Wide-leg trousers, espadrilles and a cool blouse is summer's easiest outfit

It’s the perfect relaxed yet chic look for the office, a date, and anywhere else you need to go.
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If you don’t already have wide-leg trousers or espadrilles in your wardrobe, now’s a good time to change that. Loose-fitting trousers have gained popularity in recent years thanks to their versatility, while espadrilles have always been a classic wardrobe staple. Together? They’re unstoppable.

In addition to being comfortable, both can be easily styled to look sophisticated and modern. Just combine your wide-leg trousers and espadrilles with a cool blouse, and you have the perfect summer outfit that’s laid-back but still chic.

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Edward Berthelot

An airy top will bring lightness and femininity, while the espadrilles add a relaxed touch without losing elegance. Whether your plans include a casual weekend outing, a business meeting, or even a special occasion, this outfit can be adapted and transformed for different environments with just a simple change of accessories.

We show you how to combine all these pieces for a stylish and balanced look, below.

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How to choose the right wide-leg trousers

The first step in styling wide-leg trousers is to choose the right piece to match the occasion. There are different styles of loose-fit trousers, from palazzo to culottes to wide-leg linen trousers.

  • Palazzo: Best for evening looks, as their flowing fit and high waist create a more extreme silhouette. They work great with fitted blouses, or the top tucked into the trousers to highlight the waist.
  • Culottes: Good for a cool, modern look for the office. Culottes are wide, cropped trousers, usually hitting below the knee or mid-leg. They’re ideal for warm weather and pair well with light cotton or linen blouses.
  • Linen trousers: These trousers are the best choice for summer. Their lightweight fabric makes them comfortable and breathable, providing a relaxed yet sophisticated look on holiday or for weekend plans.

When choosing wide-leg trousers, it's important to pay attention to the height of the waist. High-waist trousers are the most flattering, as they visually lengthen the legs and define the silhouette.

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How to choose a blouse to go with wide-leg trousers

To balance the bagginess of the trousers, a top in a lightweight fabric is your best bet. These can be tight-fitting (for a more figure-sculpting look) or loose-fitting if your plans are more casual.

  • Linen shirt: This is perfect for summer and combines perfectly with wide trousers made of similar materials. Pick designs with puffed sleeves, V-necklines, or lace details if the outfit needs an elevated touch.
  • Button-down shirt: A button-down shirt, slightly unbuttoned and tucked into the pants, instantly creates a fresh and classic look.
  • Subtle prints: If you want to add a little colour or pizzazz to your outfit, opt for cool blouses with subtle prints, such as small flowers or thin stripes.

The trick to maintaining elegance is to choose good quality blouses and prefer neutral colors that add a touch of refinement.

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How to pair espadrilles with wide-leg trousers

Espadrilles are a comfortable and chic shoe that really complement wide-leg trousers. Depending on the style, they work for events both fancy and casual.

  • Wedge: These are easy to style and give the outfit a more sophisticated touch. They work very well with palazzo or linen pants, as they’ll lengthen the legs without sacrificing comfort.
  • Flats: Perfect for a more relaxed look, but just as chic. They are an excellent option for walks or casual Fridays at the office.
  • With details: Styles with embroidery, ankle wraps, or other special details can add a refined and unique touch to the outfit.
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Basically, wearing wide-leg trousers with espadrilles and a cool blouse is the easiest outfit combo to have on hand this spring and summer. The key is balancing the proportions and choosing quality materials.

Whether your plans include a casual weekend hang or something more formal, this combination can be easily adapted with the right choice of accessories. Because fashion shouldn’t be just aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and comfortable. This outfit ticks all the boxes.

A version of this article originally appeared in GLAMOUR Mexico