Stirrup pants are on the FW26 runways, most notably in the Stella McCartney and Jil Sander collections, vintage Elin Kling, and I’m going to test drive the Leset pair that I saw on Puck below right. Anyone else game?
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After 20 years casting models for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and fashion shows, I wanted to spend more time with my daughters. KiC is my way to share my thoughts on fashion and style. I believe style should permeate every aspect of our lives — from home, to family, to where we go, and naturally, what we wear — especially when we're just running around.
— Preston Davis
Years ago, I had a pair of wonderful stirrup pants from Donna Karan, which were loose fitting stretch wool. I always wore them with oxfords. It will be interesting to see if these catch on!
Oh I remember this look
In black pant I might test drive a pair
I am glad to see stir-ups are making a comeback! I wore them all through my twenties, with a black blazer and black, patent leather Ferragamo ballet flats (don’t think they were called ballet flats back then), to work. I covered Donna Karan at what is now Bloomberg Businessweek, but was usually broke and could only afford to wear her clothes when I found them in the back room at Loehmann’s so never wore her stir-ups. (Yet, somehow, I had budgeted for/rationalized Ferragamo shoes.) Anyway, I always thought stir-ups were flattering and travelled well, and would definitely buy them again. Please keep us posted, Preston!
I think they look cool and fresh styled like trousers in the top photos but I’m not sure about going back to the leggings as pants phase — Preston, would love to know how you would style the Le Set pair. (Also love that you’re a Puck reader, I’ve been learning a lot from Lauren’s newsletter).
I think stirrup pants will have to live in my 90s photo album. They worked for me back then, but I’m not sure if they’d be a good fit now. I’m curious to read your take on the Leset pair.
Yes! I like the sporty edge of stirrup pants worn with flats and how they are suddenly polished worn with pumps.
Yes! I purchased a pair from Spanx and I’m really enjoying showing the stirrup part so they don’t look like leggings. I wear them sock-less with loafers as well as a slingback.
Been enjoying stirrups yet another time around. I have a black pair from this season and I have been wearing them for informal week night dinner with a black tunic top, chocolate Brown, Norma, Kamali boyfriend, bomber jacket, and Sherpa lined Birkenstock Arizonas plus Hermes scarf.
Yes, for skiing! I just saw a photo shoot in Vienna yesterday, a girl was wearing them and she looked great.
ABSOLUTELY NOT
Some things need NEVER return…. Stirrup pants look great on other people…
LOL @Anita C! I was always against, and it’s funny how these pop up every few seasons. I think the tailored version is growing on me. I like how they look in the second (Jil Sander) picture. But yeah, thin stretchy legging-esque strirrup pants – I’m not so sure!
Once upon a time, I did wear stirrup pants. I think, for me, those days are past!
I have such a love/hate relationship with stirrup pants. I love how sleek they look with a blazer and loafers or short boots, but if you have long legs (like I do) it’s a struggle finding stirrups that either don’t pull down from your waist or bag at the ankle and defeat the look of the stirrup. But. I’m willing to give it another go….recommendations welcomed!
I have always had a pair in my closet for wearing with knee high boots and longer sweaters or blazers. Can’t take that look away from a pear shaped girl. The combo tricks the eye into a longer, leaner silhouette. Love them; and wore them the first time around. Great for ski fashions too.
That would be a hard no! Hahahaha!
A stylist once said to me “if you wore a trend once, you don’t do it again.” Still makes me giggle.
Unlikely unless they make the second photo type in a non-stretch fabric (except the stirrup). And with a short boot.
I like the idea of wearing stirrup pants for skiing but that’s it!
YES! I have the Toteme ones Elin is wearing and style them exactly like she does with a white shirt.
For skiing, yes; for anything else, the time has past.
No. I have never seen them look good regardless of how they are styled or what their price point is.
No…not for me. I don’t like the look at all…unless worn with boots so the stirrup is a practical way of keeping the pants from riding up and they aren’t seen.
That ˋs a big no. Stirrup pants are for skiing and horse riding.
And that ˋs it. Anything else and you look silly, ugly and out of place.
Love ’em!
Oh la la! I remember wearing stirrups in the late 60s so… that’s a no for me. That is too far in the past and will stay there.
I’m playing with stirrup tights from dance brands. Loafers and a leather skirt. It feels unexpected. I expect I’ll get to full stirrup pants in time!