeans in 2025
Easy-to-style looks.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Sienna Miller Just Made Me Want to Wear the Jeans I Stopped Wearing Years Ago
If she wears them, they're still cool.
By Allyson Payer
-
Celebs in Their 50s Are Styling Jeans in an Anti-Casual Way, and I'm Here for It
Dressed-up denim.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
These Are the Buzzy Color Trends Everyone Will Wear With Jeans in 2025
Prepare your wardrobe.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Stylish Women in Paris, London, and NYC Prefer These Pant Trends Over Skinny Jeans
Very chic alternatives.
By Copelyn Bengel
-
Wait, Walmart Is So Good Right Now—23 Elevated Black Friday Sale Picks That Caught My Eye
See the chic and affordable deals.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Jennifer Lopez Just Wore the Most Relatable Anti-Trend Jeans-and-Boots Outfit
We love casual J.Lo.
By Allyson Payer