A slit at the front of each ankle, a bottle-green cardigan and satin flats: the detail that makes trousers feel new. Wide-leg pants have dominated wardrobes for several seasons. They are comfortable and flattering, but after years of the same silhouette, many of us are ready for something fresh that does not require a complete wardrobe change. Jennifer Lawrence has found it, and it is all in the hem.
The Look That Started It
In New York, Lawrence wore jet-black trousers with a split hem, a slit running up from the hem past the ankle, Who What Wear reports. She styled them with a simple black tank top, a laddered bottle-green cardigan, a sweeping black scarf and a long pendant necklace. On her feet: terracotta satin flats, which the open hem showed off perfectly.
Who What Wear UK fashion news editor Natalie Munro described it as the season’s most important trouser trend.
Why the Split Hem Works
The slit does two clever things. First, it lengthens the leg visually by creating a vertical line and revealing a sliver of ankle. Second, it frames the shoe, so even simple flats become a focal point.
It also fits neatly into the year’s other trends. Munro notes that split-hem trousers echo the sleek, streamlined silhouettes seen in pencil skirts and single-breasted blazers. The slit adds interest without making the trousers hard to style, and more brands are experimenting with the shape.
From Jeans to Tailoring
Split hems first became popular on jeans, and Lawrence herself wore split-hem pants with boots in 2025, Who What Wear noted at the time. The 2026 version moves the detail into tailoring, which makes it smarter and more versatile, from the office to dinner.
The Best Shoes to Pair With It
Because the split shows the foot, shoes matter more than usual. Who What Wear says flats work particularly well because they let the trousers be properly seen.
Flats: satin or leather ballet flats, like Lawrence’s, are the easiest choice. A colored pair, such as terracotta, burgundy or green, adds a playful touch to black trousers.
Slim loafers: a low, sleek loafer keeps the line clean and works well for the office.
Pointed boots: an ankle boot with a pointed toe slides neatly under the slit for colder days.
Heels work too, Munro adds. For evening, a kitten heel keeps the look elegant without losing the ease of the outfit.
How to Style It
Keep the top half simple and fitted: a tank, a fine knit or a cropped cardigan. Long layers, like Lawrence’s scarf and pendant, balance the shape. Choose black or charcoal for the most versatile version, then add color with your shoes.
Where to Find It
The trend is available at every price point. Who What Wear highlights split-hem trousers from H&M, Stradivarius and Mango on the affordable end, Reformation’s Fletcher Pant in the middle, and Maje and Commando for a more premium option.
Goodbye wide-leg pants, at least for a moment. As Jennifer Lawrence proves, a simple split at the hem may be the easiest way to make your trousers feel new this fall.