6 Summer Trouser Outfits So Good They'll Rival Dresses

As the temperatures climb steadily higher, there's only one thing on our minds: dressing to stay cool. And while there are hundreds of dresses and skirts on the market right now that will do exactly that, I want to propose a new summer staple: trousers. The phrase summer trousers might seem like a contradiction, but believe me when I say they exist, whether in light, breathable fabrics or balanced with a sleeveless top. There's no reason the trousers that we rely on day in and day out have to be relegated to the back of the wardrobe until autumn. 

The perfect pair of trousers has a power that is not to be underestimated, and the right cut and style can become a signature. (Just ask Dakota Johnson.) When you're in need of a piece that will make any outfit feel polished and put-together, a summery tea dress just won't cut it, but the humble trouser will look just as chic in the office as it will at a picnic. 

In a bid to convince you of the possibilities of summer trousers, I've found six outfit ideas starring trousers.

1. Wide-Leg Trousers + a Waistcoat 

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

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(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

During the height of lockdown, while we were all comfortably wearing loungewear, the waistcoat made an unexpected return to the runway. Now that we're back to dressing up and heading out, this tailored look is still gaining momentum and is our first choice for a chic office-appropriate pairing that we can wear on weekends, too. 

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2. Striped Trousers + a Tank Top 

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@annabelrosendahl

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Inject some personality into your look with fun, printed trousers—florals, gingham, paisley, you know name it. But one option that always stands the test of time is the stripe. Forget corporate pinstripes; this summer, we want to wear bold brights and plenty of colour and texture. 

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3. Utility Trousers + a Halterneck Top

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

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(Image credit: @Charlottekuhrt)

This summer, it's time to choose an aesthetic. Throwback references have dominated this year, and there is a showdown between the shine and sparkle of Y2K fashion and the muted minimalism of the early '90s. Fans of the latter, this trend will speak to you. Cargo trousers are back, so pair them with a strappy top for a nod to the understated decade.

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4. Head-to-Toe White

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

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Monochrome dressers, rejoice. There is a summer alternative to winter's all-black uniform: palette-cleansing white. Layer up in jersey, cotton and linen to feel (and look) instantly cooler. Just be careful with your morning coffee… 

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5. Sheer Trousers + Prints 

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(Image credit: @fashionenth)

For the ultimate heatwave trousers, there is an option that allows your skin to breathe. In fact, it will feel like you're wearing nothing at all. Barely there, sheer, billowy trousers are perfect for pulling on over a bikini straight from the beach—just pair with statement-making prints.

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6. Yellow Trousers + Sorbet Shades 

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(Image credit: @gabifresh)

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(Image credit: @greceghanem )

Make the most of the sunny season in refreshing pastel shades paired with zesty brights. We're seeing yellow trousers popping up all over our feeds, and the best way to wear them is a bold colour clash to brighten up your day. 

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Next Up, The Affordable Summer Capsule We Are All Completely Obsessed With

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Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.