5 Tops and Trousers Outfit Ideas Fashion Girls Swear By

last updated 18 December 2018

When it comes to getting ready, we're here for anything that makes the process easier, which is why we have so many printed midi dresses at our disposal. However, seeing as temperatures are rapidly declining and leaving the house with bare legs is practically akin to going out with wet hair in the chilly stakes, we find ourselves constantly reaching for another item in our wardrobes: trousers.

They may not be a new addition to our outfit arsenal, but there's no denying that trousers require more styling effort than anything else you're likely to wear. There are so many silhouettes to try, which is precisely the problem. What exactly are you supposed to wear with each pair? We're glad you asked. With the help of some impeccably dressed women, we've found the perfect outfit ideas.

Not only will they make mornings less manic, but these top-and-trouser combinations will ensure you look chic whatever the occasion. Keep scrolling to see and shop our picks.

Wrap + Tailored

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Style Notes: We all know button-downs make for easy office attire, but wrap blouses look just as sleek. Pair it with a pair of tailored trousers, and finish with neutral accessories.

Ganni

Printed Cropped Cotton Shirt

The Row

Ina Wool-Twill Straight-Leg Jeans

Alexander McQueen

Baroque Pearl-Drop Earrings

& Other Stories

Basket Weave Crossbody Bag

ROLL-NECK + CAMI + KICK FLARES

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Style Notes: Okay, this look technically involves two tops but, as we've clocked countless influencers wearing their camisole over roll-necks, it had to make our edit. Pair the duo with kick-flare jeans and white boots for the ultimate in off-duty cool.

Guild Prime

Striped Roll Neck Jumper

New Look

Cowl Neck Camisole

Khaite

Benny Mid-Rise Kick Flare Jeans

ASOS

Atom Boots

CAMEL + JACQUARD

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Style Notes: Fancy pants are all over the high street, but if you're looking for a way to make them feel relevant post–party season, follow Alex Steadman's lead by styling them with a timeless camel jumper.

Topshop

Camel Coat

H&M

Ribbed Wool-Blend Knit

Staud

Bissett Patent Leather Bucket Bag

River Island

Floral Jacquard Trousers

Gianvito Rossi

Fannie Suede Mules

UTILITY + CHECK

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Style Notes: Checked trousers have been the #1 stride for the last few seasons, and a cream pair is the ideal investment for spring/summer 2019. Wear yours with a utility shirt left undone for a stylish twist.

Oasis

Kate Military Shirt

New Look

Bandana

Rodarte

Printed T-Shirt

Valextra

Iside Grained Leather Bag

Paisie

Checked Trousers

Office

Heighton Leopard Courts

SILK VEST + ANIMAL PRINT

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Style Notes: After dark, you can always rely on animal-print trousers and a silk camisole. Pair with minimal accessories to keep the focus firmly on your statement strides.

Raey

V-Neck Silk Cami Top

Isabel Marant Étoile

Alif Printed Trousers

Missoma

Long Silver Rounded Vertical Pendant Necklace

Zara

Studded Mules

Found your dream top-and-trouser pairing? We've also got the perfect shoes to go with.

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.