As a longtime lover of tiny shorts (also known as “denim underwear”), I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this no-pants trend. And it certainly puts to rest, at long last, that age-old question: Are Leggings Pants?
Unequivocally, yes.
If the pandemic has taught us anything over these last three years, it’s that pants are highly overrated anyway. And by “pants” I mean leg prisons. And here at The Mom Edit, we’re running a firmly anti-leg-prison campaign. Down with leg prisons! No more leg prisons!
If we can’t free our wombs in 2023, then we might as well free our legs!

similar sweater | tights | boots (on sale) | similar bag
The No-Pants Trend We’ve Been Waiting For: 6 Ways We’re Going Pantless
In addition to being very, uh, freeing, the no-pants trend is simple to execute too. Here are a few styling tips to get us started:
- Put on pants. Remove pants. Leave house.
- Instead of pants, wear a swimsuit bottom.
- Try replacing your pants with men’s tighty-whities. This looks particularly good with socks and UGGs too.
- Cold? Just add tights.
coat | similar sweater | tights | boots (on sale) | similar bag
We’re all so excited for this trend that we couldn’t wait to test it out. Especially Linzi. “Shana,” she said. “Why would I continue wearing my Eileen Fisher when THIS is an option??”
Exactly, Linz. EXACTLY.
Here’s My Take: With A Cropped Sweater + Thigh-High Boots
It’s still cold in Vermont, so I’m warming up my no-pants outfits with thigh-high boots and a cocoon coat.
coat | similar sweater | tights | boots (on sale) | similar bag
The cropped sweater is a key part of this look, however, because it’s really important — for freedom — to show off that I’m electing not to wear pants. Why do things by halves?
coat | similar sweater | tights | boots (on sale) | similar bag
Amy’s Take: With A Bomber Jacket + UGG Boots
If there’s one thing I’ve always admired about Amy…she doesn’t mess around. Fashion, like going off a 45ft jump at the terrain park, requires commitment. Someone give this girl a medal.
boots | socks | similar jacket | shirt | underwear | sunnies
Amy says: I’ve always been very inspired by Bella Hadid, and ever since I saw her wearing underwear with UGGs, I’ve been wearing underwear with UGGs. It’s cool, it’s kinda like a bathing suit…but for the streets.
Scotti’s Take: With A Blazer + Ankle Booties
The 2023 way to make your old ankle boots feel fresh? Pair them with swim bottoms like Scotti. Add a blazer to show you mean business (and didn’t accidentally forget your pants).
blazer | similar shirt | swim bottoms | tights | similar boots
Scotti says: I, for one, am super-excited for this no-pants trend. I’ve been working my butt off doing squats and lunges all winter, so what better way to show off than skipping pants altogether?
Laura’s Take: An Oversized Tee + Rugged Boots
It’s giving Tough Girl. It’s giving “don’t give a fuck.” It’s giving woke-up-like-this-where’s-my-damn-coffee. I like it. #FistBump
similar jacket | similar tee | boots | bag | coffee mug
Laura says: As the weather gets warmer, I really try to up my outfit game for school pickup. Bring on spring!
Aliya’s Take: A Blazer + Cowboy Boots
Leave it to our resident Gen Zer to bust out the cowboy boots and a vintage purse. She totally nailed the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader meets Working Girl vibe. GOOOOO ALIYA!
similar jacket | similar tights | similar purse | boots
Aliya says: Nothing like showing a little (or a lotta) leg. Wearing tights is a great way to transition a look like this from winter to spring.
Linzi’s Take: A Cardigan + Tall Boots
Linz, you did it. You *finally* found a way to make cardigans sexy. I take back that time I said that “cardigans ruin every outfit.” I stand corrected.
sweater-blazer | similar striped top | similar tights | similar boots
Linzi says: I’m definitely on the more conservative side when it comes to fashion choices, so I’ve been pretty skeptical of this no-pants trend that seems too fashion-forward for my typical taste. I’m, now, however, TOTALLY on board with this fun new way to style some of my most-worn closet pieces! The key is blending this trend with your own true personal style.
I took the no-pants trend and combined it with one of my beloved go-to combos that I ordinarily pair with jeans or black pants: a striped top with a soft and comfy khaki sweater-blazer/cardigan. I definitely feel more comfortable with this trend in tall boots since they provide more coverage for my legs — a bonus when you’re wearing no pants.
Em’s Take: A Houndstooth Coat + Heels
It’s no-pants but with a decidedly Chanel vibe. It’s lunch at the Plaza with your best friend, Belgravia. I think I’d add this hat.
tights | sweater | blazer | shoes (similar) | bag (similar)
Em says: Gang, I’m gonna admit I wasn’t completely sold on this trend initially — but then my friend Amanda sent me a pair of those lined, faux-bare-leg tights that Instagram keeps hucking, so you can rock the trend without freezing your ass off. And now? I can’t wait for date night. Keeping the look chicly conservative up top (a la Kendall Jenner, who was the first person who made it seem actually wearable to me) helps balance things out too.
Xo,
Team TME
Time to read the Emperor’s New Clothes, ladies
https://andersen.sdu.dk/vaerk/hersholt/TheEmperorsNewClothes_e.html
Yessss!!! My favorite post of the year.
I love these yearly posts. It’s even better when the trend becomes true. I’m looking at you bike shorts.
Hahahaha! Took me a second! At first, I was wondering, “what is going on?!”
Bravo! 👏 You’ve outdone yourself.
I still remember the year you did giant dad shoes, and then they actually became a thing, and now whenever I wear my Hokas I think, “What will TME speak into fashion existence next?”
Fool proof outfits 😉 But gotta admit, … still took me second
One of my favorite articles every year!
sitting here literally giggling like an idiot. i’ve scrolled through twice and it’s funny each time.
going back for thirds. AWESOME. happy april fools!! LAURA and that perfect morning scowl with the aviators and a perfect lip just says it all… FIST BUMP!
LOVED THIS!!!!
Ladies, you are pure joy! And I actually think you all look HOT. OMG, if this becomes a thing…
I feel for this one, ha ha… thinking I could not pull this trend off my 18 year old son would not approve. Then I realized is this April’s Fools? Thanks I need this post I loved it! Thank you guys!
Time to check the date, babe!
You all are funny! “down with leg prisons” “like a bathing suit … for the streets” Ha ha. I’m taking my pants off right now!!
Omg best 4/1 post yet – thank you ladies for bringing it this year 😂😂😂
That scared the hell outta me!! I was like don’t they have children? Can you get arrested for this if you aren’t in a bar? Ok. I’m going to walk my pant less self to the kitchen for coffee. That’s safe!
Hahaha! You got me for a minute. I trust you so much that I was like, we’re doing THIS now? Then I remembered. Love you guys today and always!
lol
Hahahahaha! When I saw this I thought, wow, they’re really going to try out those Miu Miu Fall 23 looks for real? Fooled me for a sec! 😉
😂 You guys rock! As always.
“If we can’t free our wombs” (sob/laugh)
hahaha xo
If I had Shana’s backside I would 100% wear that outfit. I mean, I wouldn’t, but it’d be nice knowing I *could*. Well done! Y’all look like you stepped out of a Beyonce video (except for Laura who looked like she stepped out of a Nirvana video, and I mean that in the best possible way.) Also, I want a sincere review of those faux-sheer tights from Em!
Perfect post today! Hahahaha!
Leg Prisons!!! This is the best April 1 post ever:)
Well done! One of your BEST! Terrified, though, if this takes off… (ha!)
You guys are the best. <3
So good! Imagine my joy when I remembered it was April 3 and I hadn’t yet checked the TME 4/1 post. PS — Taylor Swift just played 3 sold out nights in DFW without pants, so she’s clearly a follower!
It took me until Amy’s Daisy Jones post at the end of the month to realize this was an April Fool’s joke. (Facepalm) You guys ARE very good at speaking things into existence! Time to put my pants back on, I suppose.
hahahaha love this!! Yeah…it’s a funny thing. Going back through our old April Fool’s posts, almost every. single. one. involves making fun of a trend that we all eventually start wearing. Helps keep us humble (and open-minded). 🙂