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After more than eight years of living in New York City, I’ve learned that warm weather here doesn’t ease in—it fakes you out. There’s a brief stretch of “fake spring,” with a few teasing days of spring temperatures, and then suddenly, it’s full-blown summer—no transition, no adjustment period, just heat and humidity hitting all at once.
For years, I made the same mistake: investing in a spring wardrobe I barely had time to wear instead of preparing for NYC’s long summer. But in 2026, I’m changing that. I’m building my summer wardrobe now—and it starts with rethinking my bottoms.
I live in jeans for most of the year, but once summer hits, the heavy, restrictive fabric doesn’t feel practical. So instead, I plan to lean into breezy, lightweight bottoms. I’m eyeing everything from classic drawstring cotton poplin pants to trendy micro shorts.
Ahead, check out the five anti-denim pant trends you can find me in starting June 1 all around NYC, from Meadow Lane in Tribeca to the Who What Wear office in Bryant Park.
Drawstring Pants
There’s so much to love about drawstring pants. Not only do they offer comfort and ease, but there are so many different styles to choose from in 2026. Beyond the typical linen and cotton poplin straight-leg styles, fashion people have been wearing cropped wide-leg silhouettes made of taffeta or silk, styling them with fitted tees and flip-flops. Sheer styles and those with skirts or sash-like designs layered over the pants are also quietly dominating, especially for vacation when worn as a swim cover-up.
Shop the style:
Open Edit
Linen Blend Wide Leg Pants
Chan Luu
Techno Taffeta Barrel Pant Rose
ZARA
Heavy Cotton Sash Pants
J.Crew
Luna Pant in Cotton Poplin
Micro Shorts
It’s only the beginning of May, but brave fashion people are embracing micro shorts. Some resemble hot pants but come in lightweight knits and playful patterns like colorful stripes, while others are just very short shorts in a simple low-rise cut or a bloomer silhouette. One of my favorite and easiest ways I’m seeing insiders style them is with a bikini. I also expect to see them paired with an oversize T-shirt or lightweight sweater.
Shop the style:
FAITHFULL
Playa Striped Jersey Mini Shorts
Reformation
June Low Rise Linen Short
LIONESS
Meadow Bloomer Short
Balloon Trousers
My style is very classic, but every summer, a shift comes over me, compelling my otherwise restrained wardrobe to embrace a touch of whimsy and playfulness. For the season upon us, I expect this to manifest in the voluminous-pant trend I’m noticing. This includes the balloon pant’s distinctly rounded, slightly cropped silhouette, which provides an immediate architectural flair. Alternatively, I’m drawn to the 1700s-inspired style of what we at Who What Wear have been calling petticoat pants, recently spotted on Elsa Hosk.
Shop the style:
Posse
Exclusive Pearl Cotton-Silk Balloon Pants
ALIGNE
Meryl Balloon Trouser
Bermuda Shorts
Opposite micro shorts are Bermuda shorts, a popular non-denim trend that remains strong this spring and is expected to persist through summer. Last year, the emphasis was on classic styles with trouser waistbands, but in 2026, there’s a shift to more modern versions, including drawstring designs, satin fabrics, and low-rise cuts.
Shop the style:
POSSE
Marchello Pleated Linen Shorts
ZARA
Flowy Wide-Leg Bermuda Shorts
Lace-Trim Minidresses
(Image credit: Backgrid)
When the paparazzi image of Zoë Kravitz wearing Saint Laurent’s lace-trim minidress to a Golden Globes after-party surfaced, the photo automatically went on my summer mood board. I loved the delicate, flirty vibe, especially the muted pink hue and square neckline. But Saint Laurent isn’t the only one doing the lace-trim minidress well. Chloé is too, with a chartreuse V-neck style that seems like a hero item for summer. Since I won’t be investing in either designer option, I’ve been on the hunt for more attainable alternatives that look just as luxe, some of which I’m sharing below.
Shop the style:
MANGO
Lace Camisole Dress
Chloé
Lace-Trimmed Slip Dress in Yellow – Chloe
