kate middleton smiling in checked jacket and blue shirt

Princess Kate's opinion-dividing trousers are 2025's biggest retro fashion trend

Like it or not, the slim-leg silhouette is back - here's how to style them in 2025

Fashion and Lifestyle Writer

July 3, 2025Jul 3, 2025, 7:00 PM GMT+1

If there's one fashion trend that divides the masses more than low waists, socks and sandals and capri pants, it's the straight leg vs wide leg trouser silhouette.

After the domination of super skinny jeans in the early 2000s, the introduction of wide-leg shapes over more recent years was welcomed with open arms.

Like Victoria Beckham

Thanks to VB's enduring style file, this look from 2018 is perfect for this season. You can never go wrong with a white tee, stilettos and oversized sunglasses.

With an Elevated Jacket

We love this cool jacket to take a pair of cigarette trousers or jeans up a notch. Pair with some block-heeled preppy shoes and a designer handbag for some added Parisian vibes.

Carmen Chaplin attends the awards ceremony red carpet during Day Three of the 39th Cabourg Film Festival on June 13, 2025 in Cabourg, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

With a Black Blazer

For a classic, undeniably chic evening look, pair some satin cigarette trousers with a black blazer and matching heels. So simple yet so good.

A guest wears black sunglasses, white Calvin Klein Jeans print t-shirt, cream unbuttoned long sleeve shirt, black blazer jacket, black leather belt, navy blue washed straight denim jean pants, black sheer mesh tights, black heels leather shoes, outside Calvin Klein, during the New York Fashion week Fall/Winter 2025 on February 7, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

With Tights and Heels

This look is the only thing making us excited for autumn. The sheer tights and sandal layering is so cool, made more statement-y by the shorter length of these cigarette jeans.

Diane Batoukina wears black sunglasses from YSL / Yves Saint Laurent, a black t-shirt, a beige long belted trench coat from Maison Margiela, a black shiny quilted / grained leather Boy shoulder bag from Chanel, blue denim cigarette pants from Massimo Dutti, black Converse sneakers, during a street style fashion photo session, on March 23, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

With a Classic Trench Coat

A light layer is always advised during summer in the UK. Throw on your favourite trench for an easy breezy day look.

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