For SS25, the trouser has emerged as the defining piece of the season, making new cuts and silhouettes the wardrobe must-haves for spring, writes IMAGE contributing fashion editor Sinéad Keenan.
Across the designer runways, trousers in all forms – sculptural, tailored, or utterly avant-garde – dominated the collections, proving their versatility, power, and directional appeal. From draped, slouchy styles and ultra skinny drainpipe legs both shown at Loewe, to diaphanous sheer organza and edgy leather at Khaite, there was a style to suit all tastes and sensibilities. In New York, Proenza Schouler leaned into naval influences with buttoned panel fronts and The Attico’s utility parachute pants came in sorbet colours. This spring it’s not just about the perfect pair; it’s about pushing boundaries and redefining the way we wear them.
The Noughties Redux: Skirt-Over-Trousers
Fashion’s obsession with the early 2000s continues, and the ‘skirt(or dress)-over-trouser’ layering is back with a vengeance. Given a high-fashion upgrade, this nostalgic styling trick was spotted at Bottega Veneta, where heritage wools were wrapped sumptuously over slim tailored one-legged trousers and at Ganni, swathes of tulle floated over tailored pants or denim. Hermès kept things light and airy with sheer silk tulle slip dresses layered over matching tulle trousers while preppy pleated mini skirts peplumed the hips of chinos at Monse. Rohk rocked this trend with both long and short skirt versions and Erdem juxtaposed embellished silk evening slips over pinstriped wide tailored pants. My wishlist pair would be one of these Alaia versions but these more wearable styles from COS and The Frankie Shop also hit the mark. Alternatively layer a wool kilt or wrap skirt over your favourite trousers or make like a Disney starlet and team a lace trimmed slip dress over (never thought I’d say this) the returning boot cut jeans!
The One-Legged Trouser
Bottega Veneta weren’t alone with their deconstructed trouser style. One of the most polarizing yet intriguing trends of SS25 is the one-legged trouser — a bold asymmetric statement that taps into the season’s love for unexpected silhouettes. Louis Vuitton and Coperni runway collections showcased precision-cut single leg tailored trousers and Victoria Beckham offered a more refined take with a leg bearing slit on wide-leg tailored pants, creating a modern play on proportion.
The Barrel Leg
Balancing structure with fluidity, the barrel-leg trouser made a strong impact across collections, offering a fresh alternative to the standard wide-leg cut. At Lemaire, exaggerated barrel silhouettes in neutral tones gave an effortlessly chic, sculptural effect, while Schiaparelli played with volume and zebra print to emphasize the curve. This trend is perfect for those looking to make a directional statement while keeping an air of understated style and luxury. The barrel leg cut also works beautifully in denim and chino fabrics. I really love these cargo style bubble jeans by Frame and Acne, giving the perfect shape for ultimate cool-girl style. Zara has a buttery faux leather pair that give a more elevated feel, and Ganni’s clean crisp denim keep it simple yet stylish. Volume takes on a playful twist with the rise of the bubble trouser, a nod to sculptural, balloon-like shapes. A sister to the barrel cut but often with a more emphasized curve. Jacquemus and Alaiai played with exaggerated proportions, crafting trousers that billowed at the hips and tapered at the ankles, creating a cocoon-like effect whereas Acne presented voluminous mock-croc and check creations on the runway. This avant-garde silhouette lends itself to those willing to experiment with bold, architectural fashion, proving that trousers can be both statement-making and artful. I’m coveting this soft pink cotton pair by Loewe but ASOS also offer a wide range of bubble shaped trousers.
The Wide-Leg Tailored Pant
The wide-leg trouser continues to reign as a wardrobe essential, but for SS25, designers have reimagined it with exaggerated proportions and crisp precision tailoring. The Prada take was relaxed yet refined, with borrowed-from-your-dad suit trousers held up by a belt. At Jil Sander, high-waisted, pleat-front trousers in fluid fabrics elongated the silhouette, and at Stella McCartney, wide-leg trousers incorporated belt loops, adding a cool detail to an effortless look. Saint Laurent took it back to the board room with masculine 80s-inspired suiting with voluminous wide leg tailored pants teamed with supersized shoulder padded blazers, complete with shirt, tie and Clark Kent glasses. Whether styled with a minimalist tank or a French tucked oversized knit, this louche trouser remains the cornerstone of modern power dressing. This navy pinstripe super wide pair from The Frankie Shop are a firm favourite for me and high street heroes Mango and H&M also have effortlessly cool wide leg options.
The Return of the Skinny Pant
Despite the dominance of relaxed tailoring in recent seasons, the skinny pant is making a confident comeback. SS25 sees a return to sharply cut cigarette trousers with a nod to the sleek minimalism of the late 90s. Nina Ricci championed ultra-slim trousers paired with sharp-shouldered blazers, while Sportmax showcased a super long second skin tailored pants with a sexy heel split to allow a pointed toe stiletto appear. McQueen and Isabel Marant embraced the 90s inspired ankle-grazing kick flare style à la Uma Thurman’s Mia in Pulp Fiction. The message? The skinny pant is back, and it’s unapologetically glamorous. This pair from The Row are the dream, but I also love this pair of skinny leather kick flare trousers from Sezane to recreate the look.
The Posh Jogger
Loungewear gets a high-fashion makeover as the track pant steps into the luxury space. No longer reserved for off-duty moments, elevated track pants are crafted from premium materials like silk, premium jersey and wool blends. At Philip Lim 3:1, relaxed yet luxurious marl grey jersey track pants were embellished with denim and camouflage patches and teamed with kitten heel thong sandals and a lace tunic for a sports-luxe aesthetic, while at Simone Rocha, joggers were paired with delicate embellished tops, a tulle clutch and ballet pumps merging athleisure with high fashion. To emulate the fash-pack’s street style, juxtapose your joggers with a statement heel and a tailored blazer for the ultimate fashion upgrade. This trend is all about comfort meeting style, making elevated track pants one of the most wearable updates of the season. Nail two trends with these barrel leg joggers from Bershka and COS, or make it fashion with these satin leopard track pants or Liberty London floral print pair, both from Adidas.
SS25 is proof that trousers are no longer just a supporting act in women’s fashion – they are the headliners. Whether it’s the revival of nostalgic silhouettes, the evolution of tailored classics, or the emergence of radical new shapes, the trouser is the ultimate power piece of the season. So, whether you’re drawn to the sleekness of a skinny pant, the volume of a barrel leg, or the playful rebellion of a one-legged trouser, there’s a style to suit every mood and moment.
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