Linen trousers are a summer wardrobe essential. Available in a range of colors, as part of coordinating sets and suits, and with elasticated or more formal waistbands, there really is a pair for everyone. On days when it's too hot to even contemplate wearing jeans, you require more formality than denim shorts, and you want to mix up your summer dress rotation, these easy, breezy bottoms are style saviors.
Their prowess extends far beyond their breathable, cooling properties. Few items work just as well for the office as they do the beach, along with flitting effortlessly between casual weekends *and* summer weddings. And yet, with the right styling, linen trousers can do all that and more.
Speaking of styling, we've found the secret to achieving your desired linen trouser look all comes down to your shoes. Paired with everything from flips-flops to loafers, they'll see you through all your summer plans. Which is a good thing, as we're intending to live in ours for the foreseeable.
So, keep scrolling for all the outfit inspo you need on how to wear linen trousers with summer's biggest shoe trends.
Linen trousers and flip-flops
Sure, linen trousers can be dressed up as part of a two- or three-piece suit and worn for any number of formal occasions, but they are undeniably a casual wardrobe staple thanks to their lightweight natural fabrication that's prone to creasing. Tap into the relaxed vibe by wearing yours with flip-flops or – if you want to keep the overall look feeling smart – heeled flip-flops, in line with the controversial shoe's revival in summer 2025.
Linen trousers and mesh ballet flats
Mesh ballet flats may have dominated last summer, but they're still big news this season. A fact we're more than thrilled about, especially as they're the perfect shoe for wearing with your linen trousers. Just as breathable thanks to the woven, open mesh design, they perfectly straddle the smart-casual line just as linen trousers do. We'll be keeping the rest of our outfit simple – think a coordinating waistcoat, or a plain t-shirt and leather belt – for a streamlined, minimal aesthetic.
Butter yellow linen trousers and same coloured shoes
It's been hard to escape the penchant for butter yellow this season. But you know what they say – if you can't beat them, join them. We're planning on recreating this deliciously rich look with our own pair of sunshine linen trews and matching sandals in the same cheery hue. Bonus style points if you rep a butter yellow blazer or top too, to nail two trends in one ensemble, thanks to monochrome dressing.
Linen trousers and metal-hardware shoes
The quickest way to make linen look expensive? Contrasting the lightweight, breathable fabric with tougher materials. We're talking chunky, statement jewellery and metal hardware detailing on your other accessories. Luckily, there are multiple sandal trends that fit this brief, from embellished toe-ring designs to charm-adorned styles. If it's closed-toe shoes you're after, look to studded ballet flats or toe-cap heels.
Linen trousers and kitten heels
Pretty sure we've mentioned how easy it is to dress up linen trousers with the rest of your clothing while keeping the look casual with your footwear, but what about the other way around? Kitten heels catapult the look firmly into ‘smart’ territory, even if your linen bottoms feature an elasticated waist. This strapless linen top and trousers co-ord is perfect summer date night attire, with pumps or strappy sandals featuring a small and oh-so-walkable kitten heel providing the perfect finishing touch.
Linen trousers and loafers
Hailey Bieber's street style is second-to-none, and that includes this linen trousers 'fit. An unbuttoned top adds a daring twist while an oversized leather jacket keeps it cool, but it's the lug-sole loafers that give this look some edge. Safe to say we'll be recreating ASAP (though with a few more buttons done up) for a fresh take on summer workwear dressing.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
