After living in New York City for more than eight years, I’ve learned that warm weather doesn’t come easily here — it tricks you. There’s a brief extension of “fake spring” with a few teasing days of spring temperatures, and then suddenly, it’s full-on summer – no transition, no adjustment period, just heat and humidity coming together.
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 that starts with rethinking my bottom line.
I live in jeans most of the year, but as summer approaches, heavy, restrictive clothing doesn’t seem practical. So instead, I plan to wear airy, lightweight soles. I’m keeping an eye on everything from classic drawstrings to From cotton poplin pants to trendy micro shorts.
Ahead, check out five anti-denim pant trends you’ll find me running around NYC starting June 1, from Meadow Lane in Tribeca to the Who What Wear office in Bryant Park.
Drawstring Pants
Shop in Style:
micro shorts
It’s only the beginning of May, but fashionistas are embracing micro shorts. somewhat similar Hot pants but come in lightweight knits and playful patterns like colorful stripes, while others are much shorter shorts in a simple low-rise cut or bloomer silhouette. One of my favorite and easiest ways I see insiders styling it is to wear a bikini. I also expect to see them with oversized t-shirts or light sweaters.
Shop in Style:
balloon trousers
My style is pretty classic, but every summer, a change comes over me, forcing my otherwise restrained wardrobe to adopt a touch of whimsy and playfulness. For the coming season, I expect this to manifest in the heavy-wearing trend I’m seeing. It features the balloon pant’s distinctly rounded, slightly cropped silhouette, which offers instant architectural flair. Alternatively, I’m drawn to the 1700s-inspired style we’ve been calling Who What Wear. Petticoat pants, recently seen on Elsa Hosk.
Shop in Style:
Bermuda shorts
The opposite of micro shorts are Bermuda shorts, a popular non-denim trend that remains strong this spring and is expected to continue into summer. Last year, trousers focused on classic styles with waistbands, but in 2026, there’s been a shift to more modern versions, featuring drawstring designs, satin fabrics and low-rise cuts.
Shop in Style:
Lace-Trim Minidress
(Image credit: Backgrid)
