There are a few immediate signs that someone is a dedicated fashion person, and adopting this emerging trouser-and-shoe pairing is certainly one of them. Sidestepping the ubiquitous track shorts and flip-flops that have become this summer’s unofficial uniform, the chicest dressers I know are embracing a far more directional combination.

Building on last summer’s bloomer shorts revival, fashion people are now turning to longer-line bloomer trousers. Voluminous and surprisingly elegant, the silhouette feels fresh, playful and distinctly 2026. Rather than pairing them with flip-flops or simple ballet flats, they’re styling them with an equally considered shoe choice.

Designed with a slim sole and low-profile silhouette, and finished with laces that weave from the ankle to the toe, these new-season lace-up ballet flats feel reminiscent of traditional Irish Ghillie shoes. Whilst they might not have reached the mainstream just yet, they’re quickly becoming a favourite among the chicest dressers I know.

Making the case for the combination this week, I spotted Daisy Edgar-Jones styling a pair of calf-grazing bloomer trousers with coordinating lace-up ballet flats. Both pieces came courtesy of Chloé, which has been championing the bohemian pairing throughout the season.

Perhaps a little divisive and certainly not yet on every street corner, this is the emerging two-piece trend for those in the know. If you’re looking to inject your wardrobe with a little fresh energy before autumn arrives, keep scrolling to shop the best bloomer trousers and lace-up ballet flats below.

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