The balloon pants trend just keeps inflating. Here’s how the pros suggest styling them

Pants with a ‘fun top’ has long been a failsafe outfit formula, but increasingly, we’re seeing fun pants take centre stage.

Your go-to jeans and tailored trousers will always have their place, but if you want to add a little pizzazz to your bottom half, it might be time to embrace the balloon pant trend.

As the name suggests, this is a trouser that ‘balloons’ around the leg – with a rounded shape and billowing volume – before cinching at the ankle. You might also know them as harem pants, which often also feature a drop crotch.

Erin Ibrahim, Women’s Buyer at Kmart, says the style offers “an easy, relaxed alternative to your everyday wide-leg pant” that’s emerged from other recent trends.

“We’ve seen customers really embrace relaxed pant shapes over the past few seasons, from wide leg pants to cargos and barrel leg jeans, so this feels like a natural evolution,” she told nine.com.au.

“There’s also a nod to the relaxed silhouettes of the early 2000s, but this time around they feel softer, more refined and incredibly easy to style.“

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You can find balloon pants in various fabrics, from satin, like Kmart’s Satin Harem Pants, to cotton, seen in Decjuba’s Rey Cotton Balloon Pants and Henne’s Noelia Harem Pants, linen and lace.

The finer details can differ, too. Some designs have simple elastic hems, while others feature flounces and frills at the ankles.

If you don’t want to fully commit, you could try something like Uniqlo’s Easy Gathered Pants, with adjustable drawstring hems that allow you to embrace the balloon silhouette when you so desire.

Balloon pant styling for first-timers

The distinctive (not to mention divisive) shape might feel intimidating if you’re used to classic pants, but personal stylist Shellie Robinson assures it is more wearable than it might seem.

“The balloon pant is a fun, fresh and relaxed option when wanting to add a seasonless silhouette alternative to our wardrobes,” the Styled by Shellie founder said.

“The style provides so much comfort, but still can give a polished finish when styled. The play on volume makes this piece extremely versatile and can easily be taken from day to night.”

Ready to dip a toe into the trend? Robinson suggests you think about your proportions, explaining: “Keep the waist visible either by tucking or wearing a cropped top, choose simple colours, and opt for a delicate flat or heel to finish.”

In terms of tops, she says one that balances the volume on the bottom half of your outfit as a good starting point.

“Think: fitted tops tucked in, cropped tops, structured tops with a full or half tuck, lightweight slim-fitting knits and shorter waist-length jackets.”

Ibrahim loves the style paired with a matching top, for an “easy, tonal head-to-toe look”.

“The beauty of the shape is that you can keep everything else quite simple and let the pants do the work,” she added.

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Outfit formulas to get you started

If you’re after a ‘gateway’ outfit to get you into the trend, Robinson suggests this formula: balloon pants in a neutral colour with a simple tank top, ensuring the waist is defined, and a slimline shoe like a thong or sandal.

“You can give the outfit more personality by adding accessories aligned with your own personal style, like statement jewellery, a neck or waist scarf, a large textural bag [or] headwear,” she added. 

For a more polished, corporate look, she recommends a pant in a dark colourway, paired with a crisp button-down shirt – either fully or half-tucked – and a pointy-toe pump or heeled strappy sandal.

Ibrahim agrees balloon pants are easier to style than they appear, and also advises a ‘simple is best’ approach if you’re cautiously getting involved:

1. “Keep the top simple: A fitted tank, tee or cami works beautifully and lets the shape of the pant be the focus. If you prefer something looser, try tucking it in or choosing a shorter length to create a little definition at the waist.
2. “Start with a neutral: Black is such an easy entry point because it makes the silhouette feel polished and really versatile. Pair it with tonal neutrals for a more elevated look, or a simple white tank for effortless everyday dressing.
3. “Choose a refined shoe: I love these with a minimalist sandal or dressy thong, particularly with satin. A simple ballet flat is another great option for daytime. Keeping the footwear sleek and low-profile complements the relaxed silhouette and lets the pants be the statement.”

Parting wisdom

“For many of my clients experimenting with the balloon pant silhouette for the first time, I would strongly suggest they steer clear of long baggy tops, long line jackets, big bulky knits and chunky shoes,” Robinson says.

“Balloon pants are most easily worn when the waist is defined and the volume is balanced. Pieces that hide your shape, or compete with the volume of the pant, will work against the overall visual aesthetic.”

While Ibrahim isn’t a fan of “putting too many rules around getting dressed”, she suggests a first-timer keep the rest of the look simple and “let the pants be the statement.”

“If you love oversized pieces, you can absolutely still wear them. Try a relaxed shirt with a little tuck at the front, or layer an oversized blazer over a fitted tank. It’s really about creating a little definition in the outfit,” she says.