Skinny jeans are a marmite topic. Half of us love them, half of us loathe them - I find myself sitting somewhere in the middle. However, for those who simply cannot stand the sight of a pair of skinny jeans, there are plenty of other denim styles to choose from: wide-leg, straight-leg, mom, dad, bootcut, bell-bottoms (and breathe). No denim, however, comes close to the comfort of a pair of baggy trousers. And I mean super baggy, that's where my latest find comes in. Free People's Onset Pants are the perfect pair of baggy trousers for those who've sworn off any type of skinny jeans. With a wide-leg, utilitarian tie waist, pockets and the kind of slouch that still reads as polished, its trousers are what I'm going to call the antidote to denim-induced claustrophobia. Stay with me.
Spotted recently on Anais Gallagher at an Oasis gig, the Onset Pants look effortlessly rock 'n' roll, as she styled them with Free People's Everyday Tee in clean ivory. We can all probably agree that there's something just so cool about the way Gallagher wore the trousers; it's almost like she's just thrown them on and headed out. Don't box the Onset Pants into the Brit It-girl aesthetic just yet, though, the trousers would also look just as good paired with a sheer knit and colourful trainers, or with a boho blouse and ballet flats.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
The brand describes its Onset Pants as 'laidback in every way', and we can see why. The pants feature a mid-rise waist, a billowy design and baggy bottoms. Style with a more fitted top, like a baby tee or tank top and flip flops.
The best part about the Onset Pants isn't just the numerous styling possibilities, but it's the excellent features of the trousers, too. Made from 100% cotton and with a mid-rise waist, the Onset Pants are as comfortable as they come, and the billowy, wide-leg bottoms are stylish, but won't drown you. Functional pockets add a touch of utilitarian charm, and the colour choices (anything from a bright amber yellow to a white shade named tofu) mean there's a shade to suit everyone, whether you prefer to dopamine dress or not.
The truth is, the sartorial shift away from skinny jeans to baggier silhouettes speaks volumes about how we want to feel in our clothes. I, for one, no longer want to struggle to zip up jeans or undo my belt after dinner. Free People's Onset Pants embrace this new era of freedom and fluidity, with their oversized, slouchy style and elasticated waist. It's proof that a baggier style can be just as striking as a more tailored piece, definitely, maybe if you're heading to a gig or festival in the near future, too.
Shop: Free People's Onset Pants In Alternative Colours
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
Shop: Size Out Of Stock? You'll Love These Alternatives
Urban Outfitterswww.urbanoutfitters.com
Urban Outfitters also has a pair of khaki baggy trousers, with similar utilitarian details and tie waist. Its style has a low-waisted fit, two inset pockets and one rear patch pocket, perfect for styling with graphic tees and trainers.
Pull & Bearwww.pullandbear.com
Pull & Bear's take on a classic baggy trouser has a balloon fit, as well as flap pockets on the legs and an elasticated waist. Made of cotton, the trousers are an excellent transitional piece, and in the cooler months, layer up with a chunky knit and black ankle boots.
Damson Madderdamsonmadder.com
Damson Madder also has a pair of trousers that are of the same style as Free People's. Its Felix Twill Trousers have a loose barrel fit, an elasticated waist and embroidery on the back pockets.
Main image credit: Instagram/@gallagher_anais
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.