It's Officially Too Hot for Jeans—This Is the Timeless Trouser Trend I’m Wearing With Blouses and T-Shirts Instead
I hate to say it, but it's officially too hot for jeans. With the Met Office deeming the UK in drought and yet more heatwaves on the cards this summer, my denim has been gathering dust. As a fashion editor who believes comfort and style should work in tandem, I've been feverishly hunting for a staple that would provide everything I love about jeans, but with a warm-weather-appropriate twist. Pretty summer dresses? Not right for the office. Linen trousers? Timeless, but a little lacklustre. And then I stumbled across striped trousers.
Now that fashion has entered its latest maximalist era, playful prints are everywhere, and it's impossible to miss the spirited polish of stripes walking down the street. From pyjama pants to tailored wide-leg trousers, summer 2026 is the season of the stripe. Lightweight, breathable, versatile and stylish, striped trousers work perfectly with this season's eclectic mood. So if you've been flirting with the idea of incorporating an uplifting dose of dopamine into your wardrobe, this statement piece is a fail-safe way to do it.
I set about looking for fresh ways to wear striped trousers, seeking inspo from the chicest people on my social feeds. Whether styled with a cute halterneck and easy flip-flops, or a trending peplum top and classic loafers, these outfits are getting me excited to style my own pair. Scroll to see the six looks below; you'll soon understand why they’ve made it into my Saved folder.
How to Wear Striped Trousers the Summer 2026 Way
1. Striped Trousers + Striped Shirt + Raffia Bag
Style Notes: Can you ever go wrong with a co-ord in summer? An instant outfit in just two pieces; when you add a stripe, you have an instantly cool summer-ready look. Take inspo from Barbara Kristoffersen (pictured above) and finish yours with a stylish raffia tote and straw cowboy hat straight off the beach.
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The perfect fabric for heatwaves.
These would also look chic with a white tank and sandals on a cooler day.
This bag also comes in mini and large sizes.
The beads are right on trend for summer 2026.
A classic.
2. Striped Trousers + Strapless Top + Metal-Detail Sandals
Style Notes: Further proof that striped-trouser outfits don’t have to be all fuss and frills; they can be impeccably chic, too. Leaning into neutral hues and timeless silhouettes, Emily Wells (pictured above) creates a look that's all about effortless elegance. Using her blue beaded bag and dainty red rope necklace to add a pop of colour, this easy-to-replicate look is one I’ll be wearing on repeat.
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How to wear bustiers for daytime.
These come in sizes XXS–XXL and have a longer length if you're tall.
The vibrant blue will brighten your neutrals with a playful pop.
So versatile.
The chicest way to wear a diamond this season.
3. Striped Trousers + Headscarf + Peplum Top
Style Notes: Opting for a classic pair of pinstripe trousers in a stylish chocolate hue, Mary Jean's look makes the most of playful pieces to transition smart trousers into summer territory. From her pretty embroidered-lace headscarf to her sculptural denim peplum top, this look is one to save for later if you’re after a way to make your pinstripe trousers feel softer and more wearable in 2026.
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Shop Mary's exact top.
These come in 11 prints and patterns.
If you're after a cooler ruched loafer, look no further than this Alohas pair.
Headscarves have become the accessory of the summer.
Ganni's bags are It-girl favourites.
4. Striped Trousers + Pillbox Hat + Printed Top
Style Notes: Don't be afraid of mixing prints and patterns; if you know how to style them well, they can look incredibly chic. In a 'fit perfect for the maximalist dressers amongst us, Barbara Santiago pairs her stripes with a vivid leopard-print top, creating a base which packs a punch. Finishing with tan-tone accessories, she uses her vintage-inspired belt and raffia pillbox hat to pull the array of shades and prints together. Honestly, it's a masterclass in modern style.
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Such an elegant neckline.
The more stripes, the merrier.
Don't sleep on Aspinal of London's exquisite bag selection this summer.
Find me a sleeker pair of ballet flats—I'll wait.
This pillbox hat also comes in black.
5. Striped Trousers + Loose Shirt + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: If you’re a pared-back dresser, Kim Turkington's look is one you must see. Opting for a pair of striped trousers in white and black, the über-thin stripes are subtler, and this styling choice allows her bright-blue Oxford shirt to really shine, creating vivid visual interest. Bonus points if you keep your accessories minimal too.
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You can never go wrong with a brilliant blue, in my eyes.
I'm stealing this look for my next trip away.
A Who What Wear UK editor favourite.
Kendall Jenner was recently spotted carrying this exact tote.
Jimmy Fairly is my go-to sunglasses brand.
6. Striped Trousers + Halterneck Top + Bright Sandals
Style Notes: This summer, vertical striped trousers have really picked up. Loved for their dopamine-inducing playfulness, when styling, lean into playful colours and shape to keep them looking fresh. Case in point: Rebecca Ferraz Wyatt’s beach-to-bar look (above). From her fun halterneck top to her '60s-style specs, each piece is refined enough to allow her trousers to stand out.
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Halterneck tops have been all over my social feeds this summer.
Shop Rebecca's exact trousers.
Archies Arch Support Flip Flops are this year's affordable flip-flop of choice.
Statement-making sunnies.
This would look just as chic with a full white look.
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