We all know that fashion is cyclical. Most trends, even ones we’d thought had gasped their last breath, tend to return in one form or another. Whether we want them to or not. Witness the recent resurgence of opera gloves, vests and even dad hats. So it should come as no surprise that stirrup pants, the often despised fashion staples of the mid-80s, are making a big comeback.
The unmistakable straps were first spotted on the Fall 2016 runways of Balenciaga and Marni. Naturally, street style stars were quick to pick up on the trend. See below for definitive proof.
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Stirrup pants on the street; Images: Imaxtree, Getty
While the thought of wearing stirrup pants may make you cringe, it’s time to give them a second chance. Today’s versions are sleeker and decidedly chicer. They play well with the massive athleisure trend as a sort of leggings version 2.0. But they’re also turning up in office-friendly styles that take inspiration from trousers. And unlike the 80s when stirrups were strictly worn inside shoes, fashion girls are opting to wear the straps on the outside as well.
Ready to give stirrup pants a try? Here are 17 pairs to shop now.
Stirrup Pants
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Stirrup Pants #1
Self-Portrait 25 Inch Knitted Stirrup Trousers, $340 at Self-Portrait
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Stirrup Pants #2
Coperni C+ Heavy Jersey Stirrup Pants, $567 at Luisa Via Roma
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Stirrup Pants #3
Nanushka Darby Eco-Cady Stirrup Pants in Gray, $295 at Nanushka
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Stirrup Pants #4
The Attico Jamie Jersey Stirrup Leggings, $716 at Matches Fashion
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Stirrup Pants #5
Tom Ford Ribbed Cashmere-Blend Stirrup Leggings in Beige, $756 at Net-a-Porter
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Stirrup Pants #6
Loulou Studio Pinzon Stirrup Pants in Ivory, $198 at The Frankie Shop
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Stirrup Pants #7
Amina Muaddi x Wolford High-Rise Vegan Leather Stirrup Leggings, $324 at Moda Operandi
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Stirrup Pants #8
Wardrobe.NYC High-Rise Stirrup Leggings, $400 at mytheresa.com
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Stirrup Pants #9
Mango Basic Fuseau Leggings, $39.99 at Mango
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Stirrup Pants #10
Ganni Ribbed-Knit Stirrup Leggings, $80 at mytheresa.com
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Stirrup Pants #11
Dsquared2 Stirrup-Cuff High-Waisted Leggings, $357 at Farfetch
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Stirrup Pants #12
H&M Wool Stirrup Leggings, $59.99 at H&M
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Stirrup Pants #13
Mango Fuseau Legging With Sewing, $39.99 at Mango
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Stirrup Pants #14
& Other Stories Slim Stirrup Trousers, $89 at & Other Stories
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Stirrup Pants #15
Zara Floral Stirrup Leggings, $19.99 at Zara
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Stirrup Pants #16
Good American Essential Stirrup Legging, $69 at Good American
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Stirrup Pants #17
Simon Miller Evan Seamless Stirrup Leggings, $170 at Shopbop