We're officially approaching summer dress season, where we cycle through puff-sleeve numbers, swinging shifts, and endlessly versatile ‘do-it-all’ designs on a weekly rotation as part of our unofficial uniform. But for those who prefer to live day in and day out in jeans, chances are you're looking for a cooler alternative to cope with the scorching temperatures. Enter summer's latest trend: colorful striped trousers.
Deck chair-esque stripes have been cropping up across dresses and skirts in a vibrant array of seasonal shades, with the print firmly featuring across the spring/summer 2026 runways. Their adornment on trousers can be directly traced back to Versace's collection, with the Italian fashion house bringing the irreverence of Miami in the ‘80s to the catwalk. Meanwhile, Dolce & Gabbana showcased elastic-waisted, loose pajama styles, some of which were decorated with pretty floral embroidery.
We’ve seen street-style stars wear endless iterations in an array of fabrics from classic cotton, breathable linen, and even denim if you don't want to be pushed too far out of your comfort zone. The key is to ditch boring, plain blue washes for eye-catching designs. Stick to simple colorways with two alternating shades striped vertically down each leg, or opt for something a bit more daring in the form of multi-colored stripes adorning your trews in every color of the rainbow.
On the hunt for the perfect pair? So was I—and I found them at Zara for just $60. The multicoloured design features stripes in varying widths that make for such a fun, summery statement piece. Wear them with a slinky tank and sandals for beachside strolls, or style them with a crisp button-down and loafers for the office. I’ll be bringing them on my Eurosummer vacation, that’s for sure!
Naturally, I went looking for more styles, and I also fell in love with these…
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!
