Talking Summer Trousers...

And by that I of course mean let’s talk about summer trousers, not that I have discovered trousers that talk…!

Here we are in July already, it’s hot, it’s not… British summer time is not shaping up to be endless heatwaves, some things never change! But where does this leave us on the bottom half....? It’s often a bit too warm for jeans which are heavy material generally, but for those who live in jeans what’s the alternative?! Dresses? Skirts? Shorts? Perhaps your legs aren’t as tanned as you’d like them to be just yet… Maybe you just don’t love getting your legs out full stop. Some style personalities don’t veer towards dresses and skirts... Oh the minefield of summer!

Well, here’s a few ideas for some trousers that work great in summer…

First off, the chino - they never really disappear from the summer shelves, being a classic style. They will last for many a season, so a good investment if you don’t already have a pair.

This style works really well for a more straight or angular body type (rectangle, column, inverted triangle), as they tend to come in a stiffer fabric, curvier shapes might find them a bit too sharp. Some pairs will taper at the end of the leg, which will emphasise the curve of the hip, helping create that bit of definition for a straighter body type. Oval body shapes can also wear chinos, but probably with a figure skimming top, left out (don’t tuck in) and ending below the hip.

Give a little roll up at the bottom, and team with sandals - or trainers or ankle boots if it doesn’t feel warm enough for toes out.

I love these ones for a natural look, and they work great with a blazer to smarten your look up.

Next on my list is the wide leg trouser, and if you’re after the epitome of summer, I’d go for a linen or linen mix - not only does it just look summery, it’s also a great fabric for letting air circulate and therefore keeping you nice and cool. Another classic, which will give you longevity, and the best thing about wide legs? They pretty much suit everyone!

Think about the flow of the fabric, extra pleats and pockets will add volume round the waist and hips, which work on straighter shapes, however if you’re curvier in shape, look for a smooth fit over the waist and hips, and a floaty fabric. If you’ve got waist definition, tuck your top in, if not (oval or rectangle) then you’re better off with a figure skimming top, not tucked in.

Love this very simple monochrome look for a chic, cool work outfit.

Paper bag trousers have been very ‘in’ for a while. These are a great style if you are looking to add a little shape and definition - they’re pulled in at your waist, and voluminous above the belt line and around the hips (as per if you grab in the top of a paper bag - see what they did there…?!) If you’re more curvy anyway, and you enjoy emphasising that, then they’re a good style for you too! These are fun, and sassy with the animal print!

Culottes are a little like wide legs in that everyone can wear them, although an oval or rectangle shape might feel this style doesn’t show off their best asset - their shapely legs, so these shapes could go for a shorter length, like in this pic. For everyone, they’ll slim up the ankle as the wide seam is always going to be much wider.

Follow the same principles on detail around the waist and hip, and flowy or stiffer fabric depending on your body shape. Culottes look great with sandals, heels or trainers. They also cross seasons really nicely as they look fab with a pair of tights and long boots in the cooler weather too!

Personally, I love a cargo pant. I definitely wear mine a lot in a casual outfit with flat sandals or trainers, but although they are maybe the most relaxed of my options, I also really love a dressed up cargo - like in these pics. They look fab with high heels, in my opinion! Cargo pants are great for straighter figures, who want to create a bit of volume on the bottom half - lean rectangles or inverted triangles - because they’ve often got lots of pockets and details all over. Although traditional army type cargos are pretty thick, you can get them in lightweight materials, great for summer.

Well, hopefully that gives you some ideas for summer trousers! Just a couple of other tips…

• Elasticated waistlines are great in the summer as they’re a bit more forgiving and comfier when the weather is hot. Buttons and zips can feel a bit constrictive

• Think about the fabric you’re choosing - natural fabrics like cotton or linen will let you breathe a bit more. The air will circulate more easily, and you’ll feel much cooler

• Remember the eye will focus on wherever you make lines with your clothes, so if you’ve got a natural waist to emphasise, think about a higher waist line, nipping in where you’ve got a curve anyway. For straighter figures, you can create a waist by having a lower waistline which creates volume further down your figure

• Think about your overall stature - if you’re petite, make sure you’re wearing trousers to fit your shape. You can have the length adjusted so your trousers are fully flattering you. Equally for a taller person, you want your trousers to fall in the right place on your leg, so look for a longer inseam

• Neutrals like beige, white, khaki, or oatmeal are great for this time of year - the lighter tones will feel more summery, and you can match them with most colours on top. In the brighter months, why not try a brighter colour from your palette on top?

• All these options will go fab with a denim jacket or a lightweight blazer, which are excellent outerwear options for summer evenings when it feels slightly cooler

Happy trouser wearing!