Stylists reveal 7 pant trends that are in and 6 that are out this year

Cargo pants are rapidly gaining popularity as a comfier alternative to denim, according to Gillian McHattie, stylist and styling team manager at Stitch Fix.

"Their appeal is undeniable, as they radiate a contemporary and relaxed vibe, making them a must-have for any stylish wardrobe in 2024," she told BI.

It's time to move on from tapered mom jeans and make room for baggier dad jeans, according to McHattie.

Unlike mom jeans, the style is looser in the legs and doesn't taper at the ankle.

"For those on the hunt for a more relaxed and wide-leg silhouette, I recommend opting for dad jeans," the stylist said.

Wide-leg pants will continue to be trendy this year, according to Ashley Full, personal stylist and cofounder of Amour781.

The style includes a variety of silhouettes for dressing up or down, like wide-leg jeans or medium-width trousers.

"They will continue to have a moment next year because it's truly a flattering look for many different body types," Full told BI.

Metallic fashion appeared all over 2023 runways and is predicted to be the new option for statement pants this year, according to McHattie.

"Rock a pair of silver metallic pants with a sleek black bodysuit for your next night out and watch heads turn," the stylist said.

According to Sanja Kovacevic, a fashion stylist who works with DUER, athletic-inspired performance apparel has made its way into conventional fashion.

Performance pants, in particular, are a versatile and comfortable option.

"You can now find technical features like high-stretch and moisture-wicking fabrics in everyday denim or dress pants," Kovacevic told BI. "And I think we're going to see more and more people embracing that trend in 2024."

"A pair of loose-fitting, pleated trousers are a perfect staple for your 2024 wardrobe," McHattie told BI.

These can seamlessly be styled for work and the weekend, according to the stylist.

Jeans with big cuffs have been on the rise, according to McHattie.

What's especially great about this pant style is that it doesn't always require a new purchase.

"I'm constantly on the lookout for innovative ways to breathe new life into denim, especially if it's something that can seamlessly blend into my clients' existing wardrobe," the stylist added.

It's time to give your quarantine sweats a break, according to Full.

"Sweatpants are definitely out, and I think that's why we're seeing denim have a makeover with softer materials for 2024," she told BI.

There will always be a time and a place for sweatpants, but you can still be comfy in more popular pant styles, the stylist added.

Ultra-skinny jeans are out, according to Kim Apodaca, personal stylist and founder of Recharge Your Style.

Instead of jeans that fit snugly from hip to ankle, the stylist recommended opting for pairs with a straight cut.

High-rise and paper-bag pants are no longer trendy, Apodaca told BI.

The stylist recommended embracing mid- to low-waist trousers this year.

"On the runway, we are seeing the low-rise slowly creeping back," she said. "Mid-rise is great if you are shorter in the torso."

As trends continue to ebb and flow, corduroy is becoming less desirable, according to McHattie.

"While these can be great for winter and chillier months, I recommend opting for more breathable fabrics that can be worn year-round instead," she told BI.

With a focus on longevity and versatility, the distressed-denim trend is fading, according to both McHattie and Kovacevic.

"While previously a popular fashion trend, it may not be the wisest investment given their shorter lifespan as the rips can enlarge, limiting their utility in a well-rounded wardrobe," McHattie said.

Kovacevic recommended opting for a more classic pair of jeans that can easily be dressed up or down.

This story was originally published on November 13. 2023, and most recently updated on January 12, 2024.