Balloon trousers might just be the most surprising fashion comeback in recent years. They've gone from the oversized hammer pants of the late '80s and early '90s - bold, baggy and impossible to ignore - to one of fashion's chicest silhouettes, reimagined in a far more refined way that well dressed women can't seem to get enough of.
Of course, this time around, balloon trousers are far more pared back, typically arriving in muted shades such as chocolate brown, black and sleek grey. But now that we're well and truly into autumn, plenty of styles have been updated to embrace the heritage charm championed by the likes of Claudia Winkleman, swapping plain colours for classic checks that feel every bit as charming as they do chic.
The proof? Zara, whose new-in section is home to perhaps one of the chicest examples of all: the Check Sarouel Trousers.
Designed in an incredibly comfortable, lightweight and floaty fabric, these trousers are the cosiest take on the balloon trouser trend. Loose fitting with gently cuffed ankles and an elasticated waistband, you'd be forgiven for thinking they resemble your favourite pair of loungewear trousers. But style them the right way and they look surprisingly polished - smart enough for the office, yet comfortable enough to wear for errand runs.
Of course, it's the checked pattern in rich shades of brown that gives the otherwise casual trousers a much smarter feel, making them surprisingly easy to dress up. They'd pair beautifully with other muted tones - think an oversized dark grey blazer and black leather loafers, or a chunky black knit with a pair of pointed toe boots.
At just £29.99, Zara's trousers are an easy way to embrace the balloon trouser revival without veering into costume territory. They're proof that while the silhouette may have its roots in decades past, today's version is sleeker, more sophisticated and infinitely easier to wear.