There are a few pieces in our wardrobes that we wear so often that they become part of our everyday uniform: The shirt, the knit, the blazer, perhaps a dress, but one piece that is a constant in everyones wardrobe is a good pair of jeans. If you've been lucky enough to find a pair that fit, flatter, and don't break the bank, it's likely that you've now worn them to death, and if you're running out of new ways to style old jeans, the answer might be to try a new trouser style altogether.
Now I'm not going as far as ditching our jeans (heaven forbid), but one of the swaps that I've made this year was trading denim for trousers, and the results have been surprising (and in fact, I've never had so many compliments). Right now is the perfect time to invest in pieces that'll see you through the year and trousers have been the talk of the town. Some of last year's biggest trends have all been bottoms (low-slung, wide-leg, and of course, cargo, but more on those later), and I'm here to make a case for the styles that I'll be wearing throughout spring.
From slim-legged cigarette pants to wide-leg linen, keep scrolling to see the eight trouser styles you'll actually want to wear throughout spring and beyond. And, there's not a single pair of blue jeans in sight.
1. SPLIT-HEM LEGGINGS
Style Notes: Dressier than regular leggings but still comfier than stiff denim, the split hem legging has been a staple in our wardrobes since we transitioned from lockdown to the office. Easy to dress up with heels or keep casual with a loafer, we'll be taking a page out of Chiara's book and wearing them with boxy blazers and oversized shirts for a contemporary spin on the classic suit.
SHOP SPLIT-HEM LEGGINGS:
Less of a stretchy jersey, and more of a slim-leg crepe.
Camel looks so good with denim. In fact, it looks good with just about anything.
Thick, sculpting, Lyocell blend with an adjustable zip hem.
2. TAILORED STRAIGHT-LEG TROUSERS
Style Notes: If there's one trouser style that doesn't get enough attention, it's the classic straight leg. Slightly cropped and with a simple silhouette, this unassuming trouser sits quietly at the back of our wardrobes while we experiment with supersized wide- legs and spray-on ultra-skinnies, but this chic cut never goes out of style. Whether you're wearing with ankle boots, ballet flats, or warm-weather sandals, you'll never regret having this versatile pair of trousers in your roster.
SHOP STRAIGHT LEG TROUSERS:
Zara are the first place I head to for straight-leg trousers with a little bit of stretch.
These trousers are so good they come in no less than 15 different colours, so there's a pair for every outfit.
There's a reason M&S sell over 100 of these every 48 hours.
3. CIGARETTE PANTS
Style Notes: For fans of the straight-leg trouser, there's also the super-skinny cigarette pant. Unlike the straight leg that has room around the ankle, the cigarette trouser hugs the leg all the way down and is narrow around the ankle, so you can make the most of your favourite pairs of spring shoes.
SHOP CIGARETTE TROUSERS:
The perfect cigarette trouser, and for under £20 (not that anyone would know it.)
How good do these look with a chunky, white knit?
Had you fooled! No, these aren't denim, it's comfortable stretch twill.
4. LINEN WIDE-LEG TROUSERS
Style Notes: Spring means one thing–the start of linen season, and although linen shirts are first thing we rush to buy as soon as the sun is out, the trousers are just as good. Light, breathable and cooling when you need it, there's no risk of overheating on your commute in these, especially an airy wide-leg that looks just as smart as wool suit trousers.
SHOP LINEN WIDE-LEG TROUSERS:
A comfortable drawstring waistband? Sign us up.
H&M changed the game with these perfectly cut trousers that are a Who What Wear editor favourite.
These elegant trousers come in 5 colours, but there's something special about the olive taupe.
5. LEATHER TROUSERS
Style Notes: If I'm looking for a trouser I can wear all day and into the evening without feeling underdressed, it has to be leather. Polished and premium, the glossy trouser makes even a cosy knit look party-ready, and they just so happen to be your best defence against the inevitable April showers.
SHOP LEATHER TROUSERS:
Skin tight leather leggings can feel a bit dated, so we make a beeline for straight-leg trousers with a little extra breathing room.
From the colour to zip detail, these feel so fresh.
Some of the best vegan leather on the market, hands down.
6. PUDDLE PANTS
Style Notes: Ah, the puddle pant. Celebrity favourite and fashion editor secret, this long-legged wonder is a chic, loosely tailored trouser that pools around the ankle, and manages to make everyone look that little bit taller. They key to nailing this look is the length (ankle swingers, are a no-go), so look for styles that are a little longer than you would usually go for, and prepare to wear with heels.
SHOP PUDDLE PANTS:
The linen fabrication makes these a win-win.
The nipped-in waist and longer length give these a flattering silhouette.
You can buy these in long-leg to wear as puddle pants, or buy the shorter ones for an ankle fit.
7. PRINTED TROUSERS
Style Notes: There's something about spring sunshine that makes us want to celebrate in plenty of print and colour, and until it's hot enough to live in summer dresses, printed trousers are as good a place as any to start. Florals, checks, stripes, or polka dots, these joyous trousers are the epitome of dopamine dressing, just add a plain white tee and a sandal and you're good to go.
SHOP PRINTED TROUSERS:
Spring in a trouser.
Prada are specialists in power prints.
These are amazing on their own, but even better as a full co-ord.
8. CARGO PANTS
Style Notes: Last year's most divisive trouser trend has to be the cargo, and it's also the perfect trouser for spring. A light, airy trouser can be paired with almost anything, and the cargo adds utility-cool to dressy tops or basic tees, and looks even better with a strappy sandal. Roll on summer.
SHOP CARGO TROUSERS:
Perhaps the best pair on the high-street.
If you aren't entirely sold on the baggy leg, these are a subtle take on the trend.
The unique colour makes these stand out from the crowd.
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