Kate Middleton Just Wore the Smart Trouser Trend European Women Know Will Be Huge This Spring

If the spring/summer 2025 collections taught us anything at all, it's that suiting is going to be key next season. Smart, neatly tailored silhouettes were a resounding runway success, heralding the return of one of fashion's most timeless trends.
Clearly in tune with the move towards suiting, Kate Middleton stepped out this week wearing the specific trouser style set to take off soon. Styling a chic take on suiting for an engagement at The National Portrait Gallery, Catherine, Princess of Wales, wore a chocolate-brown blazer, but instead of selecting an equally earthy shade for her trousers, she reached for the classic pinstripe trouser trend to complete her look.
Keeping her styling clean and polished, Middleton paired her trousers with a slim-fitting turtleneck and pointed-toe heels. Adding dimension to her transseasonal look without incorporating excess colour or texture, her brown blazer and charcoal pinstripe trousers instilled an easy elegance and subtle wash of colour.
Whilst pinstripe trousers are set to be a core trend for spring, they have an enduring appeal that sees them style well throughout the year, meaning they're already cropping up in chic outfits now. Pairing perfectly with a neat button-down for an office-ready look, this trouser also works well with slouchy knits for a more low-key take. Elongating the legs by way of the subtle vertical stripes that trace from the hips to the ankles, pinstripe trousers are a wearable investment you'll find you keep coming back to.
By no means a new trend, European fashion people have been weaving these trousers into their wardrobe rotations for a while now. Translating the easy elegance that the European style set is known for, these trousers feel fuss-free and polished and can easily stand in for jeans if you want to elevate your look in an instant. And right now, I'm seeing them crop up more than ever.
The Princess of Wales's endorsement is a clear tell that a trend is set to take off, and I'm getting ahead of the curve and shopping a pair now. If you're also on board, then read on to discover our edit of the best pinstripe trousers.
SHOP PINSTRIPE TROUSERS:
These classic trousers also come in six other shades.
Abercrombie's chic and comfortable trousers are a fashion-person favourite.
Style these with smart loafers or wear with casual white trainers.
These classic trousers are so easy to slip into a capsule wardrobe.
Wardrobe.NYC's capsule staples are some of my favourites.
The drawstring detailing adds a casual edge to these inherently smart trousers.
Style with the matching blouse or pair with a simple white tee.
Shop the matching Striped Knot Shirt (£46).
Dress these down with a logo vest.

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.
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