PANTS TO MAKE WINTER A STYLISH AFFAIR

Words by Jamal Grootboom | Images: Getty Images and Supplied

There’s never been a better time to experiment with different pants silhouettes. Reinvented classics are getting their moment in the sun, with Gen Z spearheading the rise of early 2000s fashion as millennials let go of skinny jeans in favour of a baggier fit.

The knock-on effect has led to other pants styles across the decades also making their grand return to the fashion mix. Winter is the ideal time to add one or more of these pants to your rotation and style them in ways that would impress your fave fashion content creator. Here are the styles you need to know this winter:

The ‘80s was a time for style experimentation - from hairstyles to makeup and fashion. Exaggerated everything was all the rage, with shoulder pads and parachute pants being the key trends. Four decades later, the parachute pant has made its return, albeit in a slighter slightly slimmer format. Commit to the exaggerated proportions by pairing them with an oversized gilet and trenchcoat layered underneath, or juxtapose them with a fitted top or blazer to create balance.

The ‘70s wide-leg aesthetic is back and better than ever. Unlike the exaggerated ‘80s mom jean and the streamed ‘90s straight cut, the wide-leg focuses its volume on the lower leg area. Wide-leg pants have kept their overall silhouette with slight variations to the degrees of leg width at the hem of the pants. Adding it to any outfit makes your overall vibe very chic. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and polo neck, layered with a timeless trenchcoat for a classic, head-to-toe look.

Sleek, sharp and svelte. Cigarette pants create a body-hugging silhouette that makes for a touch of casual or formal sophistication. This iconic pants shape was first popularised during the ‘50s. In contrast to the exaggerated nature with decades to follow, cigarette pants become a fashion staple for their figure-hugging fit and unique cut. The overall style has withstood the test of time and is still a versatile piece that can be dressed in a cardigan or jumper. Conversely, pair it with stiletto heels and an oversized blazer for a chic look for day or night.