SPRING 2026
The Australian Women's JournalFashion, Lifestyle & Everyday Inspiration
Fashion & Style
Too Warm for Trousers, Not Keen on Shorts?
When the days heat up, full-length trousers can feel like too much, yet shorts aren't always what we want to wear either. We're exploring an easygoing in-between, along with a few lovely ways to bring colour into your everyday wardrobe.
By Louise Hartley
Fashion & Lifestyle Contributor
Have you ever stood in front of your wardrobe on a hot morning, wondering what to wear?
Your usual trousers feel far too warm for the day ahead, and the thought of wearing them all afternoon doesn't sound particularly appealing.
But shorts aren't always the answer either. Sometimes you simply prefer a little more coverage, especially when you're heading out for lunch, doing some shopping or meeting friends.
And while a summer dress is lovely, there are days when something with pockets and a comfortable waist just feels more practical.
That's where a relaxed pair of capris can come into their own.
Finishing just below the knee, they sit perfectly between shorts and trousers, and they're worth considering as the days grow warmer across Australia and New Zealand.
And this season, we're taking a closer look at a particularly easy cotton-linen pair from Beaumont Melbourne, available in eleven colours.
SUMMER WARDROBEWhen Trousers Feel Like Too Much
Full-length trousers have their place in almost every wardrobe.
They're familiar, easy to style and work with so many different tops.
But as the temperature rises, you might find yourself wanting a little more air around your legs.
Capris are an alternative worth considering.
A below-the-knee length keeps you nicely covered, while a breathable cotton-linen blend and a relaxed leg help you stay comfortable when the day warms up.
For a morning coffee, a simple tee and a pair of trainers might be all you need.
For lunch with friends, you can add a linen shirt, a small handbag and some simple jewellery.
And for everyday errands, there's something appealing about a pair with deep pockets and an easy drawstring waist that you can simply pull on and go.
The nicest summer pieces are often the ones that fit naturally into your daily routine.
COLOUR & STYLEOne Style, Different Ways to Wear It
One of the lovely things about a simple pair of capris is how different they can look depending on the colour you choose.
A light shade like cream, white or sky blue creates a fresh, understated summer outfit when paired with a soft tee and neutral sandals.
A deeper colour like navy, black or dark grey offers a more classic look, particularly when worn with white or another gentle neutral.
And if you're in the mood for something a little different, army green, orange red, purple or wine red can add personality to an otherwise simple outfit.
The Holly Cotton Linen Capri Trousers come in eleven colours, giving you the opportunity to choose a shade that feels right for your wardrobe.
Rather than following every new trend, it's often more useful to think about the tops, shoes and accessories you already enjoy wearing.
A good pair of capris should work with your wardrobe, not leave you wondering what to wear with them.
"A lovely summer outfit doesn't need to be complicated. Sometimes the right pair of capris does most of the work."
The Australian Woman's Journal · Style Notes
EVERYDAY INSPIRATIONThree Easy Ways to Style Capris
One of the most useful things about relaxed capris is that you can wear them for all sorts of everyday occasions.
The secret is keeping the rest of your outfit simple.
For a morning coffee
A pair of capris, a soft cotton tee and comfortable white trainers make an easy combination.
Add a small shoulder bag and you're ready for a catch-up with a friend or a few errands around town.
For lunch with friends
Try pairing your capris with a linen shirt in a colour that complements them.
A little jewellery and a pair of neat sandals can make the outfit feel more polished without becoming too formal.
For an afternoon by the coast
A lightweight top, comfortable walking sandals and a simple straw bag make a lovely relaxed outfit.
You can add a light cardigan if the breeze picks up later in the day.
There's no need to build a whole new wardrobe around one pair of capris. It's often the familiar pieces you already own that work best.
Summer dressing doesn't have to mean choosing between full-length trousers and a pair of shorts.
Sometimes a relaxed pair of capris can be just what you're looking for.
With a simple top, comfortable shoes and a colour that works with your wardrobe, it's easy to put together an outfit for everyday plans.
The Holly Cotton Linen Capri Trousers are one style worth exploring if you enjoy a softer, more relaxed silhouette.
You can view the available colours, check the size guide and explore the current product options directly at Beaumont Melbourne.
And whatever your plans are this summer, choosing pieces that suit your own style is always a good place to start.