After more than eight years of living in New York City, I’ve learned that warm weather here doesn’t ease in—it fakes you out. There’s a brief stretch of “fake spring,” with a few teasing days of spring temperatures, and then suddenly, it’s full-blown summer—no transition, no adjustment period, just heat and humidity hitting all at once.
For years, I made the same mistake: investing in a spring wardrobe I barely had time to wear instead of preparing for NYC’s long summer. But in 2026, I’m changing that. I’m building my summer wardrobe now—and it starts with rethinking my bottoms.
I live in jeans for most of the year, but once summer hits, the heavy, restrictive fabric doesn’t feel practical. So instead, I plan to lean into breezy, lightweight bottoms. I’m eyeing everything from classic drawstring cotton poplin pants to trendy micro shorts.
Ahead, check out the five anti-denim pant trends you can find me in starting June 1 all around NYC, from Meadow Lane in Tribeca to the Who What Wear office in Bryant Park.
Drawstring Pants
There’s so much to love about drawstring pants. Not only do they offer comfort and ease, but there are so many different styles to choose from in 2026. Beyond the typical linen and cotton poplin straight-leg styles, fashion people have been wearing cropped wide-leg silhouettes made of taffeta or silk, styling them with fitted tees and flip-flops. Sheer styles and those with skirts or sash-like designs layered over the pants are also quietly dominating, especially for vacation when worn as a swim cover-up.
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Linen Blend Wide Leg Pants
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