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When it comes to the colour palette of my wardrobe, I’ve always played it safe. Black, navy, grey, white and occasionally khaki if I’m feeling adventurous. If I’m given the choice between a bold colour or a tame neutral, I’m always team neutral.
But I’ve finally branched out by treating myself to the hottest trousers of the summer. A magnificent pair of button front, pink, red and green stripe trews from La Veste.
Now, if there are readers like me who prefer a stealth wealth palette of low-key colours, you may be recoiling in horror at the image.
But trust me, you won’t look as though you’ve wandered out of the circus. Trousers like these were featured across the Spring/Summer 2026 runways – my firm favourites being the tutti-frutti stripes at Versace.
They’re not those baggy drawstring pinstripe pyjama styles. Oh no. These are tailored and actually suitable for grown-ups.
You’re looking for wide-leg cuts and flattering denim shapes that skim the body rather than cling to it. And go for wide, statement stripes in Crayola colours.
Suit: Kipper, £450, kipper.club
It’s a bold investment but one that can transform your entire wardrobe. They have the same outfit-making ability as a pair of leopard print trousers used to, making the simplest pieces in your wardrobe feel suddenly more interesting.
Bold stripes require very little styling and, frankly, that is exactly what I want from my summer wardrobe.
Throw them on with flip-flops and any old top and let your trousers do the talking. Indeed, you can get your neutrals fix through your top half, as they pair best with a plain white or black t-shirt.
Here are my five dos and don’ts to getting the striped trouser look right this summer…
Don’t wear them as part of a full suit: As gorgeous as this suit from Boden is, I’d only invest in the trousers, £139.
Worn with the jacket, £219, it might be too much for even the most fashion-savvy among us.
The linen trousers, however, paired with a lightweight knit, are perfect. They have a smart zip fly at the front but are elasticated at the back, making them fabulously comfortable. They’re available in petite, regular and long and sizes 4 – 22. The only downside? They’re dry clean only.
Was £139
Was £219
Do wear them as a co-ord: No to a structured suit, but yes to a lighter, less tailored matching set.
I’m a huge fan of co-ords which are idiot-proof when it comes to getting dressed – as easy as a dress, but so much more modern.
Marks & Spencer’s Linen Rich Striped Wide Leg Trousers, £28, are available in extra short, petite, regular and long lengths, in sizes 6–24. I’d style them with the matching scalloped edge sleeveless tank, £34.
Don’t over-accessorise: This is not the time for statement jewellery, eye-catching shoes or a competing handbag.
The trousers are the main event, especially if you go for an eye-popping pair like La Veste’s Pippi pants, £180.
High-rise with a straight leg that finishes just above the ankle, they’re 100% cotton, handmade in Spain, and worth every penny.
DO wear them instead of your usual jeans: The easiest way to introduce these attention-grabbing stripes into your wardrobe is to wear them exactly as you would your favourite denim.
A white T-shirt, a cotton shirt or that prairie blouse – whatever you’d wear with your blue jeans, wear it with your stripes – in this case, a rich red, purple, pink and mustard from H&M, £46.75. An instant and easy wardrobe update.
DO add them to your holiday wardrobe: In fact, I think striped trousers really come into their own on holiday – relaxed and dressed down.
A loose-fitting white shirt, your favourite flip-flops and an oversized straw bag complete the look perfectly.
If you’re not quite ready for bright colours, then this simple blue striped pair from Mango, £45.99, is a good entry point, and they’re selling fast.
