Wide-leg trousers are currently the most stylish silhouette, dominating the runways (and our Instagram feeds) for several seasons now.
Also called wide-leg pants or palazzo pants in the US, thanks to the likes of Victoria Beckham, Trinny Woodall, Frankie Bridge and even Princess Kate, they've never been more on trend, but they're also flattering and comfortable.
While wool-blend pairs are popular during the winter months, breezy linen styles and luxe crepe pieces are ideal for spring/summer. The versatile trousers looks amazing with stiletto or platform heels, but dressing them down is simple too - just throw on a cool pair of trainers.
Celebrities and royals wearing wide-leg trousers
Trinny loves her wide-leg trousers, frequently stepping out in them as far back as 2017. The Trinny London founder most often styles hers dressed down with a pair of trainers, but I've also seen her wear them with platform heels. She often adds a sequin blazer or dresses in one colour for a chic tonal outfit.
Also a favourite of Frankie Bridge, from cargo styles to striped wide-leg trousers, she usually goes for a high street pair, pictured above in a black tailored style by Stradivarius.
Fashion royalty Victoria Beckham demonstrates her love for wide-leg trousers in both her street style and eponymous fashion collections, while actual royalty Princess Kate wears hers for public engagements. We've seen her multiple times in the same (sadly now sold out) navy pair from Jigsaw, which she's styled with a contrasting white blazer and stiletto heels. When the Princess of Wales is seen in a trending piece, we know it has longevity and is likely here to stay.
How I chose the best wide-leg trousers
- Fabric: Wide-leg trousers have become a timeless capsule wardrobe piece, so it's worth investing in a pair made from a high-quality fabric that you can wear year after year. Now summer is approaching, you might want to choose something cooler like a linen-blend for the new season, and I've taken this into account in this edit.
- Versatility: I know some people like to wear theirs with trainers while others prefer heels, so I've found styles suited to both.
- Price: My edit includes pieces at a wide range of price points, from luxe pairs from Reformation to affordable wide-leg trousers from New Look.
1/11
- Sizes available: UK 6-24, Petite-Long
- Colours available: Navy, Pinstripe, Bright Blue, Black/White
Marks & Spencer's new season linen-blend wide-leg trousers are lightweight and breezy to keep you cool through the warmer months. Available in multiple colours, they have a comfy, elasticated high-rise waist and fasten with a drawstring.
2/11
- Sizes available: XXS-XXXL
- Colours available: Black, Tan Stripe, Blue Stripe, White, Beige, Garnet
I love Abercrombie trousers and they've just dropped a wide-leg linen pair that's perfect for summer. Featuring an elasticated waistband, they also come in the most inclusive size range I've found, from XXS-XXXL, in three different lengths.
4/11
- Sizes available: UK 6-18
- Colours available: Black, Cream
River Island's wide-leg trousers are made from a lightweight linen blend, but have a smart, tailored cut. There's a matching belted blazer available, so you can wear the full power suit.
5/11
- Sizes available: UK 6-22
- Colours available: Navy, Black, Grey, Stone
New Look just dropped these tailored wide-leg trousers in six chic colours. They're so affordable and you'll be reaching for them on repeat.
6/11
- Sizes available: UK 4-18, Petite-Long
- Colours available: White, Blue
7/11
- Sizes available: XS-XL
- Colours available: Black, White, Beige
With their soft linen-blend fabric and high, elasticated waist, H&M's premium wide-leg trousers are a summer wardrobe staple. They have a classic cut and comfortable fit.
9/11
Sizes available: UK 4-16
Colours available: Oyster, Black, Olive, Khaki, Black & White Stripe, Chianti, Charcoal, Slate, Woodland Brown
Shipping: £6 Standard Delivery or free over £100
Returns: £6 within 30 days
Reformation's Mason pants are fitted at waist with a relaxed fit through the hips and thigh. They're made from a lightweight woven fabric that's comfortable all year round. I love this cream pair worn as a tonal outfit, but they're available in eight other colours, from black to khaki.
10/11
- Sizes available: XS-XL
- Colours available: Navy, Beige
For a sports luxe pair, Zara's wide-leg trousers feature an elasticated contrast waistband with an adjustable drawstring, plus flattering darts at the front.
11/11
- Sizes available: XS-L
- Colours available: Blue Stripe, Pink Stripe
Striped wide-leg trousers are trending this season, you've probably seen them all over Instagram. Made from 100% cotton, this popular ASOS pair has a drawstring waist and a loose wide-leg fit.
