The right trousers

The Right Trousers

Trousers are a wardrobe essential — our fashion blogger Kate shares her tips for finding the perfect pair.

Every time I’ve optimistically worn a dress with bare legs during contrary spring weather, I’ve regretted it, usually around the time when sun gives way to spontaneous hailstones. Of course, you can always wear black tights with your favourite frock in winter, but beyond April, an unexpectedly warm afternoon can make them feel like one woolly layer too many.

I decided that trousers must be the missing link in my wardrobe­ — chic, smart, and versatile enough to tackle early summer’s tendency towards three seasons in one day.

The problem was, until recently, trousers were my nemesis. Unlike dresses, which practically call to me from across a crowded shop and require zero effort, finding the perfect pair of trousers was stressful. Why?

You might relate to any or all of the following:

Well, there are those trousers that promise great things at first in the shop, and then they just go baggy round the bum, knees and waist after one or two wears. Keep your firmness, dear trousers! We need you to not droop and let us down, in places we feel we have womanly curves.

And then there are the pairs that seem intent on digging in, or falling down. No in between. Not at all.

I mean, comfort is always a bonus. The best pairs are the ones you barely remember you’re wearing.

I decided I needed to commit to a full-on search, and I finally found a few pairs that make finding trousers a bit less, well, pants.

Fabulous, in fact.

The Capri trousers

These beauties are the answer to so many of my trouser troubles, all in one elegant, Audrey Hepburn-style package.

capri trousers

capri 4

capri 5

They’re a slim fit in a super comfortable stretch material, and they keep their shape perfectly.

I also love them for their versatility; they’re smart enough for the office, especially worn with a pretty blouse, but they’re also chic enough for after-work drinks. And when the sun does come out, nothing says summer like Capri trousers; team them with a vintage top like this pink one, and be transported to 1950’s Paris in the heat.

They’re Deck by Decollage, a brand I hadn’t heard of; my very stylish mum gave me this pair to rescue me from my trouser woes when I literally couldn’t find any trousers I liked, anywhere. We’re both now big fans of our capri trousers and Sister on Ecclesall road stocks Decollage, so we can stock up when we need. They also come in two other lengths, a shorter crop trouser and full length. I’m seriously glad I found them.

I’ve seen them online here and here.

The bright jeggings

I’ve always loved skinny jeans and jeggings, but I seem to be between sizes in a lot of them; they’re either too clingy or not tight enough. These pink J Brand ones are the perfect compromise because they don’t feel too skintight but they’re just as comfortable and flexible as a pair of leggings.

pink 2

pink 1

pink 3

I got them from Flannels Outlet, so they were quite a bargain as J Brand are normally for a higher budget. Flannels Outlet seems consistently good for designer skinnies so it’s worth checking from time to time.

The print trouser

Print trousers are a trend that’s set to stick around well into holiday season. Oasis has a range of gorgeous cotton ones in a slim fit, and they’re really reasonable if you’re on a budget, at £35. They’re a really classic cut and look elegant for work with a black t-shirt and some white ballet pumps. I sometimes find that if cotton trousers don’t have much stretch in them they don’t keep that crisp shape, but these proved me wrong, and look fitted wear after wear.

I layer up for cooler days with this lemon yellow Dorothy Perkins cardigan, £22, which still feels summery.

smart 1

smart 3

I think everyone’s perfect trousers are just waiting to be found, but you just have to invest a little more time to work out the brands, cuts and fabrics you like most. And if it’s still all a bit too much? Don’t worry, because before we know it, we’ll be stressing about waxing our legs.

Spring collage

Clockwise from top left:

Deck by Decollage Capri trouser, £55

Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Eau de Toilette 50 ml, £53.50

Cath Kidston floral t-shirt, £25

Linea at House of Fraser pumps, £29

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in number 54, Boy, £25

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks, Raspberry, £19

Cath Kidston top, £40

Codello Silk Bird Print Scarf in Pink & Multi S14 £29.75, Sister Ecclesall road (sisteronline.co.uk)




There are no comments

Add yours