What is the style of pants for 2022?

Trousers have always been an integral part of the contemporary wardrobe, but the sheer variety of trouser-specific trends that have cropped up over the course of 2022 is particularly noteworthy. Designers left no stone unturned at the spring/summer 2022 shows: there were trousers rendered in paintbox brights at the likes of Valentino and Alexander McQueen, ’80s-inspired tailored pairs at The Row and Altuzarra, Y2K cargos at Tom Ford and Zimmermann — the list goes on. 

So where to begin? For a casual weekend ensemble we recommend experimenting with cargo trousers or retro track pants — both will look great with a tank top and wide-strap sandals. We’re also seeing trousers present themselves as an appealing alternative to party dresses this season. Extroverted dressers will enjoy the jazzy printed varieties on offer (Gimaguas has some great options right now), while the more minimalism-inclined should head over to The Frankie Shop for crisp tailored iterations that will pair beautifully with pointed kitten heels and a silky cami. 

Scroll down to see and shop our edit of the best trouser trends to love this season.

The ’80s wide leg 

Style Du Monde

Cos Relaxed-Fit Tailored Trousers

The Row Igor High-Rise Wide-Leg Silk-Blend Pants

Fendi Pleated Mohair And Wool-Blend Wide-Leg Pants

The Frankie Shop Gelso Pleated TENCEL-Blend Straight-Leg Pants

The parachute pants

Style Du Monde

Dion Lee Parachute Loose-Fit Trousers

Peachy Den The Mimi Bottoms

Abercrombie & Fitch Parachute Pants

The Row Antica Cotton-Blend Poplin Cargo Trousers

The statement prints

Style Du Monde

Reformation + NET SUSTAIN Tiger-Print High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans

Gimaguas Disco Printed Cotton Trousers

Paloma Wool Modem Op-Art Print Trousers

Monki Raw Hem Pleated Trousers

The paintbox brights

Style Du Monde

Mango Flowy Straight-Fit Trousers

Alexander McQueen High-Rise Wool-Twill Trousers

Christopher John Rodgers Pleated Wool Wide-Leg Pants

Arket Hopsack Wool Trousers

The cargo trousers

Style Du Monde

Mango Cotton Cargo Trousers

Tibi pleated coated-shell cargo pants

Bottega Veneta Belted Wool-Blend Wide-Leg Cargo Pants

Dolce & Gabbana Camouflage Cotton-Blend Cargo Pants

The retro track pants

Getty Images

Acne Studios Pleated Striped Stretch-Jersey Track Pants

Gucci GG-Logo Print Jersey Track Pants

Wales Bonner Studio Striped Brushed-Fleece Track Pants

Adidas x Wales Bonner Side-Stripe Track Pants

Before you come for me, hear me out. Jeans are definitely the backbone of my wardrobe most of the time, but lately, I've been putting them on hold for an item that's just as versatile, low-key, and cool as my beloved denim but is much fresher and more current, in my humble opinion. The trend in question? Baggy pants.

Take a glance at the spring/summer 2022 runways and you'll notice a strong theme throughout the collections: Pants are getting roomier. Whether it's the relaxed-fit suiting trousers that have become our staples or newer styles like cargos and parachute pants, all signs point to the reign of the baggy-pants trend—even among the Instagram crowd most devoted to classic style. (Looking at you, French girls.) Much to my surprise, fashion people are really selling me on this once-controversial trend and solidifying my decision to put my denim on hold this spring.

Ahead, scroll to shop the baggy pants I'm eyeing if you're in the mood to freshen up your wardrobe as well.