WWide-leg trousers have made a serious comeback, with the stylish 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 on trend, but they're also flattering and comfortable.
- The trending pair: M&S Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers
- The top-rated pair: Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Wide Leg Pants
- The premium pair: Reformation Alex Pants
- The wool pair: & Other Stories Wide-Leg Trousers
- The sports luxe pair: Reiss Abigail Wide-Leg Trousers
While breezy linen styles are popular during the summer months, with the return of autumn we're now shopping for wool-blend pairs and luxe crepe pieces as we prepare for the colder weather. 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 autumn is approaching, you might want to choose something warmer like a wool-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 Reformation to affordable wide-leg trousers from New Look.
1/12
M&S Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers
Editor's Note:
Marks & Spencer's wide-leg trousers are bestsellers thanks to their effortless tailored cut, which hangs beautifully and looks far more expensive than their £39 price tag. They feature a comfy elasticated high-waist and an adjustable drawstring fastening.
Available in UK sizes 6-24 and three different lengths, it's easy to find your perfect size. Plus, they come in two chic shades: black or neutral.
2/12
& Other Stories Wide-Leg Trousers
Editor's Note:
& Other Stories' tailored wide-leg trousers are made from warm RMS wool. Cut with a high waist and press creases, they feature duo slanted pockets and a zip fly with hook and bar closure. Style them with a shirt and oversized blazer or a cosy knit this season
3/12
Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Sloane Wide Leg Pants
Editor's Note:
If you're looking for wide-leg trousers with just the right fit, Abercrombie's popular tailored pair come in four different lengths in waist sizes 23-37 inches. The Curve Love fit is designed to eliminate any waist gap, with extra room through the hip and thigh. Multiple reviews say they're very flattering and high quality.
5/12
River Island Wide Leg Trousers
Editor's Note:
River Island's pleated wide-leg trousers have a smart, tailored cut and a comfortable elasticated waistband. Available in three different lengths and five different colours, they're selling out fast.
6/12
H&M Wide Leg Twill Trousers
Editor's Note:
H&M just dropped these wide-leg trousers in their autumn/winter collection and they come in nine different shades. Made from a twill fabric, they feature pleated detail at the front.
7/12
Reformation Alex Mid Rise Pants
Editor's Note:
Reformation's Alex pants are fitted at the waist with a relaxed cut throughout the legs. They're made from a heavyweight crepe material that keeps you warm and feels expensive. I'd love to see this black pair styled with chunky loafers, and they're also available in seven other shades.
8/12
Nadine Merabi Charlotte Trousers
Editor's Note:
Whites can still look amazing for autumn/winter, and these wide-leg trousers by Nadine Merabi are made from the most luxurious crepe and satin material. Dress them up with stilettos and the matching bralet and blazer, or down with trainers and a waistcoat.
9/12
New Look Stone Wide Leg Tailored Trousers
Editor's Note:
New Look just dropped these high-waisted tailored wide-leg trousers in six chic autumn colours. They're so affordable and you'll be reaching for them on repeat.
10/12
Reiss Lori Wide-Leg Trousers
Editor's Note:
For a sports luxe pair, the sell-out Abigail wide-leg trousers from Reiss have just dropped back in stock and they're available in navy, black, or netural. Featuring a comfy striped elasticated waistband, I'd wear them everywhere from the office to running errands.
11/12
Zara Wide-Leg Trousers
Editor's Note:
My favourite grey wide-leg trousers on the high street come courtesy of Zara. The high-waisted pair has double pleated detail and side pockets. Style them with trainers and an oversized white shirt or matching waistcoat.
12/12
Stradivarius Super Wide Leg Trousers
Editor's Note:
Stradivarius is loved by the likes of Frankie Bridge, so I'm not surprised to see these affordable trousers are selling fast. The super wide-leg pair have a high-rise waist, pleating, and functional pockets. Made for easy styling, I'd wear them with a white tee or waistcoat and trainers.
