Sienna Miller Just Made This "Dated" Trouser Style Look So Elegant

I've loved Sienna Miller's style at every stage of her fashion journey, but I think I'll always have a soft spot for the outfits that launched her into style-icon territory. Though she rose to fame in the 2000s, it was her mid-'10s outfits that secured her status as a fashion trailblazer. Styling key silhouettes ahead of the rest, the actor helped pave the way we approached fashion during the past decade. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see her revive a trouser shape that was key in this timeframe and which we haven't really seen around over the past few years.
Stepping out in London, Miller opted for a simple outfit comprising a black top, a long leather coat and ultra-high-waist paperbag trousers in a shade of deep blue. Featuring a belt closure and a pleated effect at the waistband, paperbag trousers were everywhere during the late 2010s, often worn with chunky knit or graphic tee tucked in. This trouser style features a cinched waist (often with a belt in the same fabric), slight billowing around the knee and gentle tapering towards the ankle.
Whilst we haven't seen this style around for some time, it almost feels like an early iteration of 2024's newly-trending barrel-leg jeans. Featuring a similarly voluminous cut, both offer an exaggerated shape that often becomes the focal point of the outfit. And just like barrel-leg jeans, paperbag trousers look elegant when worn with a form-fitting knit or relaxed sweater and a low heel. Just make sure to give your top a French tuck to keep things chic. This time around, paperbag trousers have had an update in the fabric department. Starched cotton was previously the order of the day, but the textiles nowadays are either chosen to be more fluid or create even more of a dramatic shape—both of which feel supremely current and on-trend.
To shop the paperbag trouser trend that Miller has just revived for 2024, scroll on for our pick of the most elevated and fashionable pairs.
SHOP PAPERBAG TROUSERS:
The high-waisted silhouette would style well with a sleek turtleneck and kitten heels.
Falling to ankle length, these will look great with low-top trainers or loafers.
Play with texture by wearing with velvet flats.
This light beige shade is the perfect base for dark brown and espresso shades.

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.
With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.
-
If You Want to Look Like a Chic Fashion Person, Wear This Shoe Trend With Cropped Pants
Selena Gomez is on board.
-
I'm a 5'0" Fashion Editor—These Are the Pants and Jeans I Never Have to Hem
Petite shopper approved.
-
This Trend Is About to Replace Linen Pants in NYC
Out with the old.
-
These 30 Simple Yet Elevated Picks From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Are Giving Major Rich Vibes
Hello, instant confidence boost.
-
I'm 5'2" and Hate Baggy Jeans on Me—28 Pants, Skirts, and Shorts I'd Wear Instead
Petite women, listen up.
-
6 Highly Specific Pant Trends Fashion People Are Wearing Instead of Skirts and Shorts
From red wide-leg trousers to white genie pants.
-
The Most Controversial Anti-Skinny-Pant Trend of the Year Is About to Be Everywhere in the U.S.
Jennifer Lopez is the latest adopter.
-
Black Skinny Pants Are Nice, But Another Skinny-Pant Trend Is Winning With Fashion People RN
Alexa Chung is one of them.