The 'jeans and a nice top' formula has saved us from many a fashion meltdown, but now it seems Gen-Z has come up with their own solution to the age-old 'what to wear tonight' question and the answer is...fun pants.
Yes, according to TikTok's fashionverse, we should now be adding a selection of statement trousers to our capsule wardrobes, as the fall-back outfit is now centered around the bottom half of the fit, as opposed to the top.
As mentioned, for any millennials out there, the classic combo was always wearing a blouse or shirt with your favorite pair of jeans—whenever you were heading out and strapped for outfit prep time—but now Gen-Z has officially flipped the look on its head. But what classifies a fun pant exactly and how do we go about styling them with confidence? A breakdown of the look, coming up...
The 'fun pants and a top' outfit, explained
While 'coastal cowgirl' looks and denim maxi skirts are having a moment, we all have that one, go-to outfit that we reach for when the creative fashion juices just aren't flowing—or it's just your favorite fit, that makes you feel fun and cool.
Speaking of 'fun', while in the 2000s fashion era, it was all skinny jeans and cute tops, these days fun and bold pants, paired with a blank tank or t-shirt are the new standby. So far, the hashtag has accumulated over 8 million views over on TikTok, with users sharing exactly what the combo entails—like @jessephora who seemingly coined the new style shift...
@jessephora ♬ original sound - jess b
This staple 'fun pants and top' ensemble is really as it sounds—to build a trendy fit or party look, you just need to grab a pair of funky pants that can act as the focal point of your outfit. Examples include a bright dopamine-boasting shade, a metallic hue or a bold print. You then compliment these with a plain top (typically a flattering tank top), heels or low-key sneakers (like the Adidas Sambas), and some simple jewelry.
The pants are the star of the show and really do all the work for you, which is why the combo is now so popular. Once the fun pants are on, job done—all you need to do then is pair them with neutral pieces that won't steal focus. Easy right?
Well, yeah but what actually constitutes a 'fun pant'?
What defines a 'fun pant' exactly?
So, what are fun pants? Well, the parameters of a 'fun pant' are actually pretty wide, from silver fashion-inspired pants to diamante-embellished jeans or leggings (like Taylor Swift's viral jeans) or just some vibrant wide-leg trousers. The point is that the trousers are stand-out enough that they carry the whole fit.
@lilpstar ♬ Судно (Борис Рижий) - Molchat Doma
@carolinaolivares_ ♬ Corazón partío - Alejandro Sanz
Our edit of fun pants
Now we know what they are, it's time to add a pair (or four) to our fashion repertoire...
