Queen Mary's summer outfit formula of linen trousers and slingback flats is the epitome of understated elegance
Forget about trainers and denim, this pairing is an elevated alternative that's still so comfortable
Jeans and trainers are a pairing you know you can rely on but Queen Mary of Denmark has just worn an equally comfy combination that feels much more elegant. She and King Frederik moved to their summer residence, Fredensborg Castle, on 4th May and she stepped out in the sunshine in Reiss linen trousers and Chanel flats.
The Mila trousers are £170 and they come in a few colours but Mary's are navy with tan ric-ram trims running up the legs and on the waistband. They're made from pure linen and this is a brilliant material if you're on the hunt for spring outfit ideas as it's breathable and so works so well for warmer weather.
Recreate Mary's Look
Crafted from 100% linen, these trousers are breathable and breezy for summer and yet look so polished. They've got a high-wise waist, wide-leg cut and contrasting tan zig-zag trims running down the leg and across the waistband.
Slingbacks are a royal staple for summer and these flat ones are a versatile beige tone with a black toe cap. You can also get them in black and they slip-on and have the elasticated strap to keep your feet secure.
Also available in brown, this suede effect jacket is slightly cropped and has a neat collared neckline. It's lined and has discreet buttons running up the front, as well as practical front pockets. You can layer over everything from a T-shirt to a long-sleeved jumper.
Shop More Linen Trousers
You can get these comfortable linen trousers in various colours as well as four different lengths. The design has a neatly tapered silhouette with a flattering high waist and pleats for a touch of structure. The matching belt completes things.
These trousers are a summer-ready take on one of ME+EM's signature silhouettes. The linen material is imbued with viscose to minimise creasing and this makes them the perfect elevated choice for both day and night.
Made from a natural, breathable and lightweight linen and cotton blend, these wide-leg trousers are an ideal choice for hot and humid weather. Pinstripes add a touch of detail and the beige and brown colourway is so easy to style.
Linen blends are a good alternative if you want to minimise the creasing that linen is known for and there are so many affordable linen-blend trousers available right now. Queen Mary went for navy blue which is a softer option compared to black and still very versatile, though camel and white are also incredibly popular for this time of year.
Wide-leg styles accentuate the drape and breezy feel of the linen and the Queen's finished just above her Chanel flats so you still got a glimpse of her footwear.
Slingbacks are a style favoured by the royals across Europe for spring/summer, from Spain's Queen Letizia to the UK's Catherine, Princess of Wales. Mary's were the classic two-tone design with the black toe cap which is so iconic for the French brand.
For those of us who want to achieve a similar level of chicness without the Chanel price tag, there are so many other slingbacks on the market, both flat and heeled.
The plainer the design, the easier they'll be to style and the strap helps to keep them secure on your feet. Slingback shoes are more elevated than white trainers and yet you can wear them day-to-night in comfort without feeling over-dressed.
The sleek, demure style of these shoes worked to lift the casual trousers and Queen Mary finished off her ensemble with a simple T-shirt and an Arma leather jacket. Button-up jacket styles are especially on-trend right now and if leather isn't for you, I'd recommend going for a denim one for an off-duty outfit.
To make things formal, pick your best trench coat to layer over the top and a cropped design will mimic the proportions of Mary's outfit. She accessorised with gold and diamond jewellery and some light brown Ray-Ban sunglasses which added a summery, glamorous edge.
The Queen put this outfit together with the official welcome to Fredensborg Castle in mind, though it blends comfort and style so well that she could easily re-wear this for a date night or summer gathering. Changing your top will also make a big difference to an outfit like hers and a silky cami or shirt will smarten things up even more.
Just a few months ago the Queen of Denmark went to her home nation of Australia on a State Visit and wore another pair of wide-leg linen trousers, this time with a white T-shirt and matching blazer and trainers. Her Chanel flats were also packed for the trip and this time she styled them with a black suit and peach T-shirt as she arrived in Perth.
