Unless you've been living under a fashion rock, you'll know that side-striped trousers are *everywhere* right now. It's all thanks to Adidas, of course, who are leading the track pants trend for the second year in a row – and just in time for summer.
Approved by everyone from Zoë Kravitz to Hailey Bieber and Alexa Chung, the Firebirds are cool-girl coded. And, with each famous face wearing them in ways that suit their own individual styles, the bottoms have gone from purely athleisure to acceptable in any social setting. Seriously, people are rocking up to the office in side-striped trousers and oversized blazers, complete with an iced coffee in hand.
Driven by a ‘90s-inspired football aesthetic, they put the cool in casual and offer a fun, comfy alternative to jeans. While denim will always be a timeless classic, there are only so many times you can alternate your low-rise jeans before they become a part of your personality.
Naturally, the look has spread across the high street with all our favourite retailers offering their own take on the trend. Right now, brightly coloured track pants are coming in strong, with matcha green, cobalt, and pink being the shades of the summer.
When it comes to how to style yours, side stripe trousers really have no limits. Sure, nothing is stopping you from channelling your inner Sporty Spice, but don't be afraid to dress things up for everyday wear. Our personal favourite pairings include a tailored blazer, or an oversized tee with an optional knitted tank layered over the top. Fitted waistcoats with trainers also look super cute, while cashmere cardigans give that quiet luxury edge.
Want to shop the look? Marks & Spencer has recently released these ultra-cool cotton-rich retro side stripe joggers that come in either black or white. The former has khaki and white stripes down each leg, while the white pair has pink and red to provide a colour pop without forcing you too far outside of your neutral comfort zone. Coming in at just £36, and available in sizes 6 through to 24, you can also get them in different leg lengths, including extra short, petite, regular and long. Sounds like a bargain to us!
Alongside this M&S offering, take a look at some of our other fave side stripe trousers from high street stores, available to shop now:
Cotton Rich Retro Side Stripe Joggers
adidas Originals Firebird loose track pants in green and yellow
Wide-leg plush trousers with trim detail
Sophie Williams is a Freelance Journalist and Copywriter, covering everything from Fashion to Entertainment to music, Lifestyle and Features. She has interviewed a range of musical artists and authors including Alyssa Edwards, Courtney Barnett, Confidence Man, The Vaccines, Loyle Carner, Gabrielle, and John Niven, and has written for publications like Metro, Reader's Digest, ITV's Woo! and Vice’s NBGA. She is also working on a book for HarperCollins about Taylor Swift, due to be published in 2024.
