Finding the perfect pair of trousers is a tricky, but not insurmountable, task. Firstly, you have to find a fit that’s right for you, then there’s sizing variations, length, and of course, colour considerations. Our advice? Try before you buy and be flexible with your choices. Luckily, this season brands have been offering up their own iterations on the perfect pant. High-street heroes, Arket, Cos and Me+Em, continue to dominate with smart tailoring, while tried-and-tested names, such as Victoria Beckham and Totême, offer a shape and style for any occasion.
From wide-leg trousers that will see you from day to night, to the best leather trousers on offer, study Vogue’s guide to the best trousers to stock up on now.
Wide-leg trousers
A good wide-leg trouser can add a lot to any outfit. A lightweight pair composed of linen or cotton is ideal for swanning across a beach, while a wide-leg trouser in a heavier fabric, like wool or cashmere, is a non-negotiable for any workwear wardrobe.
Black trousers
The ultimate workwear staple, a black trouser pairs just as well with a well-tailored blazer and smart blouse, as it does with a vintage tee and trainers. Add one into your wardrobe rotation and you’ll be surprised how often you reach for it. Pair with a black cashmere jumper or cotton tee, and let your all-black ensemble do the talking.
Read more: Shop Vogue’s Edit Of The Best Black Boots
Leather trousers
You’d be hard-pressed to find a single item of clothing that carries the same power as a good leather trouser. Capable of adding an edge to the most casual of outfits, leather trousers comes in any style and shape you could imagine, including cropped, cargo, flared and straight-leg.
High-waisted tailored trousers
High-waisted trousers are a wardrobe’s secret weapon. So comfortable you’ll be happy to wear them from dawn ’till dusk, they’ll pair perfectly with a simple tank, but dress up easily with a matching blazer or billowy blouse.
Barrel leg
This year, sculptural, barrel leg trousers have been having a moment, with sleek, tapered styles and more directional horseshoe shapes, as seen at Alaïa. This curved shape is a bold alternative to wide-leg trousers, and looks just as chic in denim as wool-blend styles or corduroy iterations.
Cargo trousers
In recent years cargo pants have made a return in a big way, and designers like Saint Laurent have given them a more grown-up finish, with a more structured silhouette than their Noughties counterparts, neat pockets and beautiful fabrics. These cargos will look just as stylish in the office, as for weekends in the park.