Wide-leg trousers have made a comeback, with the silhouette dominating the runways (and our Instagram feeds) for several seasons now.
Also called wide-leg pants or palazzo pants in the US, thanks to the likes of Victoria Beckham, Trinny Woodall, Frankie Bridge and even Princess Kate, they've never been more stylish, but they're also seriously comfortable.
While wool-blend pairs are popular during the winter months, breezy linen styles and luxe crepe pieces are ideal for spring/summer. The versatile trousers looks amazing with stiletto or platform heels, but dressing them down is simple too - just throw on a cool pair of trainers.
Celebrities and royals wearing wide-leg trousers
Trinny loves her wide-leg trousers, frequently stepping out in them as far back as 2017. The Trinny London founder most often styles hers dressed down with a pair of trainers, but I've also seen her wear them with platform heels. She often adds a sequin blazer or dresses in one colour for a chic tonal outfit.
Also a favourite of Frankie Bridge, from cargo styles to striped wide-leg trousers, she usually goes for a high street pair, pictured above in a black tailored style by Stradivarius.
Fashion royalty Victoria Beckham demonstrates her love for wide-leg trousers in both her street style and eponymous fashion collections, while actual royalty Princess Kate wears hers for public engagements. We've seen her multiple times in the same (sadly now sold out) navy pair from Jigsaw, which she's styled with a contrasting white blazer and stiletto heels. When the Princess of Wales is seen in a trending piece, we know it has longevity and is likely here to stay.
How I chose the best wide-leg trousers
- Fabric: Wide-leg trousers have become a timeless capsule wardrobe piece, so it's worth investing in a pair made from a high-quality fabric that you can wear year after year. Now summer is approaching, you might want to choose something cooler like a linen-blend for the new season, and I've taken this into account in this edit.
- Versatility: I know some people like to wear theirs with trainers while others prefer heels, so I've found styles suited to both.
- Price: My edit includes pieces at a wide range of price points, from luxe pairs from Reiss to affordable wide-leg trousers from H&M.
1/13
Sizes available: UK 6-24, Petite-Long
Colours available: Black, White, Grey, Oatmeal, Blue, Navy
Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £60
Returns: Free within 35 days
Marks & Spencer's new season linen-blend wide-leg trousers are lightweight and breezy to keep you cool through the warmer months. Available in six colours in an inclusive range of sizes, they have a comfy, elasticated high-rise waist and fasten with a drawstring.
2/13
Sizes available: XXS-XXXL
Colours available: Black, Tan Stripe, Blue Stripe, White, Beige, Garnet
Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery
Returns: Free within 60 days
I love Abercrombie trousers and they've just dropped a wide-leg linen pair that's perfect for summer. Featuring an elasticated waistband, they also come in the most inclusive size range I've found, from XXS-XXXL in three different lengths.
3/13
Sizes available: EUR 32-44
Colours available: Black, Beige
Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £80
Returns: Free within 30 days
For a more chic, tailored look, & Other Stories' wide-leg trousers are cut with front pleats and press creases. They feature duo slanted pockets and a zip fly with hook and bar closure. Style them for the evening with a crop top and blazer, dressed down with a white tee and trainers, or add a shirt to make them office-appropriate.
4/13
Sizes available: UK 4-14
Colours available: Ecru
Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £30
Returns: Free within 30 days
5/13
Sizes available: XS-XXL
Colours available: White, Beige, Black, Khaki, White/Blue
Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £30
Returns: Free within 28 days
H&M's wide-leg trousers are so affordable. With their soft linen-blend fabric and high, elasticated waist, they have a classic cut and comfortable fit.
6/13
Sizes available: UK 4-16
Colours available: Oyster, Black, Olive, Khaki, Black & White Stripe, Chianti, Charcoal, Slate, Woodland Brown
Shipping: £6 Standard Delivery or free over £100
Returns: £6 within 30 days
Reformation's Mason pants are fitted at waist with a relaxed fit through the hips and thigh. They're made from a lightweight woven fabric that's comfortable all year round. I love this cream pair worn as a tonal outfit, but they're available in eight other colours, from black to khaki.
7/13
Sizes available: UK 6-22, Short-Long
Colours available: Pink
Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £60
Returns: Free within 35 days
Marks & Spencer just dropped this amazing pair of pink satin trousers. With their wide-leg silhouette, sleek side zip and hot pink hue, I added them to basket immediately. You can shop the matching waistcoat for the full summer power suit.
8/13
Sizes available: UK 4-18, Regular-Long
Colours available: White, Blue
Shipping: £5.95 Next Day Delivery
Returns: £1.95 within 28 days
9/13
Sizes available: EUR 32-44
Colours available: Beige
Shipping: £5 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £125
Returns: Free within 30 days
Arket's wide-leg trousers are made from a lightweight linen-blend to keep you cool this summer. The high-rise full-length style has a thick waistband and pleating at the front for a smart finish.
10/13
Sizes available: UK 6-18
Colours available: Cream, Beige, Brown, Grey, Green
Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £50
Returns: Free within 28 days
River Island's pleated wide-leg trousers are smart and tailored but have a comfy high-rise elasticated waist. Made from a lightweight crepe fabric, they feature side slip pockets and a zip fastening.
11/13
Sizes available: XS-L
Colours available: Blue Stripe, Pink Stripe
Shipping: Free Standard Delivery
Returns: Free within 28 days
PJ style stripe wide-leg trousers are all over Instagram, and this ASOS pair is affordable. Made from 100% cotton, they have a drawstring waist and a loose wide-leg fit.
12/13
Sizes available: XS-XL
Colours available: Navy, Beige, Black
Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £50
Returns: £1.95 within 30 days
I love the fit of Zara's wide-leg trousers, and they've just dropped this sports luxe pair. Ultra comfy, they feature an elasticated contrast waistband with an adjustable drawstring, plus flattering darts at the front.
13/13
Sizes available: UK 6-22
Colours available: Black, Grey, Stone, Olive, Khaki, Navy
Shipping: £2.99 for Standard Delivery or free on orders over £50
Returns: £1.99 within 28 days
New Look just dropped these tailored wide-leg trousers in six chic colours, and I predict they're going to sell out fast. They're nicely priced and you'll be reaching for them on repeat.
