L.A. and Scandi It Girls Agree: This Is How You Style Summer 2026's Highly Debated Trouser Trend
Not capris. Not culottes. Everyone with taste is wearing this specific trouser trend this summer, and pairing them with these precise shoe trends.
Ava Gilchrist
Capris have their ups and downs. Even culottes have their loyal fan base. But this summer 2026 trouser trend has divided even the most stylish of fashion people. Yes, I'm talking about balloon trousers. 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 oversized 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.
3 Shoe Trends It Girls Are Styling With Balloon Trousers
1. Heeled Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Combat the voluminous shape with a sleek and polished shoe choice. The heeled flip-flop is paramount amongst these. With an elevated finish—both figuratively and literally—minimalist shape and simple silhouette, this is a style that offsets the boxy shape whilst still complementing it.
Shop the Trend:
Perfect for the boudoir to after-work drinks at your favourite cocktail bar.
From Tiffany & Co. to Jennifer Behr, every luxury jewellery brand is banking on the pendant necklace trend.
Billowy perfection.
This suede of shade is so sumptuous—despite how much effort you'd have to go to to keep it clean.
When it comes to heeled flip-flops, everyone with taste is reaching for this Toteme style.
2. Strappy Stilettos
Style Notes: For something with a bit of visual intrigue, reach for a strappy stiletto. Balloon trousers are quite a straightforward silhouette, with an uncomplicated shape and unfussy design, so contrast this simplicity with a shoe that packs a bit more of a punch.
Shop the Trend:
This two-toned bandeau top feels so Calvin Klein circa spring/summer 1997.
M&S always delivers well-crafted and affordable-priced pieces that adhere to the latest trends.
Inspired by The Row's Bare sandals, this Reformation pair is far more accessible.
Scottish luxury accessory brand, Strathberry, delivers some of the most covetable and exceptionally crafted pieces in the entire United Kingdom.
For a softer jewellery look, try this classic T-Bar shape, which has been brought back into the mainstream after Anne Hathaway wore one in The Devil Wears Prada 2.
3. Two-Tone Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Skip the heels altogether and reach for the most in-demand shoe trend this summer: two-toned flip-flops. Most commonly seen in a red-and-black colour palette, this trend can be traced back to last summer, when styles from The Row and Ancient Greek Sandals reigned supreme, which is good news for anyone who has held onto their pair for this season.
Shop the Trend:
Flore Flore is one of those emerging brands that specialises in exceptional basics that are incredibly fun, flirty and refined.
CBK-approved.
These have a slight eveningwear feel to them, making them perfect for day-to-night dressing.
Suede bags continue to reign supreme.
The flip-flop of the summer, for another year in a row.
Shop More Balloon Trousers
Fluid and elegant.
Australian brand DISSH knows how to deliver elegant essentials that remind you of coastal living.
If Barbara Eden from I Dream of Jeannie shopped at places like Relik Vintage in Portobello Road, these The Frankie Shop trousers are the precise pair she'd wear.
Polka-dots continue to be the print du jour, and these balloon trousers put a really subtle spin on the trend.
The drawstring finish around the ankle offers more styling possibilities.
Butter yellow shows no signs of slowing down.
This mole colour way is set to sell-out.
This burgundy shade will last you well into winter.
A more tailored take on the trend.
This textured iteration demands to be worn on some balmy holiday in the sun.
This silhouette is so sleek, but so simple.
Fulfil all your boho fantasies in this pair.
These sadly don't come with the chain belt, but the look proves how you can easily accessorise the style.
The silk chiffon fabric is heavenly.
