Meryl and Elsa Swapped Wide-Leg Trousers For Chicer Cropped Pairs

Elsa Hosk and Meryl Streep wear cropped trousers with pointed toe leggings and loafers. — (Image credit: @hoskelsa, Getty)

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Instead of high-volume wide-leg trousers, many of the chicest women I look to for styling inspiration have made a considered switch in their wardrobes, replacing their once-reached-for wide-leg trousers with ankle-grazing, cropped pairs.

They feel neater, lighter and more comfortable as we move into the warmer months. Still simple and sleek, they make morning styling easy while delivering that polished finish that can be harder to achieve when warm-weather styling.

Suddenly spotting them everywhere, just this week, Elsa Hosk stepped out in an oversized trench and pointed-toe heels, with a pair of ankle-skimming trousers bringing a sharp, structured edge to the look. There’s something about that clean, cropped cut that elevates an outfit—offering a tailored feel that wide-leg styles don’t quite achieve. Plus, that subtle flash of skin adds a lightness that feels perfectly in tune with summer dressing.

Influencer @hoskelsa wears black cropped trousers with a black trench coat and black pointed-toe shoes.

Over in L.A., Meryl Streep made a case for the same silhouette. Dressed head-to-toe in black, save for a pair of burgundy loafers, her outfit could have felt heavy—but the cropped hemline broke things up just enough, keeping the look fresh.

Meryl Streep wears cropped trousers with burgundy loafers and a black embroidered jacket.

Another reason I’m sold? Their versatility. Whilst wide-leg trousers often call for a heel to really land, cropped styles work just as well with flats as they do with something more elevated, making them a genuinely easy addition to any wardrobe.

Inspired by some of the most stylish women in their 30s and 60s, scroll on to discover and shop the best cropped trousers to wear now.

Shop Cropped Trousers:

H&M

Cigarette Trousers

While I love these in the dark brown, they also come in three other shades.

Mango

Straight-Cut Crop Trousers

Style these with loafers or wear them with pointed-toe heels.

COS

Slim-Leg Cropped Trousers

Cropped trousers are such a chic alternative to jeans for the warmer months.

With Nothing Underneath

Regent Cigarette Trouser

The wool composition ensures a comfortable finish.

Sézane

Gustavo Trousers

Sleek black trousers are a welcome addition to any wardrobe.

Nobodys Child

Black Cigarette Trousers

Be quick! I can't see these staying in stock for long.

Massimo Dutti

High-Waist Straight-Leg Waxed Trousers

The chocolate brown colour trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.