The Spring trouser trend guaranteed to split opinion
The idea of splitting your trousers used to be the stuff of sartorial nightmares. Note the use of past tense there, as this week I've spotted at least ten different women all wearing split trousers. But don't worry, this isn't some Kardashian-esque body baring trend that will have you worried about unsolicited flashing. Instead, the latest street style trend sees the splits strategically placed in the front hem of trousers, rising to just above the ankle.
Victoria Beckham kick started the trend last September when she showed cigarette-slim crepe trousers with a V-shape split in the front hem as part of her spring/summer 2019 collection. Eleven pairs later in eleven different colours including crimson, emerald green and tan, it was clear that this was a trend Beckham was keen to make happen.
Describing them as "a merge between the effortlessness of a legging and the intelligent tailoring of trousers," Beckham paired them with everything from boxy suit jackets, tunics and handkerchief-point dresses. She even took her finale bow in a black pair before changing into a glitzy patterned version later that evening for a party to celebrate ten years of her brand.
It's an update that a slew of street style stars have adopted throughout fashion month. Evangelie Smyrniotaki paired a gold floral pair by Victoria Beckham with a smart white blazer whilst Leonie Hanne experimented with colour clashing teaming a minty pair of split trousers from AWAKE with a Parma Violet blazer.
The positioning of the split is key. Whilst side-slits feel a bit athletic (remember those tracksuit bottoms that featured side buttoned poppers in the nineties?) a front split on tailored trousers instantly looks smart. They also allow you to showcase your favourite shoes rather than covering them up.
So far, a pointy stiletto heel seems to be the footwear of choice. Stylist Anna Rosa Vitiello paired her black slit trousers with matching pointy heels whilst Erika Boldrin coordinated a white split pair with equally white hued heels.
However, as Beckham showed, they also work just as well with sandals and ankle boots - making them good all-rounders when it comes to British weather. Add to that fact their versatility - think day, night, work or play - and it's a trend that is sure to split opinion, but one that won't be disappearing anytime soon.
