Sorry, Skinny Jeans—These 9 Trouser Trends Are Replacing You This Year
Yep, I'm still steering people clear of skinny jeans. While this staple once was the blueprint for cold-weather style, in recent years, we've taken a drastic turn toward literally anything else. In my opinion, the best jean styles out there tend to be the baggiest. Some of my friends still love their skinny jeans, and I fully support them and anyone else in that journey, but when it comes to me, I like slouchy, relaxed and wide-leg fits. It's the easiest way for my outfit to feel current.
Although I am firmly in the anti-skinnies camp, there is still something about a skinny flare that still wins me over. So when it comes to your trouser collection, don't think you have to wear outrageously large trousers to be considered fashionable. The pairing opportunities for baggy jeans are endless . So if you're like me and want to avoid skinnies this season, scroll on to find the nine trouser trends you can replace your skinny jeans with once and for all.
AUTUMN TROUSER TRENDS TO TAKE NOTE OF FOR 2024:
1. Cargo Pants
Style Notes: Cargo pants are fast becoming the skinny-jean replacement that all fashion people love. No matter what your sense of style is, you can find a way to dress up or dress down a good pair of cargo pants.
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Screenshotting this entire waistcoat and trousers combo.
2. Tapered-Leg Denim
Style Notes: Tapered-leg denim has been on the radar of every Who What Wear editor lately, and it's because of how dang cool they look. Barrel jeans are the modern twist on baggy denim you need to know about.
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3. Metallic Trousers
Style Notes: Metallic trousers jumped into the spotlight last spring and have been on everyone's radar since. If you're bored of wearing jeans, this is an easy way to spice things up instantly.
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4. Slim Flare Jeans
Style Notes: If you're really having a hard time saying goodbye to skinny jeans, you'll be happy to know that slim-flare denim isn't going anywhere. They're so close to being skinnies yet so far, and that's just the way that I like it.
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So many of top trending shoes right now would work with this fit, including ballet flats and flat-sole trainers.
5. Printed Pyjama Trousers
Style Notes: Pyjama trousers are now outdoor attire these days, whether in a matching set or on their own. If you're a fan of cool prints, and silky textures this one is for you. Honestly, it's my dream airport attire.
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6. Cargo Jeans
Style Notes: Circling back to the discussion on cargo pants, we have to talk about cargo jeans, a total reference to the Y2K movement. We love anything with pockets, so this one is a no-brainer.
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Although these have a bold pattern, the subtle colours make them easy to work into an outfit.
I predict that carpenter jeans are the next iteration after cargo jeans have their moment.
7. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: Tailored suiting trousers have been taken out of context in all the right ways. They're now going-out pants, weekend pants and everything-in-between pants, while once they were just for the office. The styling opportunities are endless.
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8. Baggy Jeans
Style Notes: The obvious antithesis of skinny jeans is of course baggy jeans. I saved this one for last because even though it's obvious, it's a wardrobe staple at this point. My denim drawers are stuffed with wide-leg jeans that simply aren't going anywhere.
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9. Leopard Print Trousers
Style Notes: You'd have to be living under a rock to not notice the revival of leopard print this year. And this season, fashion people all over the globe are continuing to swap their blue and black denim for leopard print, whether that's in the form of jeans, trousers or skirts.
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Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of experience in the fashion industry to the editorial team. Since joining Who What Wear in 2021, Sierra has made her mark by expertly blending luxury and accessible fashion content. Whether she's decoding the latest runway presentations or crafting a perfectly curated shopping list, Sierra's keen eye and relatable approach have solidified her as a trusted voice in the fashion space. She's also reported on major industry events like Paris Fashion Week and lent her expertise to red carpet coverage, ensuring her audience gets an insider's view of the most glamorous moments in style. 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. Her ability to translate editorial expertise into viral social media content sets her apart, seamlessly bringing her articles and personality to life for a new generation of readers and followers. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra brings a unique perspective to the fashion industry that is informed by her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.