Even as a girl who loves her basics and muted palette, I’m fully here for fashion’s maximalist moment right now—especially the fun pants takeover. I’m seeing street-style stars leaning into bold-printed bottoms like polka dots, stripes, and now, heading into summer, gingham pants are having their moment. It just feels so right for the season.
Don’t get me wrong, gingham has long been a warm-weather staple thanks to its light, airy feel. The check pattern instantly reads summer because it shows up so often in picnic settings, breezy fabrics, and relaxed, countryside-inspired dressing. But when Bella Hadid stepped out in the chicest gingham pant set while she was in Cannes, I was completely sold.
I’ve always associated the whimsical print with ruffled dresses in a cottagecore style. They’ve always gone hand-in-hand. But right now, on pants, it takes on a slightly edgier feel through different cuts—straight-leg, wide-leg, or cropped—while still keeping that soft, romantic vibe. I love how they can add personality to a simple top or tank. It’s an easy way to bring a bit of punch to an outfit. Keep it minimal, or go bolder and pair them with a coordinating print or a statement top.
And like I said, ever since Bella wore them, I’ve been on the hunt for my ideal pair. After plenty of shopping around, I found mine at Zara for $50. The wide-leg style has a looser, slightly baggier fit—perfect if you like that oversized look. It even comes with a matching peplum top that may or may not already be in my cart…
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Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
