Duchess Sophie's white cropped trousers are an elegant staple your wardrobe is crying out for as the heatwave returns
They're so useful when you're tired of reaching for dresses and it's still too hot for jeans
It can be an ordeal to find confidence-boosting, flattering shorts and yet the weather is about to get too hot for jeans again, so a pair of comfy white trousers is a perfect alternative. This staple is such a handy item to have - whether you have a minimal summer capsule wardrobe or a bigger collection like the Duchess of Edinburgh.
She owns several white trousers, but the style she wore to the 2022 Commonwealth Games was particularly chic. They were cropped and had a straight-leg shape that was streamlined but not fitted. This kind of silhouette is great to wear in the heat as it accentuates your frame and isn't restrictive.
Compared to loose, ultra-wide leg styles, straight-leg trousers also naturally feel quite smart and if you go for neutral tones like Duchess Sophie did, they are incredibly easy to dress up or down.
Recreate Sophie's Summer Outfit
The Duchess of Edinburgh's wedges are crafted from smooth leather, with a jute sole. They're made by skilled Spanish artisans and you can get this particular style in a few other colours, though the tan version is so wearable. They have a slight platform as well to give extra elevation.
White trousers are such a neutral outfit base for a colourful top like this, which has a gorgeous raspberry-toned botanical print. It's made from jersey and the elasticated detailing on the sleeves creates a pretty frill. You can also get it in plain colourways and in another pattern too.
These tapered trousers are designed to be ankle-grazers and they come in five different lengths, as well as several colours. The silhouette is streamlined and the high-rise waist is elasticated for comfort. There's also stretch in the fabric and the darts give them a tailored feel.
Capri trousers are a huge trend for 2026 and yet they're also a style that feels very classic. This pair have a mid-rise waist and tapered leg shape. They come in navy blue as well as white and they fall to an elegant length that gives you a great mix or coverage and breeziness.
These affordable capri trousers are more cropped than Duchess Sophie's but they do have a notched detail at the hem and can be styled in a similar way. Roman makes these in a massive colour range and they are crafted from comfortable stretchy fabric with an elasticated waistband.
Made from a luxurious cotton-blend material, these trousers have a timeless cigarette style and tailored seaming down the leg. They're smart enough to dress up with heeled sandals but you can easily dress them down too. The slightly cropped length is great for showcasing your footwear.
White trousers are a classic outfit base that will work with almost anything and the senior royal went for a subtle pop of colour with her pink Soler blouse. It had a delicate floral print, a tie belt to emphasise the waist and whimsical flared sleeves.
The billowy shape was a contrast against the crisp white trousers and together they felt very balanced. Because the blouse had a peplum-esque frill, Sophie chose to leave it loose and draped, which made her outfit feel a little more relaxed.
For a polished edge, tuck in your top and create a seamless finish. The Duchess's trousers were ankle-grazer length and if you're not entirely convinced by the capri trend for 2026, then this is a subtler way to wear shorter styles.
Ankle-grazer designs are only slightly cropped and they frame your footwear beautifully - as demonstrated by Sophie at the Games. She is loyal to her espadrilles all summer and stepped out in Birmingham wearing £169 Penelope Chilvers wedges.
The brand still makes them to this day and unlike a lot of Sophie's wedges, these have a slip-on court shoe design and are made from leather rather than suede or canvas. The tan shade was warm-toned which complemented the pastel pink blouse and tied everything together.
White trainers or sandals would also work with trousers like hers if you wanted something more casual and comfortable for the daytime. The Duchess is a pro at spending all day in heels so this won't have bothered her and she completed her Commonwealth Games outfit with some gold jewellery and a tan shoulder bag that matched her shoes.
Her ensemble was elegant and not too bright, but the beauty of white trousers - like with jeans or denim shorts - is that they're versatile enough to pair with vibrant tones. You can be as bold as you like with your top and accessories and know that the trousers will go with them.
This is another reason why they're so useful for the season, as many of us love wearing a bit more colour and pattern this time of year. Duchess Sophie has worn white trousers with neutral and vivid tops before, though she clearly loves the look of her pink blouse with them as she wore a more cropped pair with it during a visit to Malawi in 2022. Even the royals stick to tried and tested outfit combinations!
