From Scandi to French Women, Everyone Agrees on This Controversial Trouser Trend

by Yusra Siddiqui

While this season's assortment of trends has consisted of the usual summer favourites like breezy linen trousers and raffia accessories, I couldn't help but notice a standout staple piece in many fashion folks' wardrobes: pyjama pants. I initially judged quickly and thought the trend was too casual and anything but cool. But one trip to Copenhagen later, I was convinced that, when styled correctly, striped trousers are fit for activities outside the bedroom. Pyjamas as stylish everyday wear is not an entirely new style phenomenon. Danish brands like By Malene Birger sent coordinating silky striped sets down the runway at CPHW years ago, lace-trimmed slips have been everyone's favourite dress ever since Jennifer Garner ran out of her apartment in one in 13 Going on 30, and boxer shorts have always been a recurrent menswear-inspired trend. Currently, the quintessential sleepwear item—striped pyjama pants—is gaining traction among the fashion set.

It's the very fusion of comfort and modern style that has cultivated strong consumer bases for brands like Donni and Daily Sleeper, so it's no surprise that even luxury brands like Toteme and The Row have followed suit. Below, you'll find a shopping edit of the relaxed silhouette at both high and low price points. As with any of our trend reports, there's plenty of sourced outfit inspiration to come. If you take notes from the following looks, none of these pants will make it look like you rolled out of bed. By pairing them with wardrobe basics like oversize blazers and cashmere knits, you'll look polished to a T.

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@pernilleteisbaek

Although the pairing of a T-shirt and striped pyjamas is exactly what I'm wearing to bed tonight, the cashmere cardigan and colour-coordinated sandals take this look to the next level.

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@annelauremais

If you're looking to make things more elevated and less casual, opt for an off-the-shoulder top or pretty top instead of a T-shirt. It adds a juxtaposition that makes sense to the fashionably trained eye.

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@deborabrosa

Blue stripes are classic, but a neutral pair is perfectly polished. Keep the minimal momentum going with a taupe knit and a summery basket bag.

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@NATALIEGRAYHERDER; @THATGIRLYUSRA

Styling-wise, start off with an easy base: a white T-shirt and your choice of striped pants. After that, it's all in the layering. As you can see above, both an oversize blazer and a lightweight sweater over the shoulders work.

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@claire_most

If you're looking for something even more warm weather friendly, opt for the shorts version.

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@lucywilliams02

We all have those days near the end of our vacation when we want to stay in bed, and this trend's the closest thing to that. Find a colourful pair of pyjama-style pants and pair them with a linen vest or flowy top for the perfect travel outfit.