Denim detox: spring/summer 2026 runways embrace trousers
Forget the frocks. This season, it’s all about the trousers. After a decade dominated by denim, Spring/Summer2026 runways have decisively shifted focus, championing a multitude of trouser silhouettes and materials.
A seismic style change
Designers, from Isabel Marant to Schiaparelli, are urging a sartorial reset, moving beyond the ubiquitous blue jean. The easy swap – pairing existing tops and shoes with new trouser styles – promises a significant impact on the overall look, elevating basic ‘fits into something undeniably polished. The change isn't just a trend; it's a deliberate re-calibration of the wardrobe.
Cargo comeback, reimagined
The ‘00s favourite is back, but with a distinctly modern twist. Oversized pockets, a signature of the trend, remain, but are now executed in more tailored proportions and often rendered in neutral palettes – think the understated sophistication championed by Tibi and Zara. Zara’s take, featuring paperbag waists and adjustable cuffs, demonstrates a keen understanding of contemporary comfort and fit.
Sportswear’s subtle influence
Side-stripe trousers – a direct echo of sportswear – are permeating collections across the board, including Loewe, Tory Burch, and Miu Miu. But the key lies in the execution. Whether you opt for vintage-inspired tracksuits or more elevated variations, the strategic placement of the stripe creates a point of visual interest. Serena Bute’s Classic Jogger expertly bridges the gap between casual and smart, proving adaptable to a range of occasions.
Balloon legs: an unexpected statement
Initially intimidating, balloon-leg trousers are proving surprisingly wearable. Designers like Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung, and Michael Kors are embracing the silhouette, pairing them with slouchy knits and sandals for a bohemian feel, or transforming them into office-ready separates with cropped jackets and heels. The volume is key – the wider the hem, the more impactful the look. H&M’s balloon-leg modal trousers, with their gathered pleats, offer a practical solution for balancing the expansive silhouette.
Silk and satin: the day-to-night upgrade
Comfortable as linen, yet possessing an undeniable air of sophistication, silk and satin trousers are the must-have investment piece this spring. From Schiaparelli’s opulent creations to Giorgio Armani’s understated elegance, these fabrics are being styled with everything from ballet flats to crisp white shirts. Abercrombie’s olive green satin pull-on pant offers a bold alternative to the expected black, proving that a little colour can make a big difference.
A return to refined cropped styles
Cropped capri trousers are experiencing a resurgence, adopted by style influencers like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber. Carolina Herrera and Ralph Lauren are offering more polished versions, often paired with structured jackets. Marks & Spencer’s pintuck capri leggings, featuring a refined pintuck detail, provide a sophisticated take on this timeless silhouette.
The bottom line
The denim dominance is officially over. This season, trousers are the statement piece – offering a versatile and instantly elevated alternative to the jeans that have long reigned supreme.