I Live in My COS Wide-Leg Trousers—5 Easy Outfits That Always Work

Despite them being my favourite item of clothing, I always find myself asking how to style black wide-leg trousers whenever I slip them on.

These bottoms are the epitome of timeless style, relevant for every season, perfect for every outing and deserving of a place in every capsule wardrobe. Needless to say, I am pretty obsessed with them.

Still, I continuously feel that I pair my favourite pairs—all of which happen to be expensive-looking high-street staples from COS for good reason—with the same pieces time and time again.

You see, tailoring is something I'm gripped by year in and year out. Black wide-leg trousers are something everyone will always need. They cross the borders of occasion, from corporate work events to even date-night attire.

The styling possibilities are endless, making them a worthy investment piece. Although tailored trousers were once deemed a traditionally masculine silhouette, the cut of wide-leg trousers is undeniably elegant, elongating the leg and adding dimension to the waist.

You can find this staple piece in the capsule line-ups of most brands. The Olsen twins dominated the luxury market with The Row's infinite iterations of the shape. But I would suggest that the COS trousers give tailoring sovereignty at a more affordable price point. In my opinion, black wide-leg trousers are the pinnacle of chicness that's accessible to all.

The COS Wide-Leg Tailored Wool Trousers features a fabric composition of 100% pure traceable wool, while its internal makeup of a concealed, hook and bar closure on the waistline makes it versatile for both low-slung and high-waist looks. Both functional and flattering, it is everything a girl could want.

But despite living in them repeatedly, I want to elevate them further this year by challenging myself to make them the centrepiece in looks I don't typically gravitate towards.

If you've ever found yourself asking how to style black wide-leg trousers, fear not. I've discovered a few tried-and-tested outfit formulas that you can always rely on. Ahead, scroll on to see five ways I'm styling my black wide-leg trousers for the season ahead.

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How To Style Black Wide-Leg Trousers? 5 Effortless Outfit Ideas To Replicate

1. If Sporty Spice and Posh Spice Had a Child…

This outfit is all the things I love in one—minimalism, comfort and tailoring. I call it if Sporty Spice and Posh Spice had a child. It also gives a hypebeast trainer moment with these Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 650Rs. (One of my dearest possessions).

Simultaneously, the cut of this cropped bolero jacket adds to all the Victoria Beckham-level chic I need and always desire from my outfits. It's the perfect look for when you want to make those wide-leg trousers really work for their money and cross genres into street-style territory.

Here, I paired them with a trusty crossbody bag, adding to the overall comfort of the look. A favourite of mine from a stunning small Black-owned brand Nosakhari, it perfectly mixes that everyday essential piece but with a sleek vibe that you want with a cleaner look.

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2. The Black-Trouser-and-Black-Blazer Moment

The Sundarbay Grandad Blazer is just the perfect oversized blazer. It's been a constant in my wardrobe over the years and always proves so useful. Not to mention it's a cult fave amongst the Instagram minimal girlies. The tie-waist detail gives a modern feminine play on the power suit. I used the belt to add shape (as a short girl, some contouring is always useful).

I finished the look with my Givenchy loafers to play on a more androgynous look. In warmer months, however, the blazer looks gorgeous opened up with a white tank top underneath and some The Row-inspired T-bar sandals. I couldn't leave the look without some accessories, so I stacked quite a few rings to add some colour and texture to the very monotone look.

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3. She's Classy, and She's in Cashmere

I could never suggest how to style black wide-leg trousers and not include at least one piece of knitwear! I am knitwear obsessed, so there is no combination I love more or wear more, particularly in the colder months. However, as we find ourselves moving towards spring, I styled this 100% cashmere cream vest with some coordinating heels and an off-white bag to give it a brighter feel.

I really enjoy playing with textures; the woven detail on the bag adds more of a luxe feel, delicately nodding to the Bottega Veneta Jodie bag—a designer bag that's forever on my wish list. This outfit is a classier, more elevated take on a black-trouser ensemble; it's understated but effective. The layered gold necklace and accessories as always lend to a put-together aesthetic.

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4. My Current Style Obsession: Parisian Chic

With this outfit, I was inspired by some of my favourite Insta chic gals—think @sylviemus_, @hannamw and @sophiaroe. The outfit itself is very minimal; a classic tube and plain black slacks—nothing very bold. The work, however, is in the accessories. I styled it with a silk scarf from Arket, which instantly adds a touch of luxury and a hint of personality but is still in keeping with my monochromatic style. Another supporting act, the classic leather belt, upholds the high-waisted look by creating shape and breaking up the all-black look.

I find these sorts of outfits are perfect for both warm, sunny days and when transitional weather calls, simply with the addition of the leather jacket. The boxy shape of this leather jacket brings a twist to the more traditional shape, adding structure and tailoring, which I am clearly a massive fan of.

With this look, every item plays a part to make what may seem quite mundane to stand out; to me, that's the beauty of Parisian style. Simple, classic, chic, just enough and never forced.

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5. The Premise: Classic Trousers and a Fancy Top 

This look is for the days when you want to dress up your classic black trousers. I paired mine with one of my favourite sales finds this year, this JW Anderson halterneck top, which is so divine. I've gotten so much wear out of it, too. It's perfect for when you want to be comfortable with a more oversized fit in the front but then also a bit flirty with the exposed low back.

Alternatively, you could go for a more fitted top, possibly a corset style; I've been loving this combo recently. I'm a girl who focuses on details, and I love the white twisted-rope neck detail of the halter neck with the silver clasp. So I tied this together with the silver accessories, both my By Far bag. I adore the statement of the silver strap of the bag; paying attention to things like this adds more effort and contributes to the overall effect of the look. To finish, I paired it with some plain but always classic black kitten heels—refined and classy yet still playful.

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