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Julia Roberts has stepped out wearing the balloon trousers set to be everywhere this autumn. M&S has three alternatives, including a £28 pair for everyday wear.

Julia Roberts has given us a reason to rethink our autumn wardrobes as she stepped out in Paris in a pair of balloon trousers.

The Hollywood star has proved that comfortable dressing can still look chic and classy. She has also embraced the top trouser trend for autumn/winter 2026 which offers a stylish and cosier alternative jeans that have dominated our everyday outfits for years.

Roberts wore pleated balloon trousers, teaming them with knit polo shirt, an oversized wool blazer and navy trainers. The overall look struck the perfect balance between tailoring and relaxed dressing, so it can take you through from day to night.

The secret to the look is the silhouette. Balloon trousers are designed with extra room through the leg, creating a curved shape that tapers towards the ankle. This gives them more structure and personality than traditional wide-leg trousers, while retaining the comfort that makes them so appealing.

Marks & Spencer has several balloon-trouser styles worth considering, from everyday black trousers to tailored wool-blend designs and a velvet option that would work beautifully for the festive season.

Three M&S balloon trousers to recreate Julia Roberts' look

1. Relaxed Balloon Trousers, £28M&S Relaxed Balloon Trousers | Marks and Spencer

For a versatile everyday option, the M&S Relaxed Balloon Trousers are a straightforward way to embrace the trend without stretching your budget.

Priced at £28 in black, these M&S Collection trousers have a relaxed fit and a balloon-shaped leg, with added stretch for comfort. The mid-rise waist and zip fastening give them a classic finish, while the simple colour makes them easy to style with pieces you may already own.

To capture Roberts' understated approach, try wearing them with a patterned knit, an oversized blazer and trainers. Alternatively, swap the trainers for loafers and add a crisp white shirt for a smart-casual outfit that works for the office or weekend plans.

The trousers are also available in short/petite, regular and long lengths so there’s an option that works for everyone.

2. Wool Blend Tailored Balloon Trousers, £90M&S Autograph Wool Blend Tailored Balloon Trousers | Marks and Spencer

Priced at £90, the dark grey trousers have a high waist, sculptural balloon legs and tapered cuffs, creating a contemporary silhouette that feels particularly suited to autumn and winter. They're made from a blend of 52% new wool, 46% polyester and 2% elastane, with a lining and added stretch.

Their tailored finish makes them a particularly good match for the elements of Roberts' outfit that give the look its sophisticated edge. Wear them with a fine-knit jumper and an oversized blazer for a similar combination of smart and casual, or add a fitted top and heeled boots for a more dressed-up evening look.

The hook-bar and zip fastening keeps the front neat, while the dark grey shade offers a softer neutral base alternative to black that works well with cream, burgundy, navy and chocolate brown.

3. Velvet Elasticated Waist Balloon Trousers, £99RO&ZO Velvet Elasticated Waist Balloon Trousers at M&S | Marks and Spencer

Priced at £99 in black, these trousers feature a velvet finish, a tapered leg and an elasticated mid-rise waist. Side-seam pockets add practicality, while the full-length hem falls to the ankle.

They're an appealing option if you're already thinking about what to wear to Christmas parties, dinners or other occasions where jeans might feel too casual but you still want to be as cosy and comfy as possible. The velvet fabric gives the balloon silhouette a dressier feel without losing its relaxed shape.

Style them with a simple black top and pointed-toe heels for an elegant evening outfit, or lean into the contrast between smart and casual by adding a fine-knit jumper and understated trainers.

These trousers have an elasticated waist and an unlined construction, making them a great choice for anyone who wants an easy fit and a softer finish.

How to style balloon trousers this autumn

One of the biggest advantages of balloon trousers is their versatility. Although the fuller leg makes a statement, the shape can be surprisingly easy to wear once you find the right balance with the rest of your outfit.

Keeping the rest of the outfit relatively simple allows the curved silhouette of the trousers to stand out without making the overall look feel overdone. Roberts' look is a useful starting point; combine the trousers with a classic knit, add a blazer for structure and finish with trainers for a modern, relaxed feel.

For a more streamlined effect, try a tucked-in top or a shorter jacket to define the waist. If you prefer a looser outfit, an oversized blazer can work just as well, particularly when paired with a neater knit underneath.

Footwear also makes a difference. Trainers give balloon trousers a laid-back, everyday feel, while loafers and ankle boots create a more polished finish. For evening occasions, heeled shoes can add contrast to the volume of the leg.

With prices starting at £28, M&S's balloon trousers offer a range of ways to experiment with one of autumn/winter 2026's standout silhouettes.