When a new season rolls around, the first thing on my agenda is predicting the trends that are about to start making their way from the runways to the stores. As a dress devotee, I've always got one eye on the new minis, midis and maxis that are coming to the fore, but with autumn finally here, I couldn't help but notice just how many trouser styles were proving popular this season. Of course, there will always be the anti-trend wardrobe staples that you can buy now and wear forever (that's you, wide-leg trousers, leggings and straight-leg jeans), but what of the buzzier styles being championed for the warmer months? Well, trouser fans, I'm happy to say that from '90s throwbacks to loose-legged, casual fits, there's a lot to get excited about in 2024.
Mary wears grey denim jeans.
Starting with last season's most-discussed runway moments and then scouring through street style images, I've spotted six styles that feel the most compelling for the autumn season. Should you be tired of relying on the same pair of blue jeans, there's plenty in the way of silk, linen, cotton and reworked denim, and a whole host of new silhouettes, and I'm convinced you'll find at least one that you hadn't considered before but that will work wonders for your wardrobe.
So, if you're passionate about pants or are ready to trade in your floaty skirts for something a little more substantial, keep scrolling to see 8 summer trouser trends for 2024 that you'll be seeing everywhere in the upcoming months. You heard it here first.
Shop the 6 Best Trouser Trends for Summer 2024:
1. CAPRIS
Style Notes: After we welcomed back jelly shoes, bandeau tops, baby tees and chokers, it was only a matter of time until the definitive late '90s/early '00s trouser style made its return. Lately, the Who What Wear UK editors' group chat has been busily discussing the power of the pedal-pusher. Yes, capris are back, and these calf-hugging wonders actually look decidedly chic when paired with a heel (who knew?). Our best styling advice is to play with proportions and balance out the cropped fit with oversized shirts and boxy blazers.
Shop the Trend:
This entire look is so elegant.
I love the snap button detailing.
You could also style these with a baby tee and retro trainers.
This slightly flared pair is a great way to ease into the trend.
The green colour though!.
2. GREY DENIM
Style Notes: After speaking to the denim experts at Citizens of Humanity and Agolde towards the end of last year, it was immediately clear that 2024 is set to be a game-changer for grey jeans. Popular cuts and shapes may change with the seasons, but we've always been faithful to an indigo wash; that is until now, when the recent runways made such a hero out of slate grey that it changed the way we thought about our jeans in the process. It makes sense—grey manages to be versatile, polished and just the right level of distressed to feel "cool", which is exactly what we want from a pair of jeans we're likely to wear on rotation with everything from heels to trainers.
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I've heard great things about Toteme jeans.
This lighter grey wash has such a '90s feel to it.
For those who prefer a skinny fit.
Grey denim is surprisingly easy to take from day to night.
Simply add your favourite tee and loafers for a casual day look.
3. POLISHED CARGOS
Style Notes: And we're back to the noughties for another unexpectedly dressy trend—the cargo trouser. When they first returned last year, the sight (and sound) of this voluminous trouser style caught us off guard and had us wondering just how to make baggy trousers look chic. As it turns out, the answer comes in the form of a "grown-up" cargo; cut from weightier, luxe fabrics and with only the minimum number of pockets required, seen in the spring/summer 2024 Saint Laurent show. Simply throw on a pair of low heels and this loose-leg trouser is elevated to evening-ready heights in an instant.
Shop the Trend:
These look way more expensive than they are .
These definitely have a Nineties feel.
Get ready to turn to this khaki pair time and time again.
These still hold just the right amount of tailoring that's perfect for minimalists.
This style looks like it should come with a designer price tag.
4. CUFFED JEANS
Style Notes: Whilst Instagram is busily distracted by the barrel-leg jeans movement that has been happening over the past few months, there's an equally chic alternative for those less taken by the balloon-leg crave - cuffed jeans. Searches are up for "cuffed jeans", and "turn-up jeans", so it's no wonder that a newfound love for this 'French-girl'-approved style has taken over my Instagram feed.
Shop the Trend:
No one can beat COS's denim.
These have a such a Seventies vibe.
These are on their way to selling out.
Add a lighter colour into your summer rotation.
I always love Mango's denim.
5. STRIPE LINEN TROUSERS
Style Notes: When the temperature rises we immediately seek out the best linen pieces, but they also work for that in-between seasonal period and one style that works great with chunky knits and cardigans is the stripe trouser. Over the past few years we've noticed more and more tastemakers making the once "dated" style look impossibly chic, and as it turns out, stripe linen trousers can become one of the most hard-working styles in your wardrobe. They're cosy and lightweight and can be styled in a myriad of ways—we'll be taking cues from Sasha Mei's chic styling (pictured above) and pairing ours with a waistcoat and sandals.
Shop the Trend:
When it comes to linen, Reformation does not disappoint.
I'm obsessed with this whole look.
The perfect English coastal staycation outfit.
These have just shot up to the top of my wish list.
Dress up your linen with a sleek pair of mules.
6. SILK TROUSERS
Style Notes: You don't need to shelve your slip dresses in favour of trousers this year; you can get two-in-one with silk trousers. Although these stick around year-long, we've seen a real increase in fashion people rocking the style for autumn 2024. Whether they're a tailored wide-leg, pull-on jersey or have a cargo finish, this classic style is huge on Instagram right now.
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A fresh alternative to denim.
Wear with a silk top for an elegant evening look.
Opting for a bold print can look just as chic.
A classic black to go with everything.
These are technically pjs, but can easily be dressed up with a tee and sandals for a day out.
7. MINIMALIST TROUSERS
Style Notes: Minimalism continues to be a powerful force in 2024, with trousers embracing clean lines, neutral tones, and a no-fuss aesthetic. These trousers prioritise simplicity, with straight or slightly tapered legs, and a focus on quality fabric that drapes effortlessly. The beauty of minimalist trousers lies in their versatility—they transition seamlessly from day to night, embodying the "less is more" philosophy. Brands like The Row and high street staple COS know a thing or two about the perfect minimalist trouser, where luxurious fabrics and impeccable tailoring are centre stage. These trousers are the epitome of understated elegance. Pair them with a crisp white shirt for an effortless office look, or a sleek turtleneck for a chic evening ensemble.
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Pair them with the matching Gelso blazer for the best oversized outfit.
These editor-loved trousers are available in a mirage of colours.
The Row can do no wrong in my eyes and these wide leg trousers are just proof.
I'll be wearing these with a ribbed white tank and grey cardigan.
Such a versatile piece in any capsule wardrobe.
8. ULTRA HIGH-WAIST TROUSERS
Style Notes: Ultra high-waist trousers are making a bold statement this year, offering a dramatic silhouette that accentuates the waist and elongates the legs. This trend, often accompanied by wide-leg or flared cuts, was a standout on the runways of Victoria Beckham and Valentino during their spring/summer 2024 shows, where the exaggerated waistlines were paired with cropped tops and tucked-in blouses to highlight the silhouette. The ultra high waist adds a touch of vintage glamour, reminiscent of ’40s and ’70s styles, but with a modern twist. Whether styled with a structured blazer for a polished look or a chunky knit for a more relaxed vibe, these trousers are all about celebrating the female form with a powerful, yet feminine, edge.
Shop the Trend:
The pleates add a little refinement to this loose piece.
Burgundy is the colour of the season so these trousers are of course making the list.
How luxe do these satin trousers look?
The ultra high waist on these trousers look exceptionally chic when worn with a blazer or cardigan draped over the shoulders.
This whole outfit is so Gen Z coded and I am here for it.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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