It's safe to say that the majority of our time spent dressed, we are wearing jeans. However, spring – and the warmer weather it brings with it – provides the perfect opportunity to ditch your denim. While you might think we'd advocate for throwing on a swishy midi skirt or a summer dress to sartorially signal our entrance into a new season, the spring/summer 2026 runways had other ideas, championing trousers in countless iterations across the designer collections.
It's an inherently easy style swap to make, as your trousers of choice will likely go with the same tops and shoes you would usually pair your jeans with. But the impact it has on your overall ensemble can be seismic, transforming once basic ‘fits into something polished, put together and far more fashion-forward.
From updated, modern takes on trouser trends from seasons past to brand new designs offering instant outfit elevation, there's no shortage of styles to choose from. So, pull up your britches and let's get into the top trouser trends to know this spring.
Cargo pants
The ‘00s favourite has been reimagined for 2026 with a more tailored silhouette. Multiple oversized pockets placed down the leg remain a central fixture of the design, as does the neutral colour palette, per the Isabel Marant and Tibi runways. But don't be afraid to experiment with the fabric of your cargo pants, from cotton to satin (more on the latter below).
We love Zara's take on the trend that includes a paperbag waist and adjustable cuffs to allow for a more tapered leg, should you wish.
Sports luxe side stripes
The sportswear aesthetic was felt across the SS26 collections (see Loewe, Tory Burch and Miu Miu for starters), but admittedly, the easiest (and our favourite) way to wear the look is with a pair of side-stripe trousers. You can't go wrong whether you opt for vintage tracksuit bottoms in a bold, block colour à la Lacoste or Adidas' classic design, or something more sophisticated with the go-faster side-stripe providing a point of contrast. It's all about how you want to style the look.
Serena Bute's classic jogger sits somewhere between the two on the smart-casual spectrum, able to be dressed up or down.
Balloon-leg trousers
Undeniably intimidating, we're here to tell you balloon-leg trousers are actually much more wearable than you might initially think. There's no shortage of outfit inspiration as the style was spotted at Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung, Roksanda, Balmain, and Michael Kors. Pair yours with slouchy jumpers and sandals to tap into a boho vibe, while a cropped jacket and pointed-toe heels transform these trousers for the office. One thing's for sure, the bigger the better – at least when it comes to your trouser hems.
Still unsure? Try this H&M style – the gathered pleats around the waist serve to balance out the volume in the leg.
Three-quarter capris
Cropped capri trousers have made a strong comeback over the past couple of summers, adopted into the unofficial off-duty model uniform by the likes of Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Hailey Bieber. There was no missing their presence on the SS26 runways. While Versace kept things fun, Carolina Herrera and Ralph Lauren provided a grown-up take with coordinating structured jackets.
For those wanting to follow suit, the pintuck detail on this M&S pair lends extra refinement to the look.
Silk and satin styles
As comfy (and creasy) as linen but oozing effortless polish, silk and satin trousers are the instant way to dress up any outfit this spring. Style them with a simple round-neck cardigan and ballet flats, or a crisp white shirt and loafers; there's no need to save them for after-dark. Schiaparelli, Valentino, Ferragamo, and Giorgio Armani all confirmed it: silk and satin trousers should be your new day-to-day go-to.
Don't be afraid to experiment with colour, though darker shades will look more flattering on. Switch up basic black with Abercrombie's rich olive green hue.
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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!
