The new year is upon us, and for many, this is a great time to refresh and update our wardrobes.
So, we asked stylists to share what we should be wearing and shopping for right now, as well as the garments we should consider keeping tucked away through 2026. First up? Pants.
Here’s a look at the pants stylists predict will be in and out throughout the year.
Metallic pants are set to have a moment in 2026.
According to celebrity stylist Sandra Okerulu, you’ll want to have a pair (or two) of metallic pants in your closet this year.
The statement styles are “very fashionable, and they allow you to take charge of the room you’re in,” she told BI. Some pairs — especially if they’re a looser fit — can even be quite comfortable.
Okerulu recommended styling metallic pants with sneakers and a T-shirt for a more relaxed look or upping the ante a bit for a more formal occasion with a nice blazer and button-down.
Sporty pants are here for the long haul.
It’s not time to toss your favorite pair of joggers to the side just yet.
In 2026, people are looking to prioritize comfort and style, and these sporty pants can give you the best of both worlds when styled properly — whether with a pair of sneakers or even a heel, depending on the look.
“There’s something about that relaxed jogger look that really has been elevated now for work and everyday wear,” Okerulu said. “You can wear them when you’re going to work out or when you’re going for a job.”
Ultimately, they can be a “fashionable, fun piece” to have in your wardrobe, Okerulu told BI.
Wide-leg trousers are here to stay this year.
Dianne Boyer, personal stylist and founder of Dianne In Style, said that wide-leg trousers aren’t going anywhere in 2026.
“The overall look for pants will be more streamlined and tailored, and wide-leg pants give a more tailored yet relaxed look,” Boyer told BI.
Plus, she said, “They are universally flattering because the clean vertical line elongates the leg and the wider hem balances the hips, creating a long, lean silhouette for every body shape.”
Leather pants will be sticking around for day and night looks.
Leather pants are no longer about adding “shock value” to a look, celebrity stylist Anna Lavo said.
Instead, they’ll remain popular throughout 2026 because they add instant strength and edge to an outfit while still keeping it polished.
“This trend reflects a larger shift toward confidence, dressing pieces that feel powerful, versatile, and intentional,” Lavo told BI. “Leather pants now move easily from daytime tailoring to evening wear, making them a modern wardrobe essential rather than a statement piece.”
The fitted bootcut seems to be a popular, flattering choice.
Denim never really goes out of style. This year, the fitted bootcut is king as people seek out jeans with flattering, well-proportioned silhouettes.
“It’s slim through the thigh with a gentle flare which evens out proportions, highlights the waist, and creates the appearance of longer legs,” Boyer told BI. “The bootcut looks even more flattering when paired with a heel or pointed-toe shoe.”
On the other hand, finicky cargo pants may be on their way out.
According to Lavo, “overly tactical cargo pants,” especially ones with exaggerated pockets and excess straps, are starting to feel dated.
“In 2026, utility is still present, but it’s much more refined and subtle,” she said. Instead, consider trying cargo pants with minimal pockets or simple sporty joggers, which can be more versatile for styling.
Ripped jeans aren’t built to last.
Distressed denim was all the rage throughout parts of the past decade; however, it’s now starting to leave the conversation as people are looking for pants that will last.
“I think that people have realized that if I had a pair of distressed jeans, they can’t wear them more than once or twice — three times tops — in a year because it’s gonna look repetitive,” Okerulu said.
This year, she said, people are looking to buy into trends that are designed to endure at least a few seasons. Think: Properly tailored trousers or sturdy bootcut denim.
At the end of the day, she said, “Ripped jeans are just ripped jeans.”
Flare pants may be losing steam as more people opt for fitted styles.
Though the fitted bootcut is very much in, the extreme flare pants may be on the decline.
“Similar to super baggy pants, oversized flare pants tend to dominate an outfit rather than complement it,” Boyer said. “The widening at the bottom half of the body can throw off proportions, which prevents a more polished, balanced look that is flattering for most.”
Instead of being a day-to-day staple, flare pants may be more of a special-occasion kind of garment — after all, they can be good for making a statement at a more formal event.
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