I Want to Look Polished This Spring—These High-Street Trousers Are the Key
Trousers have come a long way from their reputation as the obligatory officewear piece or, dare I say it, their longstanding affinity with schoolwear *shudders*. We’ve all been there, forcibly scouring the high street as pre-teens for less-than-inspiring bootcut slacks. Now, however, they’re hailed as a hero piece—a wardrobe essential we’ve welcomed into our adult uniform with open arms. The circular nature of fashion has resulted in trousers of all sorts gaining some traction over the last couple of years.
Through pop culture icons such as Diane Keaton in everything from Annie Hall to Baby Boom, Melanie Griffith in Working Girl and, of course, Princess Di circa the 1990s, it’s clear to see the power of a woman in a strong trouser look through the eyes of fashion history. Let’s not forget the Parisian influence. The French do trouser outfits year-round paired with a stone trench and ballet pumps for an understated look.
However, I'm of the opinion that you don't need to spent a fortune to upgrade your outfits as such—the high street has produced some timeless trousers with beautiful compositions and fits to see you through the years. When it comes to picking trousers on the high street, it’s all in the detail. A tapered waist or the addition of belt loops offer versatility, as you’re able to pull in the waist and accentuate the length. Also, look for quality tailoring. Pressed creases and darting provide a more pronounced shape, giving styles a high-end look. From sweeping palazzo pants and tapered-leg trousers to relaxed wide-leg styles and chinos, there is something to suit all styles.
The styling options are endless. A barely there open back or boat-neck vest is my favourite way of styling simple trousers for the evening. Throughout the day, I wear mine with a button-down shirt and heeled boots or trainers, depending on my mood. Day-to-day trouser looks is here to stay, and I can’t say I’m complaining. Here are the best high-street trousers to consider investing in this season.
Shop the Best High-Street Trousers on the Market
Leather trousers of this quality are like gold dust on the high street.
Reformation's iconic Mason trousers come in an array of colours and sizing options.
Cigarette trousers are just as current-feeling as wide-leg strides.
Some will say jeans don't belong in a trouser edit, and I'd usually agree! But these are too good not to share here.
Marks & Spencer's linen trousers are already being searched for on Google, they're that good.
Pinstripe trousers are a major trend this season in their own right.
A frugal way to tap into the silver trouser trend.
Barrel and horseshoe silhouettes keep cropping up this season. Now I've pointed them out, you're going to start noticing them everywhere.
Next Up: The Only Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Trends I'm Bothered About
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.
- Maxine EggenbergerDeputy Editor
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in Europe
Classic looks that are always in style.
By Natalie Cantell
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This Winter
You're welcome.
By Eliza Huber
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big Impact
How to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
By Emma Spedding
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's End
And the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run
"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-Up
Sophisticated styling 101.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New York
Pared back yet never boring.
By Nikki Chwatt