Welcome to Soft Pant Summer
Jeans, take a seat.
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My family and I were trying to get out the door to go to Ojai last weekend and something about my outfit felt off. This Southern California enclave is a dreamy mix of cottage-core and crystals; we were headed for a day of cocktails by the pool, a stroll through the picturesque downtown and dinner al fresco. I looked over at Matt, clad in what we have deemed his “cool dad pants” — relaxed linen trousers — and had an ah-ha moment. I swapped my jeans for a similar navy pair and instantly felt more at ease.
I also threw my J.Crew “Stratus” pant in my bag (seen below and sadly no longer available, but very worth a Poshmark / ThredUp hunt). This style dresses up with a vest or a sweater and down with a tank or tee. The best part? It packs extraordinarily well.
Typically trend reporting requires three of something, but with these two very solid pieces in heavy rotation, I have decided to call it! Welcome to Soft Pant Summer (SPS). If you need a second source, I floated this theory by the lovely and stylish Emily Schuman, who was also a guest on our night away. She packed some fantastic soft styles and very much agreed.
Ever the reporter, I headed the mall this week to confirm my theory. It was a return to my Wall Street Journal days, when I trailed financial analysts through shopping centers as they eyed assortments to gauge a brand’s performance. One big question was always: What is a retailer making a big bet on this season?
At present, the answer is definitive: Soft pants. They are everywhere. Once reserved for the beach, the category has expanded to include all kinds of dress codes, including for the office and a night out. (Scroll down for a black satin pair I adore.) I found the options thrilling, imagining all of the outfits I could put together for our on-the-go summer. Striped and sporty and barrel — oh my! Friends, it has been months since I felt like shopping. This was a true spark of joy.
Below, 10 options for your consideration. Here’s to embracing the ease and fun of the season.
PS: Where possible, I noted which styles are are on sale this weekend. It feels easier to try something new when it’s a good deal. :)
The Best of Soft Pant Summer (SPS)
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Before we dive in, let’s define a soft pant — loosely (pun intended). In my humble opinion, it’s mostly about the waist: elastic or a drawstring, something that sits easily on waist or hips. A relaxed fabric is almost always involved, though there is the occasional exception.
One thing to keep in mind: proportion. We’re in an oversized moment, which works in our favor for SPS. But keep the slouchiness in check to avoid it feeling too pajama-adjacent. I’ve steered clear of sets for that reason. Lastly, make sure to style it out whenever possible. A strong accessory (fun sunglasses, a good bag) goes a long way here.
Try: Classic Linen
The OG of the category. I reach for my Alex Mill pair all the time (previous season, J.Crew makes a great version now) to pair with a tee or tank. Lately it has been the cooler — quite literally — bottom to go with my ever-expanding assortment of striped blue button shirts. I appreciate how the baggier pants work with this more fitted (but still relaxed) Uniqlo linen top. Add a pop via an accessory, like this excellent Cuyana bag, and we’re off.
Try: Something Bolder
Once you are sold on the style, you can branch out a bit. Red is the color I am craving this summer. It feels very East-Coast-meets-Lake-Life. The stripes on this Gap pair are multi-colored; there’s a hint of purple in there in a very good way. The best part? This style — which comes in a butter yellow and deep brown, too — has a drawstring that ties inside. That means you can knot your shirt up and not worry about competing ties.
To prove versatility, a few more casual options. These pants work just as well with a simple tank and fun sunnies, or a relax chambray (keep it faded to avoid feeling too red-white-and-blue-y).
Try: A New Shape
Barrel jeans are all the rage and I love them. And yet, I was surprised to see the shape in a more relaxed fabric? This Gap poplin pair offers a bit of polish. I bought them in both white and navy . The lower rise feels ideal to pair with a summer sweater or even a swimsuit for a brunch-to-beach day.
Try: A Bold Print
SPS plays very well for jaunts to, and from, and near the water. I was delighted to find a coordinating swimsuit and cover-up pant for an all-over look, almost like a jumpsuit. If that’s too much, try these pants with a solid navy suit. Psst: These are J.Crew, which is 40% off at the moment. I love how the tropical print pairs with our (ginormous!) striped beach tote.
Try: A Sporty Trouser
WHO IS SHE? The folks at Travis Mathew sent me this set and I love it so much. You won’t catch me playing sports but send me to the sidelines! I’m ready to watch.
For those looking closely, yes, there is a button on the front of these pants. BUT I think they still count for SPS because the back is elastic and the fit is extraordinarily comfortable. The material holds its shape, too, which means it could double as a work trousers. Ditch the bomber and style it with a sweater.
Try: A Workwear Staple
Speaking of the office, SPS has got you covered. Because work does not end in warmer months. :) You’ve heard me talk about these AYR pants on Insta, they are EXCELLENT. The thick elastic waist is comfortable and yet still very much in the soft-pant category. The fabric has an ideal combo of stretch and hold. Also — and this is important — they have enough structure so they are definitively not leggings. That hint of a kick flare at the bottom is chef’s kiss.
Try: Volume
BRB, I’ve got to go to the farmer’s market. But really, how fun is this? I headed for the Uniqlo fitting room with these culottes in hand unsure of all the…material. Yet, it was another surprise-and-delight moment. They somehow just work. In the very best way. The cinched waist makes for a great elder millennial tuck of my boxy tee, ha! What’s more, the deep earthy brown is not something I have in my wardrobe. Oversized blue-lensed aviators take the vibe from try-hard to cool LA mom.
Try: Long Shorts (ha!)
Are we losing the plot? Or expanding our style vocabulary? SPS is a chance to branch out. And I could not resist at least trying this Aerie pair in my signature shade combo. I have never been able to pull off track pants or the gym shorts I see all over LA. But this hybrid feels like a maybe? They just as comfortable as sweatpants but with a bit more to offer, fashion-wise. (They are 30% off and come in navy, a deep red and black, too.)
Try: Balloon
It’s been a minute since I’ve dashed into H&M but the front window display was almost entirely soft styles, so I felt a responsibility to at least look. For the price, their offerings cannot be beat and with a more fashion-forward assortment. This balloon style is on sale for under $20; the elastic ankle draws your eye down (if you have it in you, this is a moment for a fun heeled sandal). Olive green remains my favorite choice for a versatile neutral, working just as well with black as it does metallic and ivory.
Try: Satin-y
Whitney Haldeman, our fearless Atlas Adventures leader, once shared that satin pants are her favorite for travel. Our family is staring down several trips this summer, so I figured I needed to try some. The J.Crew “Cosmo” pant called my name; it’s a viscose trouser that’s selling quickly (and 40% off right now). Unboxing the black, something about the slippery material made me immediately reached for heels and a blazer. This combo worked so well, that was reason enough to keep them. But I was curious enough to try the same pants with sneakers and a tank for a flight. I was delighted this worked just as well.
Show of hands: Who is on board for Soft Pant Summer? I hope you’ll join me! Let me know your favorite styles in the comments. Happy shopping. x
Sorry about the dust on my mirror! Clearly off my game 🤪 but getting back into it and it feels good to get DRESSED. 💕
Never have I ever been more delighted for a trend. Just ordered some balloon pants (bright green!) from Le Bonne Shoppe and so excited to play around with styling them.