While we would all like nothing more than to step out of our homes in a pair of button-free skinny tights aka leggings, ‘pants are pants’ advocates may think otherwise. But hey! The 2017 pant trends are here to please everybody. The style weeks have been giving us inspiration aplenty – androgen style pants that stormed across Alexander Wang and Nina Ricci, the wide-legged variety that peaked on Balmain, Carolina Herrera and Emilio Pucci runways, harmonious looking capris turning heads on models strutting down for Elie Saab, Ferragamo, Fendi and Dior, 70s flared pants putting the spring back in the step. And a celeb favourite – pants with paper-bag waists!
Speaking about the winners for the season, Bengaluru-based fashion blogger Farah Magi weighs in, “Denim is undergoing a massive renovation in the form of exaggerations and details. Flared and frayed hems, dramatic rips, embroidery patterns and asymmetrical hemlines are doing the rounds. The stalwarts, however, are mom jeans, cropped flare jeans and deconstructed denims.
Dramatic flares from the 70s are back in vogue too. “Adding a sophisticated amount of volume to our look, we’re also retrieving the early 70s with wide legged and flared cut pants. They can be styled with something more fitted and structured such as a turtle neck or a classic shirt. Stilletos are always a yes for this look,” pitches in Bengaluru designer, Akshita Totlani.
With celebs giving activewear and athleisure a nod, gym pants are being rocked like never before. Notice track pants with side stripes and gym leggings with slogans sprawled and mesh panelling sprucing up the pants game outside the sporty arena? “They are also being worn with heels and blazers for an urban-cool sensibility,” says Farah, adding that, when it comes to length, the cropped ankle-length is the winner for the season.
Slouchier silhouettes are seeing more takers with culottes and palazzos still ruling the roost. “They’re a solid solution for the times when you need to look presentable but still want to feel as comfortable as you do in your pajamas,” adds fashion blogger and photographer, Manvi Gandotra. With the subcontinent falling in love with this roomy trend, here’s how you can style it: “Try to balance the total look and wear a slim-fitting top. If you want to look tall, try one with vertical stripes. You can also define your waist with a belt for a crisper look. Pear body shape? Avoid side pockets that add extra bulk. If you are short, make sure the pants are more fitted at the top and aren’t too flared,” suggests Manvi.
