If there's one material that *screams* summer, it's linen. Cool, comfy, and eternally stylish, it combines understated luxury with an organic feel. Seriously, linen blurs the lines between casual and classy so easily that it's the perfect fabric for any social occasion. We're talking shift dresses for Mediterranean beach days, or oversized suits for that chic wedding guest feel.
Suits and dresses aside, we've noticed there's one linen product that's trumping even the cutest of drop-waist numbers. It's a pair of trusty linen trousers, of course. This season, we've seen them varying in silhouette, from palazzos to ankle grazers to tapered pairs. However, one of our favourite — and perhaps more unique shapes — is the balloon-leg. Which, by the way, is the perfect alternative to a summer dress if you're looking to expand your linen collection, or switch up your hot weather wardrobe.
The balloon-leg is, coincidentally, one of this season's biggest trouser shapes, too. From luxury brands like Michael Kors, Altuzarra, and ALAÏA showing the trousers in their runway collections, to high street stores like Next offering more affordable versions. And M&S has now come through with a pair! Which naturally, considering our above love letter to linen, come in that exact material.
The trousers come in black (£46) or white (£32), and promise to take you through the warmer months in style. Complete with a flattering high-waisted fit and balloon leg, they also feature pintuck detailing at the waist for an elegant decorative detail. The sleek design also has a concealed hook-and-bar-and-zip fastening, plus elasticated bow-tie cuffs to ensure a classic and contemporary combo. Each pair is available in sizes 6 through to 24, and has different leg fits, from extra short to long, to suit each stature.
The black and white options allow for endless styling options, too. If you're going for the former — which in our opinion, feels the more formal of the two — they'd look great with a fitted, statement top. Take a leaf out of the model's book with a sultry mesh leotard with lace detailing and open-toe kitten heels. Honestly, this ‘fit is giving Charli XCX meets Dua Lipa.
Or, go for the white pair for ultimate holiday vibes. We'd recommend pairing with an oversized shirt for that laidback La Dolce Vita feel, and perhaps layering with some earth-toned jewellery. Thinking of something more casual, for an afternoon walking around any European Old Town? Add a simple fitted white vest to show off your glowing tan.
Looking for more high street balloon-leg linen trouser inspo? Keep scrolling for some of our favourite picks:
Hush Tove Linen Balloon Beach Trousers
Harrie Linen Blend Baggy Fit Trousers
OYSHO 100% linen balloon trousers
Sophie Williams is a Freelance Journalist and Copywriter, covering everything from Fashion to Entertainment to music, Lifestyle and Features. She has interviewed a range of musical artists and authors including Alyssa Edwards, Courtney Barnett, Confidence Man, The Vaccines, Loyle Carner, Gabrielle, and John Niven, and has written for publications like Metro, Reader's Digest, ITV's Woo! and Vice’s NBGA. She is also working on a book for HarperCollins about Taylor Swift, due to be published in 2024.
