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For years, summer style has been dominated by breathable beige pants in shades of white, beige and oatmeal. But the summer of 2026 looks very colorful. From bold prints to hot prints and fun gingham, statement pants are becoming a trend that fashionistas can’t stop wearing.
Colored pants do all the heavy lifting of an outfit, turning a basic tank or white tee into something that looks made-to-order. Better yet, these 17 eye-catching pairs start at just $24, proving you don’t need a designer budget to embrace one of summer’s biggest surprises.
17 Colorful Pants Are a Trendy Linen Alternative
1. What we like: The faux linen fabric in these pink striped capris mimics the texture of real linen without the constant wrinkling. The drawstring waist and pockets seal the deal.
2. Bright and Bright: The pink and red stripes on these flowing palazzo pants feel fresh rather than edgy, and the wide leg keeps the bold print from feeling overwhelming.
3. Boho Beauty: The multi-colored stripes on these boho palazzo pants include several shades, meaning they pair easily with any solid top in the closet.
4. Summer Statement: The statement below means that every outfit can stay simple. These wide-leg boho pants turn a plain tank into something to photograph.
5. Paisley Perfection: The wide leg cut of these flowing paisley pants go through the hips and fall cleanly. A pink paisley print is made for stylish work.
6. Discontinued Classics: Full-length pants in 90-degree heat are no match. These loose pants hit the ankle so you can breathe while covering enough to feel pulled together.
7. Gingham Go-To: Built-in tummy control panels smooth the waistband on these blue gingham pants to keep anything out. The wide leg balances out the fitted top.
8. Market Ready Farmers: The barrel silhouette on these pink and white palazzos tapers slightly at the ankle, so they read properly instead of sloppy – despite the flowing fabric.
9. Barrel Time: Skinny jeans in July do not happen. The barrel cut of these gingham drawstring pants gives the legs room to breathe without looking shapeless.
10. Resort Chic: These palazzos of green leaves benefit from their travel in leisure travel: hotel breakfast, pool to bar transition, then dinner with a silk cami.
11. Tropical-Inspired: The smoky elastic waist in these hot palazzo pants gives a clean high top look with no buttons or zippers that catch in the middle.
12. Stomach Control: The high waistband of these palazzo pants stretches without losing shape, giving true tummy control without the constriction of shapewear.
13. Easy Breezy: The cotton-linen blend in these wide-leg palazzos breathes like pure linen but holds its shape better, so legs stay crisp instead of clingy.
14. Comfort MVP: The elasticated waist and harem cut of these baggy wide-leg pants feel like pants, but the silhouette is readable for going indoors and out.
15. Best Linen: Genuine linen pockets are rare at this price. These linen palazzo pants also feature a low-waist drawstring that doesn’t cinch when you sit.
16. Effortless Chic: Wear these wide-leg linen pants to a gallery opening or summer happy hour, then wear them back to the office on Monday with a tanned blouse.
17. Flowing and Exciting: Wear these flowy, floral palazzos to a backyard birthday party with a white tank top, and save them for dinner right after.
The top fashion trends for the summer of 2026 are slightly feminine, and floral blouses are at the forefront. Instead of the loud, busy prints of years past, this season’s must-have tops feel more elevated, with billowing sleeves, delicate embroidery, soft color palettes and silhouettes that look straight out of an upscale store. You don’t do it […]
