Trousers are a wardrobe staple that can take you from the office to a night out with ease. But with so many styles, colors and fit options out there, finding the perfect pair and styling them right can be tricky.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to rock trousers with confidence.
Table of Contents
How to Style Trousers for Any Occasion?
Trousers are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down to suit any event. Here are some of my favorite ways to style trousers:
For the Office
Pair tailored, straight-leg trousers with a crisp button-down shirt and blazer for a classic, professional look. Stick to neutral colors like black, navy, gray and beige. Add closed-toe pumps and simple jewelry to complete the outfit.
For a Night Out
Swap the button-down for a silky camisole or one-shoulder top. Go for trousers with a bit of stretch in a slim, cropped or wide-leg style. Add statement earrings and strappy heels to elevate the look. A pop of color or print can also make the outfit more fun.
For Casual Weekends
Treat trousers like you would your favorite jeans. Pair them with a simple tee, denim jacket and white sneakers for an effortlessly chic vibe. Linen or lightweight cotton trousers are perfect for warmer days. Cuff the hems to show a bit of ankle.
For a Formal Event
Reach for high-waisted, wide-leg trousers in a flowing fabric like silk or satin. Wear a tucked-in blouse and embellished heels. Add a sleek updo and red lip for a glamorous finish. Stick to dark, solid colors for a more formal feel.
What are the Best Trousers for Work?
When shopping for work trousers, look for styles that are comfortable, well-fitting and easy to mix and match with your existing wardrobe. Here are some of the best options:
- Slim-fit ankle pants in stretch cotton
- Straight-leg trousers in tropical wool
- Wide-leg pants in a flowy, wrinkle-resistant fabric
- Cropped trousers that hit just above the ankle
- Paper bag waist pants for a fashion-forward look
Stick to neutral colors like black, navy, charcoal and khaki for maximum versatility. If your office is more casual, you can experiment with prints and brighter colors too. The key is to find trousers that make you feel confident and polished.
Where to Buy Trendy Trousers Online
Some of my favorite places to shop for stylish, well-made trousers online include:
- Everlane – for minimalist, sustainable styles
- Aritzia – for a huge selection of on-trend silhouettes
- Madewell – for vintage-inspired, laid-back looks
- J.Crew – for preppy, classic options
- Anthropologie – for unique, bohemian-inspired trousers
Many of these retailers offer inclusive sizing, from petite to plus. They also have great filtering options so you can easily search by style, color, length, material, etc.
Always check the size chart and read reviews before ordering to ensure the best fit.
Are Trousers and Pants the Same Thing?
In American English, the words “trousers” and “pants” are used interchangeably and mean the same thing – a garment that covers each leg separately and reaches from the waist to the ankles.
However, in British English, “pants” refers to underwear while “trousers” is the general term for the outer garment. So if you’re in the UK, stick to saying “trousers” to avoid any awkward confusion!
What Colors are in Fashion for Trousers this Season?
According to fashion forecasts, some of the most popular trouser colors for 2024 include:
- Sage green – a soft, earthy neutral
- Chocolate brown – a rich, retro-inspired shade
- Bubblegum pink – a playful, mood-boosting hue
- Crisp white – a fresh, summary staple
- Cobalt blue – a bold, primary color
- Lilac – a pretty, feminine pastel
Of course, you can never go wrong with classic black, navy, beige and gray trousers too. Look for interesting textures like linen, seersucker or faux leather to add visual interest to these neutral shades.
How to Measure Trousers Size
To find your perfect trouser size, you’ll need to take two key measurements:
- Waist – Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, keeping the tape comfortably loose. Don’t suck in your stomach or cinch the tape too tight.
- Inseam – Measure from the top of your inner thigh down to your ankle bone or where you want the trouser hem to hit. It helps to measure a well-fitting pair you already own.
Compare your measurements to the brand’s size chart to find your ideal fit. If you’re between sizes, I recommend sizing up for a more comfortable, relaxed look. You can always have the waist taken in or get the length hemmed if needed.
Can Trousers be Altered to Fit Better?
Absolutely! A good tailor can easily adjust the fit of your trousers for a custom look. Some common trouser alterations include:
- Taking in the waist
- Letting out the hips
- Hemming the length
- Tapering the leg
- Adding or removing belt loops
If you find a pair of trousers you love but they don’t quite fit right off the rack, don’t hesitate to have them altered. It’s worth the small investment to have trousers that fit you perfectly and make you feel amazing.
Are High-Waisted Trousers Flattering?
High-waisted trousers can be incredibly flattering on many body types. They elongate the legs, cinch in the waist and create a smooth, streamlined silhouette.
The key is to find the right rise for your proportions. If you have a shorter torso, look for trousers that hit right at your natural waist. If you have a longer torso, you can go for a super high rise that buttons above your belly button.
Pair high-waisted trousers with a tucked-in top or cropped blouse to really show off your waist. Add heels to further elongate your legs for a confident, polished look.
What Shoes to Wear with Wide-Leg Trousers?
Wide-leg trousers are a major trend right now and can be dressed up or down depending on your shoe choice. Here are some foolproof options:
- Pointed-toe pumps – for a sleek, elongating effect
- Strappy sandals – to show a peek of your foot in flowy styles
- Ankle boots – for a chic, transitional look
- White sneakers – for a casual, effortless vibe
- Loafers – for a preppy, polished finish
Avoid shoes with a lot of bulk or those that cut you off at the ankle, like gladiator flats or clunky combat boots. You want to create a long, lean line with wide-leg trousers.
Can Trousers be Hemmed to Different Lengths for Different Shoes?
Yes, you can absolutely have your trousers hemmed to different lengths to accommodate different shoe styles. In fact, I recommend it!
For example, you might want your trousers a bit longer to wear with heels and slightly cropped for flats or sneakers. A tailor can easily adjust the hem accordingly.
Just be sure to bring the shoes you plan to wear with the trousers to your fitting so the tailor can mark the ideal length. And don’t forget to walk around in them to make sure the hem isn’t dragging on the ground or flashing too much ankle.
FAQs
What colors of trousers are most versatile?
Neutral colors like black, navy, gray, khaki and white are the most versatile trouser colors that can be easily dressed up or down. They pair well with a variety of shirt colors and styles.
How should trousers fit?
Trousers should fit comfortably around your waist without needing a belt. They should skim your body without being too tight or loose. The hem should hit right at or slightly below your ankle, depending on the style.
Can short women wear wide-leg trousers?
Yes, petite women can absolutely wear wide-leg trousers! The key is to find a pair with a high waist and have them hemmed to the perfect length. Pairing them with heels also helps elongate the leg line.
What material is best for trousers?
It depends on the occasion and season. Wool, cotton and linen are great natural options that are breathable and comfortable. For a dressier look, opt for trousers made from silk, satin or a synthetic blend with some stretch.
How many pairs of trousers should every woman own?
At minimum, it’s good to have a classic black trouser, a casual khaki or denim option, and a fun, statement pair in a bold color or print. But the exact number depends on your lifestyle, career and personal style preferences. Invest in a few high-quality, versatile pairs that make you feel confident.
Conclusion
Trousers are a timeless wardrobe staple that every woman should feel comfortable and confident wearing. By understanding what styles, colors and fits work best for your body and lifestyle, you can create endless chic outfits with this one foundational piece.
Remember, fashion is about expressing your unique personality, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your trouser looks. Dress them up with heels and a blazer or down with sneakers and a tee.
With the right styling tricks up your sleeve, you can make trousers work for any occasion, from the office to date night and beyond.
I hope this guide has inspired you to embrace the power and versatility of a great pair of trousers. Trust me, once you find that perfect fit, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
So go forth and rock those trousers with confidence, knowing you have the tools to style them like a true fashion pro.