This Unexpected Micro-Trend Will Make Your Outfits Look So Much Cooler
Sometimes it's the little tweaks to staple items that make all the difference. A gather to the shoulder to create a puff sleeve, the addition of a pleat to define a waistline, the elongation of a sleeve to create a new silhouette. Some of fashion's coolest garments are those which are simple but have an understated twist. And a testament to this thought is the new split-front trouser trend that seems to be sweeping the style ether.
Split-hem trousers were first seen on the Victoria Beckham catwalk, and since they've become a firm staple in the closets of those whom we aspire to dress like. From minimalists like stylist Sylvie Mus to avant-garde dresser Evangelie Smyrniotaki, the tailored separate is a hit with just about every sartorial subgroup. Not that it's hard to see why.
The subtle flash of skin is a nod to approaching spring, which also acts as a frame to your favourite footwear, be it a pair of statement, jewel-encrusted heels or a pair of utilitarian boots. For day-to-day or after dark, this micro-trend can be worn in a multitude of ways. As such, we've documented the strongest split-front trouser outfits below for you to peruse. Then, proceed to shop our favourite pairs.
Camille takes the French approach by styling her split front trousers with Breton stripes.
Erika makes her tailored trousers look all the more fierce by wearing them with an animal-print hoodie.
Sylvie proves that the trend transcends to denim, too.
Evangelie proves the suit is still a strong after dark contender.
SHOP THE BEST SPLIT-FRONT TROUSERS
Next: Mark my words, this Zara staple is set to be just as popular as its spotty dress.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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