There are no flattering lighting arrangements or curation of super-expensive designer items that can save me from the torture of finding trousers that look good when you're 5'1'' and have an hourglass figure. For some reason, brands feel that cutting pants to suit my kind of body is entirely unnecessary and a waste of their designers' and manufacturer's time, but the sad state of affairs in this part of my wardrobe would vehemently disagree.
I'm sure many would concur that our individual figures and measurements are often overlooked—from what's stocked in stores to how women are represented in ad campaigns—but I find that the pants department is particularly cruel. (Zara, I'm aiming 99.9% of this comment at your trousers section.) Which is why, when I stumbled upon the most perfect-fitting trousers I've tried in the past few years, I had to share the intel.
Retailer & Other Stories' pleated vintage-waist cotton trousers may ring in at £75, and for some that might feel a bit pricey for such a basic item, but it's the best £75 I've spent in a long, long time. Where this brand (and many other brands) often fail me is with trouser silhouettes that are snug around the hips and thighs. I'll always have to size up once or twice to get something to look nice on my legs. And then once sized up, most likely, I'll find that the waist is gaping and we're right back in the same boring edition of No Trousers Ever Fit Me. So, the rule of thumb is to opt for something with a little extra volume around the thighs combined with a distinctly cinched-in waist—my latest discovery are just that.
These holy grail '80s-style slacks aren't going to be for everyone. Some of you will still be too tied to slim-fit flares, skinny jeans or trackie bums right now, but if you're like me and you appreciate a high waist and looser-leg shape, then I think these will appeal. I've been wearing them a lot already, so to prove out just how worthwhile a purchase they have been I've pictured some of my latest outfits below for inspiration.
P.S. for anyone wondering, I'm usually between a UK size 10 and a 12 (or 14 in some trousers), with a 29" waist, and I ordered these in a EUR 38.
On Hannah: Samsoe & Samsoe cardigan; & Other Stories Pleated Vintage Waistband Cotton Trousers (£75); Kurt Geiger shoes
Shop the look:
On Hannah: Hayley Menzies Sunrise Rodeo Long Cardigan (£500); & Other Stories Pleated Vintage Waistband Cotton Trousers (£75); Vagabond Gabi Boots (£170)
Shop the look:
On Hannah: Madeleine Thompson jumper; & Other Stories Pleated Vintage Waistband Cotton Trousers (£75); Uterqüe boots
Shop the look:
Next up, the boot trends we're deeply in love with.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to WearReady in 10 minutes or less.
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion PeopleThere's something for everyone.
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024Denim devotees, unite.
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RNFrom cowboy hats to fringe accents.
-
I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 23Your definitive guide.
-
Here's How French Women Are Styling Their Jeans Right NowTake note.
-
French Women Always Wear This Jeans-and-Flats Outfit FormulaEasy as un, deux, trois.
-
I Went to France and Saw Everyone Wearing These 5 Basics on the Streets of ParisEffortless and chic.
