Imagine stepping out into the world without your trousers. For many, it's a fashion faux pas nightmare, but for celebrities at the recent Met Gala, it was the height of daring style.

Stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Lisa took the red carpet by storm, donning chic Louis Vuitton tuxedo jackets paired with eye-catching stockings—and not much else. Carpenter flaunted an espresso-hued bodysuit complete with elegant coat tails, while Lisa turned heads with sparkly knickers adorned with artistic portraits by renowned artist Henry Taylor.

Also making a scene was Cynthia Erivo, whose hot pants peeked out beneath a dramatic black tulle Givenchy gown. Meanwhile, Taraji P. Henson wowed in a barely-there tuxedo micro-dress by Monse, and Hailey Bieber rocked a bold Saint Laurent blazer with thigh-grazing flair.

Fashion historian Valerie Steele commented that this trend didn’t come as a shock. Instead, it was a chic interpretation of this year’s Met Gala theme of 'superfine tailoring', merging elegance with a playful twist. "It’s about pushing boundaries while still fulfilling the style brief," she explained.

This trouser-less phenomenon aligns seamlessly with the emerging 'day knicker' trend, a movement gaining traction over recent years. Kendall Jenner notably made waves in 2022 when she stepped out in just a crew neck and knickers to buy flowers. This was quickly overshadowed by the must-have Miu Miu briefs—costing around £600—worn by fashion icons like Emma Corrin and Alexa Chung, proving that it’s not just about comfort, but embracing freedom of choice in fashion.

Historically, underwear-as-outerwear has resurfaced in cycles, often as a means of rebellion against restrictive fashion norms. Steele recounted how Edie Sedgwick inspired a generation with her daring combinations of sweaters, mesh stockings, and knickers. The late 60s saw socialite Nan Kempner famously banned from a restaurant for wearing trousers, inspiring her to simply remove them altogether!

Fast forward, and the trend continues to flourish with stylish iterations at brands like Vivienne Westwood and Louis Vuitton. Notably in 2023, Lil Nas X added his flair to the Met Gala with an eye-catching display of his own.

Valerie Steele posits that the visibility of legs as status symbols plays a crucial role in the evolution of fashion preferences. The 1930s historian James Laver's commentary on changing erogenous zones finds new meaning as legs take center stage.

Fitness guru Aimee Victoria Long echoes this sentiment, asserting that flaunting toned legs symbolizes a celebration of strength and empowerment, moving away from outdated beauty standards that idolized skinniness.

Responses to this bold trend have revealed a divided audience. Steele suggested that contemporary criticisms of the look tie back to politically charged notions in society. "We’re seeing a regression in attitudes towards women’s fashion choices reminiscent of decades past," she remarked. The juxtaposition between formal tailored suits and bare legs elicits a stark reaction.

Steele draws attention to fashion as a performance art, where the context of these styles—like Lisa’s ensemble from a girl group—makes a significant statement at events known for their avant-garde outfits. So, if you think about it, isn't it just a little shocking that they forgot to wear trousers?