by Niamh ODonoghue
15th May 2018
15th May 2018
They were the infamous trousers that made an appearance on your ’89 family camping trip to Mosney and, probably most famously, your first day of play school as you’re sorely reminded of annually via sun-faded polaroid. If you’re an eighties, nineties or naughties baby chances are your wardrobe consisted of brightly-coloured, fun, just-below-the-knee pedal pushers.
Also disguised by the names Capri pant and the cropped pant, pedal pushers have made a triumphant return to the catwalk for summer 2018. First seen at Karl Lagerfeld’s Cruise Collection catwalk in the Grand Palais, these not-quite-trousers-not-quite-shorts are reimagined with modern and grown-up silhouettes and fresh and clean colourways and are the perfect outfit partner for your light spring jacket.
Chanel Cruise Collection ’18
It might seem like fashion is giving the middle finger to trends and throwing the rulebook out the window right now, but there’s reason to this sartorial madness. Firstly, freeing the calf/ankle is liberating. Secondly, J-law likes them and pairs them effortlessly with Dior: how nonchalant does she look? Thirdly, this shape is flattering; especially if you’re petite (they look great on tall ladies too, but they don’t really have the same effect. Sorry). Lastly, pedal pushers are a great transitional piece to have in your wardrobe for when the weather turns clammy (I’m still living in hope). If you’re still bewildered by why we’re loving the ankle-skimming pant, here’s five pairs that’ll rope you in.
Jennifer Lawrence wearing Dior: Getty
Bold and blue at Chloé
Mid-rise cropped jeans by Chloé, €590 at matchesfashion.com
Sporty and bright at Upside
Frida NYC pant, €107.54 at theupside.com
Seeing spots at Joseph
Luis polka-dot silk-georgette shorts by Joseph, €297 at net-a-porter.com
Elegant and oriental at Matchesfashion
Kavita chrysanthemum-print silk cropped trousers by Walid, €514 at matchesfashion.com
Simple and sophisticated at Khaite
The Jane pant in black, €633.57 at khaite.com