Suddenly, the Chicest Women in Their 30s and 50s Are Swapping Linen Trousers For This Trending Alt

I'm not much of a dress or skirt person, which usually isn't a problem as I keep a brimming rotation of jeans and linen trousers close at hand all summer long. But with the spell of heatwaves showing few signs of letting up, even my go-to linen pairs are feeling far too warm. So, rather than forcing myself into dresses, I'm taking styling cues from some of the chicest women in their 30s and 50s, who have been embracing a surprising trouser trend that's actually heatwave-proof.

Not a trend I ever expected to go mainstream, sheer trousers have suddenly become one of the season's coolest buys. Just this week, I spotted Tracee Ellis Ross wearing a sculptural sheer pair that ballooned through the leg before tapering at the ankle. Rendered in an inky black shade, the trousers still had plenty of presence despite their lightweight fabrication. Styled with towering black heels and an elegant tank top, Tracee's pared-back take on summer styling felt fuss-free yet distinctly modern.

Tracee Ellis Ross wears black sheer trousers with black sculptural heeled shoes and a black tank top. — (Image credit: @traceeellisross)

Confirming the trend's momentum, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was also spotted swapping classic opaque linen trousers for a semi-sheer striped pair this week. Leaning into the striped trouser trend that's been gathering pace all season, she gave it a 2026 update by choosing a subtly transparent finish that felt fresh without being over the top.

Model @rosiehw wears a white long-sleeve t-shirt with striped sheer trousers. — (Image credit: @rosiehw)

Whether paired with elevated basics for evening or dressed down with relaxed separates during the day, they're shaping up to be one of the easiest trends to wear through the hottest weeks of summer.

Inspired by the heatwave-proof trouser trend taking off right now? Scroll on to shop my edit of the best sheer trousers below.