Long Live Le Pant
Can we just take a moment to give thanks to all the women who paved the way for us to be able to wear trousers? Hard to believe that it was less than 100 years ago that wearing trousers became a social norm for us girls? when you think about getting dressed now can you imagine being forced to wear a skirt every-single-day?? The very idea makes me shudder, even in the heat we have basked in recently I don't reach for a skirt, its trousers all the way.
With that acknowledgement ticked off lets talk about summer trousers, we all love jeans but how about the more light weight shapes, fits and fabrics that are on the catwalks, in the shops and which of those will make their way into your wardrobe? The trend predictors took one look at the Louis Vuitton SS26 collection and quickly called out that loose genie style pant shapes would be everywhere for season ahead and sure enough that's what we are seeing, formerly known as harem / aladdin / balloon (delete where applicable based on the era you remember them from) these relaxed trousers that gather at the ankle have had a rebrand just to keep you on your toes, Sarouel trousers, taken from the name for the trousers North African / Middle Eastern women wear for comfort and practicality, with their low crotch and loose fit, If this is the style you are looking for its worth adding Sarouel to your search terms along with balloon pant. I love this shape in semi sheer chiffons and silky fluid satins in black, brown and silver/greys. If you love the style but prefer to keep things casual, olive green is a solid choice.
Closely related to the balloon in the trousers family, but sisters but not twins, are the barrel trousers, similar in that they are a loose fit but the crotch doesn't have to be low, the waist isn't elasticated and the ankle doesn't have a cuff, all in all they can have a more tailored feel to them whilst remaining relaxed, if you have been resisting barrel trousers, now's your chance, opt for the light weight versions on offer, they make for the perfect modern white trousers or jump on the seasonal band wagon of primary colours and look for fire engine red or cobalt blue, just add flip flops. While we are in the baggy trouser zone lets touch on cargo trousers, khaki green, pockets are optional, diagonal in-seam for extra design content points and camouflage if you are really feeling it, I love them with everything from a thong sandal to a full on high heel, add a sleeveless tank, blazer and cord pendant necklace and tell me you don't feel good.
Honourable mentions go to capri pants and bermuda style shorts, with the former I would balance out your proportions with a slightly oversized jacket and lean into the 90s with your footwear, dainty is better, With the latter, don't take bermuda literally and choose a Quiksilver print, go white or black, keep styling minimal, a simple t-shirt or a light weight knit and add a belt.
Long live Le Pant
