If you’re looking for a no-brainer way to level-up your summer outfits but aren’t into dresses or skirts, rest assured, trousers can lend themselves just as well to the hotter summer months as their floaty counterparts, if not even more so. Just as versatile as other bottom-half alternatives, well-chosen pairs of summer trousers present an endless array of outfit options that can easily be transitioned from day to night, and from brunch dates to rooftop drinks.
Whether you’re looking to embrace the relaxed sophistication of linen trousers or want fresh ways to wear your favourite denim, I consulted my preferred reference point—Instagram, of course—to find the sleekest summer trouser outfits I could. My goal was to inspire your looks for the season ahead while giving myself some easy ‘fits to copy in the process. No one said being a fashion editor was completely selfless, after all.
So, if you prefer trousers to dresses or are just looking for new ways to develop your style over the next few months, scroll on to see eight easy summer trouser outfits that are prepped and ready for the heat.
See the Chic Summer Trouser Outfits I’m Copying This Season:
1. Scarf Top + Linen Trousers
Style Notes: Nothing says summer quite like a scarf top. I’m enjoying the pairing of lightweight silk and linen in this summer trouser outfit.
Shop the Look:
FREE PEOPLE
One Raya Bandana Top
£44
Wear this as a top or a headscarf depending on your look.
H&M
Linen-Blend Trousers
£20
I consider these to be a summer staple.
TOTEME
The Flip-Flop Flat Black Croco
£350
Toteme flip flops? I’m in.
2. Vest Top + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: Tailored trousers will always look great during the day, but I particularly like styling them for nighttime. Take your cues from Marianne (pictured) by pairing yours with a simple vest top and a slick leather belt for any evening alfresco dining moments that come your way.
Shop the Look:
ARKET
Rib Tank Top
£17
Arket always delivers on premium basics.
RALPH LAUREN
Charm Crosshatch Leather Belt
£69
The easiest way to elevate your looks is with a luxe belt.
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
Tailored Straight Pant
£65
I hear such great things about these trousers.
3. Button-up Shirt + Jeans
Style Notes: A button-up shirt is a summer wardrobe staple. Style yours with a pair of classic jeans, sunnies and a raffia tote for the ultimate warm-weather ensemble.
Shop the Look:
MARA HOFFMAN
+ Net Sustain Hailey Striped Organic Cotton-Poplin Shirt
£296
This oversized shirt will look super stylish tucked into some jeans as well as on it’s own as a dress.
H&M
Baggy Wide Low Jeans
£38
When it comes to denim, H&M never disappoints.
LOEWE
Anagram Basket bag in iraca palm and calfskin
£695
This is at the top of my holiday wishlist.
SAINT LAURENT
Oval Sunglasses
£350
I’m obsessed with the shape of these.
4. Satin Camisole + Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: When temperatures hit their peak, you’ll want to keep your fabrics cool. Consider tucking a silk or satin camisole into your trousers for a sleek look that requires minimal effort.
Shop the Look:
REFORMATION
Emmy Silk Top
£148
A top you can use to dress up your low-key pieces.
MISSOMA
Ridge Large 18ct Gold Plated Hoop Earrings
£135
I wear my Missoma hoops every single day.
H&M
Wide Crease-Leg Trousers
£28
These come in so many chic colours.
5. Tank Top + Jeans
Style Notes: Jeans absolutely fall under the category of trousers (at least they do in my book), and personally, I can’t wait to re-create Lindsey Holland’s low-key look (pictured). The subtle distress to the knee and wide-leg silhouette will be more comfortable to wear in summer temperatures than straight-leg styles.
Shop the Look:
COS
Tubular Knitted Tank Top
£45
Knitted tops will save you on cooler summer days and evenings.
JW ANDERSON
Leather Crossbody Bag
£850
A bag that will never date.
VERONICA BEARD
Taylor Wide-Leg Jean
£328
Both Lindsey Holland and fellow influencer Monikh Dale own these exact jeans.
6. Waistcoat + Striped Trousers
Style Notes: I’ve been looking for a pair of striped linen trousers ever since I saw Sasha Mei’s look (pictured), which also ticks off another major trend this year—the waistcoat.
Shop the Look:
PAIGE
Antonella Denim Vest
£240
I’m into this fitted cut.
WHISTLES
Stripe Beach Trouser
£69£55
These are so breezy!
SAINT LAURENT
Kitty Sandals in Metallic Leather
£835
Give your neutral looks an unexpected twist with a colourful shoe.
7. Loose T-Shirt + Track Pants
Style Notes: When the weather is too hot, and you want to look stylish with minimal effort, a casual tee and tracksuit pants combo will see you through. You can then elevate the look with accessories such as a chic designer tote and a stylish sandal.
Shop the Look:
COS
Clean Cut T-Shirt
£30
You can buy this shirt in so many colours and patterns.
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
+ Y-3 Striped Stretch-Ponte Pants
£250
Tracksuit pants are not just for exercising!
LOEWE
Large LOEWE Font Tote in raffia
£1450
You can fit so much in this tote.
8. Baby Tee + Loose Trousers
Style Notes: Between the cropped baby tee, the billowing linen trousers slung low on the hip and a silver choker necklace, this summer trouser outfit is practically a love letter to all that was good about ’90s fashion.
Shop the Look:
STRADIVARIUS
Short Sleeve Cropped T-Shirt
£10
I’ve just ordered this in navy, black and white.
LIE STUDIO
The Elly Silver-Plated Necklace
£345
Silver jewellery will never date.
H&M
Linen-Blend Pull-On Trousers
£16
H&M is my go-to for expensive-looking linen pieces.
