Why I Love Wide-Leg Trousers In Summer

Wide-leg trousers are my summer failsafe. I’m pale-skinned (translucent you might say) and the only type of tanning lotion I can be bothered to apply is Garnier’s Summer Body moisturising lotion?with tan. It gives me a hint of a glow with minimum effort, which is exactly how I like my beauty routine (tanning mitts, latex gloves and tan-stained pyjamas all seems like an awful lot of mess and hard work – and every weekend?). But still I will never expose my legs in summer, unless I’m going for a swim. I haven’t worn a pair of shorts since I was roughly ten, and the only summer dresses in my wardrobe are maxis (and thank goodness for them). So my sartorial survival guide for this time of year is built around palazzo pants, loose-leg linen trousers and, this season in particular, culottes.

My favourite pair of trousers on the high street right now is River Island’s Studio palazzo pants in tomato red. They look perfect with a cobalt blue top I bought in Whistles a few years ago. The silhouette is paired back but elegant, while the vibrant colour-block adds personality to the look.

If the heatwave predicted for the end of this month actually arrives, I’ll be wearing Zara’s indigo denim culottes. Skinny jeans are the last thing I want to wear when the weather really warms up, yet there are days when the dressed-down appeal of denim is exactly what’s needed. Culottes, with their loose-fitting cropped cut, offer ventilation and they look as good with a sandal as they do with a boot when the temperatures drop again.

Wide-leg trousers look sophisticated styled with this season’s sleeveless jacket. The streamlined shape of the jacket balances the wideness of the trouser legs nicely. I’ll be wearing mine with this palette-cleansing dove grey version from Wallis. Subtle but chic.