I'm Calling It—These Are the Only Trousers to Wear for Summer

Summer is in full swing, and with weeks of endless sunny days in mind, of course, linen dresses, shorts suits and strappy tops are firm favourites. But if you're not one to opt for rising hemlines at the first glimpse of sunshine or you just prefer trousers, in general, we have news for you. Wide-leg trousers will be your best friend all summer and beyond. The loose-fit, often tailored style is renowned for looking effortless with minimal effort needed. And when temperatures rise, minimal effort is exactly what we want.

For daytime, wide-leg trousers look particularly good with a vest top, chunky sandals and a sleek fuss-free bag. For after-dark plans, they look equally as stylish belted with a silky shirt or a cami and heeled mules. If you opt for a neutral pair, they'll basically go with anything you own. And when it comes to fabrics, head in the direction of linen, cotton or floaty styles that'll be light and breezy and get you through the heatwaves. Need further guidance on how to style them? We'll let some of our favourite fashion influencers take it from here. Plus, keep scrolling to see the 23 pairs we rate.

How to Style Wide-Leg Trousers for Summer

best-wide-leg-trousers-for-summer-299871-1658668549716-main

(Image credit: @fransescasaffari)

Style Notes: These COS trousers have been so popular with the stylish women of Instagram that they sold out. Luckily, Francesca let everyone know they're back in stock, so you can still get them (if you're quick).

best-wide-leg-trousers-for-summer-299871-1652445061284-image

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: Proving you don't always have to opt for tailored pairs, Abi wears Karen Millen's silky feathered style as a co-ord. Fancy pants get a firm yes all year round. 

best-wide-leg-trousers-for-summer-299871-1658668491912-main

(Image credit: @thecarolinelin)

Style Notes: Neutral wide-leg trousers are a minimalist's hero item. Caroline opts for a plissé version with a white shirt. Effortless. 

Shop the Best Wide-Leg Trousers

Next up, 18 summer outfits we love.

Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.

Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people.

When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.