There is no piece of clothing I love as much as black wide-leg trousers; in particular, my pair from COS. They 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.
Tailoring is something I’m gripped by year in, year out. And black wide-leg trousers are something everyone will always need. They cross the borders of occasion, from corporate work events to even, dare I say, 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. This COS pair 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.
Scroll on to see five ways I’m styling my black wide-leg trousers for the season ahead.
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. These Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 650Rs are one of my dearest possessions. But simultaneously the cut of this cropped bolero jacket adds in all the Posh Spice 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 side 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.
I didn’t know I needed a reversible bolero until now.
My Weekday top is sold out, but this Arket option works just as well.
See what I mean? So sleek.
Hands down the best pair of wide-leg trousers I own.
When trainers go high-end.
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 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.
I never tire of this blazer shape.
You can’t go wrong with gold jewellery.
Another high-street pair of black wide-leg trousers to consider.
These have proven to be such a good investment.
I could never suggest ways to style black 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 in the dog days of summer, I styled this 100% cashmere cream vest with some co-ordinating heels and an off-white bag to give it more of a summery 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—an item 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.
Is there anything that feels better on your skin than cashmere? I think not…
How I finish most of my outfits these days.
Seriously, this trouser cut.
I refuse to stop wearing sandals yet, especially pairs that look like this.
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. I find these sorts of outfits are perfect for both the hottest of 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.
This silhouette is a cool update on leather biker jackets.
This will make every outfit you wear look so expensive.
The best £12 you’ll spend this season, I promise you.
I’ve seen belts that look just like this but are three times the price.
While I rate my COS pair, I’m also into these & Other Stories strides with pressed front seams.
So cute.
This look is for the days when you want to dress up your classic black trousers. I paired mine with one of my favourite sale 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 halterneck 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 heels—refined and classy yet still playful.
My top is now sold out, but this makes for an excellent and equally chic alternative.
I can’t fault these in any way.
No wonder Dear Frances is an influencer-favourite brand.
A bag similar to mine at such a great price.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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