The '90s are back: your guide to this year's key trouser trends
Forget fleeting micro-trends; a full-blown revival of the 1990s is underway, and it’s reshaping our wardrobes. Fueled by a fresh wave of nostalgia – perhaps sparked by the resurgence of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s effortlessly chic style thanks to shows like Ryan Murphy’s Love Story – and a collective yearning for simpler times (and more spacious apartments), fashion’s most understated decade has returned to the forefront. But this isn’t a mere rehash; it’s a considered reinterpretation, one that prioritizes impeccable tailoring and a distinctly modern sensibility.
The capri's unexpected comeback
Remember those cropped, playful trousers that flirted with the ankle? Capri pants, previously relegated to the style archives of the 1950s and early 2000s, are having a serious moment. Designers like Versace and Ralph Lauren have already embraced them for Spring/Summer '26, and the endorsement of style icons like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid solidifies their status. The key? A low-rise heel and a minimalist spaghetti-strap top—the formula feels both nostalgic and utterly current.
Consider these options: The Park Allison Capri pants from NET-A-PORTER ($395) offer a sophisticated take, while Leset's Rio capri pants ($180) provide a more accessible entry point.
The enduring appeal of cropped trousers
Beyond the specific silhouette, the '90s were defined by a particular kind of tailoring. Cropped trousers, as favored by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Winona Ryder, exemplify this. They’re the epitome of business-casual versatility, effortlessly transitioning from the office to after-work drinks—especially when paired with blocky boots or sleek loafers. The beauty lies in their understated elegance and ability to elevate even the most basic of tops.
High Sport's Kick cropped flared pants ($860) represent the high-end of this trend, while Leset’s Rio cropped flared pants ($240) deliver a more approachable aesthetic.
Cigarette jeans: still the gold standard
My affection for cigarette jeans isn’t a recent development; I’ve championed them for years. But their relevance in 2026 is undeniable. They represent a refreshing shift away from oversized denim, offering a pared-back, polished alternative. Channel the spirit of Cindy Crawford and Courteney Cox by styling them with '90s-inspired boots and shades.
Levi's 501 '90s jeans ($110) remain a classic choice, while Re/Done's 90s straight leg jeans ($295) offer a subtly updated feel.
Bootcut's subtle revival
There’s a quiet satisfaction in a perfectly executed bootcut trouser—the kind Cameron Diaz and her contemporaries favored throughout the '90s. It's not the wide, flared silhouette of the Noughties; instead, it's a subtle kick flare that elongates the leg. The defining detail? A mid-rise waist, which contributes to the overall '90s vibe.
Banana Republic's ponte ankle pants ($100) provide an affordable option, while Vince's tailored bootcut pants ($398) offer a more elevated feel.
Cargo pants, reinvented
Cargo pants have long carried a certain… baggage. But the key to nailing the '90s version, as demonstrated by Jennifer Aniston and even Brad Pitt in the late '90s, is restraint. Ditch the overly sporty look and embrace muted tones, relaxed tanks, and classic flip-flops—save the trainers for the gym. The goal is understated cool, not Y2K girl-band choreography.
Leset Kyoto pants ($280) embody this refined aesthetic, while Citizens of Humanity’s Marcelle cargo pants ($250) offer a more robust option.