Fashion

Brown linen trousers will be everywhere this summer – here's how to style them

Here's how this classic is getting a makeover for 2026.
Image may contain Formal Wear Person Standing Fashion Clothing Pajamas Sleeve Blazer Coat Jacket and Dress
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

Linen is a warm weather staple every year, but brown linen trousers have emerged in particular as this year's trend. Unsure on how to style yours? We've got you.

After a series of false starts, spring is finally here! And with the warmer weather, you'll need a wardrobe update. Your chunky knits can be relegated to the back of your closet again, replaced by lighter cardigans and romantic blouses. Thick tights and heavy layers can be stowed away for another six months, replaced by swishy midi skirts and airy garments.

Featured in this article:

Brown Linen Barrel Leg Trouser
Jump to review
Isabelle Linen Top
Jump to review
Petite Zoey Linen Wide Leg Trousers
Jump to review

Each season is associated with certain fabrics. Autumn/winter naturally makes you think of wool, tweed and (faux) fur. Spring/summer, on the other hand, calls for fabrics like light cottons, silks and – perhaps most of all – linens. Linen is made from the fibres of flax plants, and is suitable for the hot months because of its properties: it is highly breathable, moisture-wicking (meaning it dries quickly) and has low heat retention.

Although linen is always a summer staple, recently we've seen an uptick in brown linen trousers in particular. The neutral shade is what you'd expect from linen, but the chocolate brown is slightly more interesting than the beige hue it regularly comes in. Comfy, practical, yet stylish all at the same time, a pair of brown linen trousers is the perfect base for any spring/summer outfit. We'll show you how to style them.

How to style brown linen trousers
Image may contain Paulina Gretzky Accessories Bag Handbag Clothing Pants Purse Pedestrian Person Adult and Car
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Boho accessories

Bohemian style was all the rage last summer, and it looks like it's not going anywhere this year. Maximalist accessories like bangles, pendants and statement earrings were particularly popular. They pair perfectly with brown linen trousers, since the whole style evokes the hippie movement of the late '60s and ‘70s (which, it’s important to note, took huge inspiration from South Asian style).

Image may contain: Clothing, Pants, Footwear, Sandal, and Shoe

Brown Linen Barrel Leg Trouser

Image may contain: Accessories, Jewelry, Ring, and Tape

ONLY 3-Pack Resin Bangles

Image may contain Adult Person Clothing Pants Pedestrian Accessories Bag Handbag Knitwear and Sweater
Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images

Cream jumper

At the moment, the sun has started to shine but we're a few months away from the height of summer. Periods like this is when a light jumper comes in handy. A sheer, thin or loosely-woven knit in a cream shade would be perfect for precisely this moment.

Image may contain: Clothing, Pants, Home Decor, Linen, and Jeans

A&F Sloane Linen-Blend Tailored Wide Leg Pant

Image may contain: Clothing, Knitwear, and Sweater

Eloise Frill Henley Jumper

Image may contain Clothing Formal Wear Suit Pants Blazer Coat Jacket Pedestrian Person Accessories and Bag
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Pop of blue

For some reason, blue just looks really good with brown. We don't make the rules. If you want to add some interest to your outfit and avoid an all-neutral look, go for a shade of light blue. Cornflower and powder blue will look particularly successful.

Image may contain: Clothing, Pants, Shorts, and Skirt

Straight Linen-Blend Trousers

Image may contain: Blouse, Clothing, and Dress

Blush Hour Tee

Image may contain Clothing Coat Blazer Jacket Adult Person Pants Accessories Bag and Handbag
Moritz Scholz/Getty Images

Camel jacket

To elevate the look, why not opt for a camel-coloured jacket. Cropped trench coats are extremely on-trend at the moment, and add a refined touch to any outfit. By simply putting on this smart jacket, you'll take your outfit from a picnic in the park to being ready for drinks at the bar.

Image may contain: Clothing, Pants, Coat, Adult, Person, Footwear, and Shoe

Linen Stitch Detail Cropped Wide Leg Trousers

Image may contain: Clothing, Coat, Overcoat, Trench Coat, and Jacket

Orsina Jacket

Image may contain Clothing Pants Sleeve Accessories Bag Handbag Person Standing and Belt
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Other shades of brown

What matches well with brown? More brown. You can opt for a matching set, of course (more on that below), but mixing it up with other shades of brown works just as well. You don't need to buy a whole new outfit, have a look at what you've already got in your closet. A brown leather bag, loafers or sandals and a sleeveless top might already be something you own.

Image may contain: Clothing, Pants, Home Decor, Linen, and Coat

Ashby Linen Wide-Leg Trousers

Image may contain: Blouse, Clothing, Accessories, Pendant, Jewelry, and Necklace

Linen-Blend Stirling Top

Image may contain Carrie Genzel Clothing Pants Person Standing Accessories Bag Handbag Jeans Vest and Sleeve
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

Sheer white top

On a particularly sunny, warm day, a sheer white top is the ultimate pairing for brown linen trousers. It taps into the carefree, bohemian look, while also just being practical for the rising temperatures. Match with some cool accessories like a faded leather bag or ornamental jewellery to complete the look.

Image may contain: Clothing, Pants, Adult, Person, Footwear, and Sandal

Weekday Pull On Linen Mix Wide Leg Trousers

Image may contain: Clothing, Long Sleeve, Sleeve, Blouse, Adult, Person, Accessories, Jewelry, and Necklace

We The Free Most Loved Long Sleeve

Image may contain Formal Wear Person Standing Fashion Clothing Pajamas Sleeve Blazer Coat Jacket and Dress
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images
Image may contain Maya Postepski Blazer Clothing Coat Jacket Formal Wear Suit Pants Accessories Bag and Handbag
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Matching set

A matching set is the easiest uniform for an indecisive dresser, as it takes all the guesswork out of styling. All you have to worry about is what accessories to pair it with. A brown linen set is the ultimate summer look. It can be worn on its own with oversized sunnies, boho sandals and plenty of bangles, or with a cropped trench and a designer bag to elevate the outfit.

Image may contain: Blouse, Clothing, Sleeve, Accessories, Jewelry, and Necklace

VRG GRL Aria Linen Vest Co-ord

Image may contain: Clothing, Pants, Home Decor, Linen, Adult, and Person

VRG GRL Raya Inen Pants Co-ord