"Party Pants" Are the Micro-Trend That's About to Take Over

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Yep, "party pants" are the latest micro-trend to take hold in the fashion world and they're every bit as fun as you're thinking. Whether it be the checkerboard print jeans from indie labels Holiday the Label and Lisa Says Gah or the metallic and shimmer-coated trousers from Scandi brands Saks Potts and Hosbjerg, we're defining this loud and bright pants movement as "party pants". Because, after all, if we can't go out to actual parties right now, we might as well channel the fun-loving vibe in our wardrobes.

We've been noting a rise in a maximalist aesthetic and an overall nod to the '60s in all things fashion and home decor right now. Fashion girls are especially keen on playing around with bright colors and loud prints, but instead of sticking to one pop of color in outfits, it's becoming more popular to mix and match shades and prints. And voilà, printed pants are the trend everyone's building their maximalist outfits around, pairing them with everything from bright sweaters to easy basics.

If you want to see exactly what I mean, keep scrolling to fill up on styling ideas from the fashion people who are tackling the trend now. Of course, you'll want to peruse the shopping options that are defining the trend, too, which is why I've included a number of my favorite pairs below.

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

These cow-print jeans from Lisa Says Gah have become an Instagram favorite, and our editor Yusra is also a fan.

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(Image credit: @thatcurlytop)

Checkerboard print is proving to be a huge motif for 2021 and these printed pants from Holiday the Label are a key buy.

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(Image credit: @gabriellaraeg)

Newspaper print is a little unexpected, so it might just be the thing you were looking for to spice up your plain wardrobe basics.

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(Image credit: @eryn__danielle)

This wavy print is giving me retro '60s vibes, a decade that's a big source of inspiration for the fashion crowd lately.

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(Image credit: @luciacuesta_)

Metallic really takes the idea of "party pants" to the next level. Make them ultra-casual by wearing them with a graphic tee and flats.

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Here's how to infuse a bit of spring in your winter wardrobes.

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

What did I tell you about retro florals? A pair of printed pants in a pastel hue is 100% the way to go.

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(Image credit: @himichelleli)

If you're feeling bold, mix and match the pants with other graphic prints for an eye-catching look.

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(Image credit: @emnitta)

Your plain blue jeans could never.

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(Image credit: @telshaanderson)

Pick one color from a multi-color print and match your top to it for one cohesive look.

Next up, see the six sandal trends I predict will define summer 2021.

Senior Editor

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.