Key Items Fashion:

Women's Trousers & Shorts

S/S 22
Practicality blurs the line between smart and casual styles.
Evolve the concept of functionality with comfort and
femininity in mind

Christa Kaufmann
12.09.20 · 4 minutes

Gabriele Colangelo
Action points
Put comfort, practicality and adaptability at the forefront of your design priorities and

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merge with a contemporary edge. Build your range around familiar styles and introduce
newness via creative details and an innovative fabric selection with a timeless feel.

Comfort remains a non- Add a contemporary spin In contrast to high-waist, Create hybrid designs
negotiable, so make it a to your hero pieces and roomy silhouettes, a that blur the lines
design necessity and showcase newness via #subversivesexy look is between of ce, leisure
embed it across all styles innovative fabrics emerging and home

Wide-leg silhouettes reign and are
key for your assortment across
casual and smart ranges. Based
on the latest catwalks S/S 21 data,
wide-leg styles rose the fastest and
increased 2ppts at 27% mix.
Incorporate pull-on waistbands
and elasticated panels whenever
possible and merge smarter
designs with a casual edge
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Materials are a key driver to
update familiar shapes. Light-
tech-touch fabrics with benefits
such as breathability and
resistance and waterproof
qualities become key and
complement casual and smarter
pieces. Introduce sheers into
wearable looks for occasionwear
and high-summer drops. Ensure
materials are sustainable,
comfortable and easy to look a er
Implement decorative aspects of
the #dressundress theme as young
trend-led consumers are looking
for a #subversivesexy edge in
contrast to the dominant oversized
and roomy silhouettes. Lower
waistbands and add cutouts or
strap belts for a sophisticated and
renewed approach to sensual
dressing
Capitalise on multi-wear appeal as
the demand for versatility,
practical end-use and cost-per-
wear increase and become key for
purchase decision-making.
Showcase the adaptability of each
product via smart merchandising
and hi-lo styling
 The wide-leg tailored
trouser
Why is it key? As comfort and roomy
silhouettes continue to prevail,
the tailored wide-leg trouser is a key item
for smart ranges as well as more casual
looks, as the elasticated waistband
bridges the gap between office
and #stayhomestyle.
Louis Vuitton Elle Spain
Catwalks data for S/S 21 confirms the
trend, where wide-leg styles account for
a total mix of 27%, up 2ppts YoY. We've
also been tracking the #superwidepant
on the Feed.
Design details: step away from the
architectural and streamlined approach
to tailoring and take the sartorial trouser
into elevated yet relaxed territory.
Cut in so and fluid materials to achieve
a laid-back look. Incorporate an
Mija @louloustudio_paris WGSN Original CADs/Flats
elasticated waistband from the sides to
the back, while the centre-front remains
classic.

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 The sheer trouser
Why is it key? Sheers have been
reclaimed in more wearable looks via
layered silhouettes and now offer a
contemporary update to the trousers
category.
Transparent trousers work as an update
to the popular sheer dress
for occasionwear and high-summer
Acne Studios Emporio Armani
styles. Team with a long tunic or a blazer
for an elegant look, or ground with a
shirt or a lightweight knit for high-
summer beach-to-bar appeal.

Design details: keep the design modest

and less intimidating by adding an
underlayer for the upper part to create
an interplay of sheer and opaque layers.
Use printed chiffons or coloured
organza to upgrade the silhouette.
Add a jersey panel underneath the
drawstring waistband to address the
Jil Sander Aeron WGSN Original CADs/Flats
current desire for comfort.

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 The trackpant
Why is it key? Due to the success of
#stayhomestyle, the trackpant has
become a hero product during lockdown
and as comfort continues to win post-
Covid-19, the pull-on comfort
trouser remains key for S/S 22.
Renewed design details in a dressed-up
guise via fabric updates will spark fresh
Balenciaga BOSS
interest in this core item.
Design details: cut in a light-touch
technical fabric to bring newness and a
contemporary spin to the classic
trackpant, blurring the line between
function and fashion, echoing our
#futurecommuter trend.
Buttoned side vents featuring an
adjustable strap offer versatility and
allow the wearer to sport this style
tapered or straight. Asymmetric front
panels add a playful twist.
Lacoste Rag & Bone WGSN Original CADs/Flats

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 The low-rise trouser
Why is it key? In line with our
#dressundress trend and the continued
influence of the late 1990s on
contemporary fashion, low-rise trousers
with peek-a-boo thongs create a
#subversivesexy look.
Hip-hugging styles are popular among
Gen Z and Millennial influencers. They
Versace Supriya Lele
are featured in key collections of
established and emerging
designers alike.
Offer these trousers as a fresh alternative
to the premium legging for the young
contemporary consumer.
Design details: take an elegant
approach and put a trompe-l'oeil spin on
exposed underwear with an attached
strap belt for an easygoing, upscaled
silhouette.

@camillecharriere Miu Miu WGSN Original CADs/Flats

Balance the low-rise shape with a slim
bootcut leg. Cut in compact jersey
to address the ongoing demand for
comfort.

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 The boxer short
Why is it key? Borrowed from the boys,
true boxer shorts started to appear
across social media during lockdown as
influencers and stylists got creative with
thrown-on, hi-lo casual #stayhomestyle.
Variations of the style subsequently
appeared on the catwalk for S/S 22,
where we tracked a continued shi
Rika Studios WGSN Original CADs/Flats
towards short shorts (57% mix) with a
wider leg (+3ppts, 16% mix).
Design details: cut the leg generously
with a slight A-line to create a
nonchalant sense of movement. Add an
elasticated pull-on waistband, which will
appeal to a wider range of body types.
Cut in a light-touch technical fabric
to offer a fresh spin on this familiar
shape.

Prada Dries Van Noten Ganni

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Range plan

Wide-leg tailored Sheer trouser Trackpant Low-rise trouser Boxer short

trouser