I’m sure that these five anti-denim trends will gently take the place of my jeans this summer.

      After spending over eight years in New York City, I've come to understand that the warm weather here doesn't gradually arrive—it tricks you. There's a fleeting period of "fake spring," featuring a few days of mild spring temperatures, and then all at once, summer arrives—no gradual change, no time to acclimate, just an onslaught of heat and humidity. For years, I repeatedly made the same mistake: putting money into a spring wardrobe that I rarely got to use instead of getting ready for NYC's long summer. But in 2026, I'm going to change that. I'm starting to build my summer wardrobe now, beginning with a reevaluation of my bottoms.

      I typically wear jeans for most of the year, but when summer comes, the heavy, restrictive fabric no longer seems practical. Instead, I plan to opt for airy, lightweight bottoms. I'm looking at everything from classic drawstring cotton poplin pants to fashionable micro shorts. Below, explore the five anti-denim pant trends that you’ll find me sporting starting June 1, all around NYC, from Meadow Lane in Tribeca to the Who What Wear office in Bryant Park.

      Drawstring Pants

      There’s a lot to love about drawstring pants. They not only provide comfort but also come in numerous styles in 2026. In addition to the standard linen and cotton poplin straight-leg designs, fashion enthusiasts are sporting cropped wide-leg silhouettes made from taffeta or silk, pairing them with fitted tees and flip-flops. Sheer styles and those with skirts or sash-like designs layered over the pants are also becoming increasingly popular, particularly for vacations when used as swim cover-ups.

      Shop the style:

      - Open Edit Linen Blend Wide Leg Pants

      - Chan Luu Techno Taffeta Barrel Pant Rose

      - ZARA Heavy Cotton Sash Pants

      - J.Crew Luna Pant in Cotton Poplin

      Micro Shorts

      Although it’s just the beginning of May, daring fashion lovers are already adopting micro shorts. Some mimic hot pants but are crafted from lightweight knits and fun patterns such as colorful stripes, while others are simply very short shorts in a low-rise cut or a bloomer style. A favorite and easy way I see insiders styling them is with a bikini. I also anticipate them being paired with an oversized T-shirt or a light sweater.

      Shop the style:

      - FAITHFULL Playa Striped Jersey Mini Shorts

      - Reformation June Low Rise Linen Short

      - LIONESS Meadow Bloomer Short

      Balloon Trousers

      While my style is usually quite classic, every summer, I find myself drawn toward a more whimsical and playful look. This upcoming season, I expect this to manifest in the voluminous pant trend I've noticed. This includes the balloon pant's distinctly rounded and slightly cropped silhouette, adding an immediate architectural touch. Alternatively, I'm attracted to the 1700s-inspired style we at Who What Wear have dubbed "petticoat pants," recently seen on Elsa Hosk.

      Shop the style:

      - Posse Exclusive Pearl Cotton-Silk Balloon Pants

      - ALIGNE Meryl Balloon Trouser

      Bermuda Shorts

      On the other end of micro shorts are Bermuda shorts, a popular non-denim trend that continues to thrive this spring and will likely carry through summer. Last year's focus was on classic styles with trouser waistbands, but in 2026, there's a shift towards more contemporary versions, including drawstring designs, satin fabrics, and low-rise cuts.

      Shop the style:

      - POSSE Marchello Pleated Linen Shorts

      - ZARA Flowy Wide-Leg Bermuda Shorts

      Lace-Trim Minidresses

      When the paparazzi photo of Zoë Kravitz in Saint Laurent's lace-trim minidress at a Golden Globes after-party appeared, it instantly found a place on my summer mood board. I adored the delicate, flirty vibe, especially the soft pink color and square neckline. However, Saint Laurent isn't the only brand excelling at lace-trim minidresses; Chloé has a beautiful chartreuse V-neck style that looks like a must-have for summer. Since I won’t be investing in either designer piece, I've been searching for more affordable alternatives that still convey a luxurious appearance, some of which I'm sharing below.

      Shop the style:

      - MANGO Lace Camisole Dress

      - Chloé Lace-Trimmed Slip Dress in Yellow