L.A. and Scandi It Girls Agree: This Is How You Style Summer 2026's Highly Debated Pant Trend

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@monikh, @nnennaechem, @isabellecoheen wearing balloon trousers with It-girl shoe trends for summer 2026
(Image credit: @monikh; @nnennaechem; @isabellecoheen)
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Capris have their ups and downs. Even culottes have their loyal fan base. But this summer 2026 pant trend has divided even the most stylish of fashion people. Yes, I'm talking about balloon pants. Accurately named, these billowy trousers resemble the curve of a balloon. The tapered leg cinches at the ankle, anchoring the pant, while the waist and leg deliver an oversize look. Fashion people who aren't afraid to be extra—literally, these pants are made up of a lot of fabric—are styling these curved-leg trousers with highly specific shoe trends.

Scroll on to see how It girls from L.A. to London to Oslo style the balloon pant trend. Heads up: Open-toe sandals are a popular choice, so if you're thinking about picking up a pair of these controversial pants, I recommend booking a pedicure too.

Thong Kitten Heels

@nnennaechem wearing balloon trousers with It-girl shoe trends for summer 2026

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Strappy Stilettos

@isabellecoheen wearing balloon trousers with It-girl shoe trends for summer 2026

(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)

Two-Tone Flip-Flops

@monikh wearing balloon trousers with It-girl shoe trends for summer 2026

(Image credit: @monikh)

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Josephine Hadjiloucas
Josephine Hadjiloucas
Assistant Shopping Editor

Josephine Hadjiloucas is a New York–based writer. She first interned at Who What Wear UK in 2024 and later joined Who What Wear U.S. as an assistant shopping editor after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2025. When she isn’t covering the latest Gen Z trends or updating her under-$100 Nordstrom wish list, you can find her browsing the racks of NYC’s best vintage stores or rewatching Moonstruck for the 50th time. “Snap out of it!”