I'll give you one guess as to what the skirt trend that's the subject of this piece is. If a lace-trimmed slip skirt came to mind, I'm happy to report that you're correct. The pretty trend became inescapable last year and is still strong this summer, but given the lifespan of the trend, it's only natural that you may be looking for new ways to wear it, to keep things fresh, and I just found one for you.
One of the many stylish owners of at least one lace-trimmed slip skirt is Olivia Wilde, who recently wore a white midi-length iteration from Aritzia for a night out in NYC. But instead of the typical styling of the trend (with a T-shirt or tank and kitten-heel mules), she went with different pieces, and I was especially intrigued by her choice of shoes. On top, Wilde wore a sheer white button-down of a black bralette. And on her feet were a pair of black loafers. Perhaps not the obvious shoe style to wear with the summery skirt trend, but that's what I like about it. The unexpectedness of the loafers made the acutely popular skirt style look new again. Keep scrolling to see for yourself and to shop the cool outfit combination.
Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column chronicling the latest trends in the fashion-and-beauty space through the lens of Who What Wear's own Gen Z editors. Expect a download on the upcoming class of tastemakers, emerging designers, and shopping and style choices straight from the generation setting the trends.
If last summer belonged to capri pants, this summer is shaping up to be the season of something far more unexpected: pantaloons. Yes, pantaloons—the airy, gathered, slightly theatrical trousers that look like they were pulled from a Victorian wardrobe, a ballet rehearsal, and a Hamilton-outfits Pinterest mood board all at once. The silhouette has quietly been bubbling up among the fashion crowd for months, but now it's reached critical mass with the Gen Z set. Suddenly, the coolest people under 30 are pairing billowy pantaloons with everything from delicate ballet flats to slouchy motorcycle boots, making a strong case for the trend as summer's most interesting anti-basic pant.
Fashion feels noticeably less interested in looking conventionally "flattering" right now, and that's exactly why pantaloons make sense. The current mood isn't about sleek minimalism or algorithm-approved outfit formulas. Instead, it's about personality. The most stylish Gen Z dressers aren't building outfits around a single aesthetic anymore—they're mixing references, eras, and vibes with reckless abandon. One day it's bloomer-style pants worn with an ironic baby tee and retro sneakers. The next, it's a sheer lace camisole, oversize leather jacket, and dramatically gathered pantaloons that feel equal parts romantic period piece lead and downtown indie sleaze.
Like many of this summer's defining trends demanding play and whimsy, the appeal lies in the contrast. Pantaloons are dramatic but easy to wear, nostalgic but surprisingly fresh. In a season increasingly defined by individuality over perfection, they're exactly the kind of unexpected piece that fashion people can't stop reaching for. Sorry, capris—there's a new summer pant trend taking over the group chat. Below, shop the best pantaloons to buy that Gen Z will probably sell out by July 1.
After a quick scroll through my Instagram and TikTok feeds, I came across four cool outfit ideas with blue ballet flats from stylish women—including Katie Holmes— in NYC, London, and Copenhagen. Each gives It-girl vibes and is super easy to re-create with pieces like pretty dresses, cool shorts, relaxed pants, and more. Keep scrolling to check out the inspiring looks, plus more standout blue ballet flats that are perfect for 2026.
