6 min readfrom Latest from Who What Wear

Instead of Jeans or Basic Trousers, It Girls Are Wearing These Trendy Bottoms to Make Tanks and Tees Look Cooler

Our take

Move over, denim. The style set is redefining effortless chic with a fresh focus on elevated bottoms. Forget basic trousers; "it girls" are embracing a new wave of trending silhouettes that instantly elevate even the simplest tank or tee. From sleek leather to artfully draped fabrics, these pieces offer a subtle yet impactful upgrade to any summer wardrobe. Even Dua Lipa has been spotted championing the trend, proving its undeniable appeal.
 Instead of Jeans or Basic Trousers, It Girls Are Wearing These Trendy Bottoms to Make Tanks and Tees Look Cooler

The fashion landscape is perpetually shifting, but the current recalibration toward understated elegance and considered choices is particularly compelling. The recent trend piece highlighting the move away from ubiquitous jeans and basic trousers in favor of more nuanced bottom silhouettes – championed, notably, by Dua Lipa – speaks volumes about this broader shift. It’s not merely about a new style; it’s about a re-evaluation of how we build an entire look around foundational pieces. We’ve seen this impulse manifest in other areas recently, like the rise of [The Romantic Top Trend Making Heatwave Dressing So Much Easier], showcasing a desire for effortless sophistication, and even in bold moments like Megan Thee Stallion’s recent fashion choices, as demonstrated in [Megan Thee Stallion Braved the Heatwave in a Pair of Cut-out Leather Pants], which, while daring, still contributes to the exploration of elevated textures and unexpected shapes. The focus is on intentionality—each piece contributing to a cohesive narrative rather than simply filling a void.

This move away from the casual dominance of jeans and basic trousers isn't a rejection of comfort; it's a refinement of it. It acknowledges that elevated style doesn't necessitate discomfort or complexity. Instead, it's about choosing pieces that offer a subtle yet impactful upgrade, allowing classic staples like tanks and tees to shine in new ways. Think wide-leg trousers in luxurious fabrics, tailored culottes, or even subtly textured skirts – pieces that possess a quiet confidence and a sense of inherent quality. The article’s emphasis on “quality basics” is crucial here. It's not about chasing fleeting trends but investing in timeless pieces that can be styled in countless ways, reflecting a move towards a more sustainable and considered approach to fashion consumption. It aligns perfectly with the growing appreciation for “calm luxury,” where understated elegance speaks louder than overt displays of wealth.

The significance of this trend extends beyond individual styling choices. It represents a broader cultural mood—a desire for authenticity and self-expression over conformity and fleeting popularity. The “It Girl” designation itself is evolving; today’s style icons aren't defined by their ability to wear every trend but by their capacity to curate a personal aesthetic that feels both aspirational and attainable. This is reflected in the broader shift towards celebrating individual style rather than dictating it – something even seen in the curated looks at [The Best Celebrity Looks at the 2026 World Cup Deserve Style Points], where personal flair shone through amidst the global spectacle. The emphasis on “these trendy bottoms” is less about a specific *item* and more about a mindset—a deliberate choice to elevate one's everyday wardrobe with pieces that are both stylish and intrinsically valuable.

Ultimately, this trend signals a continuation of the move towards a more refined, emotionally intelligent approach to fashion. It’s about cultivating a personal style that feels authentic and enduring, rather than chasing the latest micro-trend. As consumers become increasingly discerning and prioritize quality over quantity, we can expect to see further experimentation with unexpected silhouettes and luxurious fabrics that elevate everyday staples. The question now is: how will this evolve beyond the “It Girl” sphere and influence the broader fashion landscape, and will we see a lasting shift in the fundamental building blocks of a considered, modern wardrobe?

A closet full of quality basics goes a long way, no matter the season. Whether it's a simple pair of trousers or jeans to wear with tank tops and T-shirts, the styling options are versatile and endless. However, the fashion set has turned its head to a trendier bottom trend to wear with tank tops and tees, and Dua Lipa's recent look is the perfect example.

While out in NYC, Lipa was spotted wearing a pair of trousers from Helsa with a chic twist: a skirt attachment. She kept it simple by styling her pants with a plain black tank top. Accessories were also kept to a minimum—black Gucci sunglasses and, for a pop of color, a pair of very Carrie Bradshaw–coded yellow polka-dot heels by Jimmy Choo. If you ask me, her tank top looked much cooler with these trendy bottoms than it would with a pair of plain jeans or regular trousers. The effortless layered detail adds some movement and texture to her outfit, which is all you really need to dress cooler.

If the simple-but-chic outfit swap inspires you, keep scrolling to re-create Lipa's look and shop cool trousers with skirts attached.

Spotted on Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa wearing a black tank top, black trousers with a skirt attached, and Jimmy Choo yellow heels.

(Image credit: XNY/Star Max/GC Images)

On Dua Lipa: Helsa Trouser With Attached Skirt ($381); Chanel Maxi Flap Bag ($8500); Jimmy Choo Bow Spotted Elphe-Printed Leather Sandals ($1050); Gucci Square Frame Sunglasses ($545)

Get the Look

Shop More Layered Skirt-Trousers

Read on the original site

Open the publisher's page for the full experience

View original article