If, like Rachel Stevens, you've long loved the best barrel-leg jeans, then the latest voluminous trouser trend is worth bookmarking. An elevated reinvention of barrel styles, balloon trousers have been making themselves known over the last couple of months, and Rachel just gave the perfect demonstration on how to style the breezy cut.
Voluminous in the leg, with a cuffed ankle, balloon trousers create a billowing look that is flattering on most body types, as the relaxed and comfortable style balances out fuller busts, creates curves on lower torsos, or effortlessly skims hips and thighs, with a laidback yet polished feel.
Styling an all-black outfit from Zara, Rachel proved that petites can wear wider silhouettes without looking swamped, with some easy-to-copy tips. Posing in the Zara satin sarouel trousers, which had a lovely floaty fit, Rachel chose a slim-fitting double-layer knit top from the Spanish retailer. While normally you would want to tuck in at the waist, the slender fit of the top was enough to balance out the wide-leg shape, but Rachel also drew eyes up to her face, lengthening her torso by adding statement gold earrings. Finishing her outfit with Zara’s metal buckle heels, black sunnies, and a tan handbag, this sleek look is worth bookmarking.
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Rachel proves that these 'slinky trousers,' as she calls them, are a staple for creating chic outfits from now and into the autumn thanks to their billowy, flattering silhouette. Extremely elegant, they also feature an elasticated waist for added comfort.
On Instagram, Rachel said she loves its 'shape and minimalist style,' with the 'subtle detail at the bottom which just elevates the whole look.' While it has a relatively fitted shape across the chest, the fluted hem will skim over middles without adding bulk.
Sleek heels like Rachel's Zara pair are ideal for wearing with balloon trousers, as the tapered ankle and a tall, slim heel will instantly lengthen your legs. If you haven't already got a pair in your wardrobe, these will make a timeless, versatile addition.
Boasting a textured finish, these petal-inspired, hammered earrings from New Look will help to draw the eye up towards your face, quietly lengthening your silhouette. The jewellery trends for 2026 continue to back big, statement pieces that help to finish an outfit.
Rachel could be seen holding the Chloé Kiss Leather Hobo Bag, which was part of the designer's SS21 collection and has since been discontinued. Don't fret though, as this affordable style by JFY emulates the look with its rounded shape and metal handle.
We might be coming to the end of summer, but sunglasses remain a staple year-round. This affordable pair from Next are so sleek, with shoppers calling them 'stylish' and saying they are 'a lovely size.' And at just £14, they're a style steal.
Thanks to a minimalistic colour palette, Rachel's outfit might seem simple, but balancing out a balloon trouser with such elegance really does prove her petite styling credentials. While fashion rules usually dictate a very fitted top half with wider bottoms, Rachel creates a long, lean shape with her figure-skimming vest top, but adds height to her frame with slim heels and a pair of statement earrings, drawing the eye up to her face.
Ensuring her top ends at the upper part of her thigh, and with high shoes on, Rachel lengthens her silhouette and balances out the proportions of her trousers. Airy enough for now, I think the balloon shape is set to be around all winter, as it perfectly pairs style with comfort.
A chic addition to any capsule wardrobe, regardless of the time of year. They are a statement style but are easier to wear than you think. Because of the wider leg shape and cuffed ankle, having a gently more relaxed top shape actually makes the ballooning leg look and feel less dramatic, and as Rachel proves, they're a polished but laid-back look worth investing in.
