All I Want to Wear Is Trousers—and I Love These 20 High Street Options

Tailored trousers have come a long way from their reputation as the obligatory office wear piece, or dare I say it, their longstanding affinity with schoolwear *shudders*. We’ve all been there, forcibly scouring the high street as pre-teens, for less than inspiring bootcut slacks. Now, however, they’re hailed as a hero piece—a wardrobe essential we’ve welcomed into our adult uniform, with open arms. The circular nature of fashion has resulted in the tailored trouser gaining some traction over the last couple of years.

Donned by the pop culture icons such as Diane Keaton in everything from Annie Hall to Baby Boom, Melanie Griffith in Working Girl and of course Princess Di, circa the 1990s, it’s clear to see the power of a woman in a strong tailored look, through the eyes of fashion history. Let’s not forget the Parisian influence. The French do tailored trousers year-round, paired with a stone trench and ballet pumps, for an understated look.

Form-fitting trousers have swiftly taken the place of jeans as a more interesting, smarter alternative, which makes it hard to look in the direction of rigid denim. With styles by The Frankie Shop, Jacquemus, Jil Sander and of course the renowned The Row’s wide-leg Marian pants doing the rounds, it’s clear to see tailored trousers have fast become a highly coveted piece.

If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the aforementioned designers, the high street has produced some timeless trousers, with beautiful compositions and fits, to see you through the years. When it comes to picking trousers on the high street, it’s all in the detail. A tapered waist or belt loop offers versatility, as you’re able to pull in the waist and accentuate the length. Also, look for quality tailoring. Pressed creases and darting provide a more pronounced shape, giving styles a high-end look. From sweeping palazzo pants and tapered leg trousers to relaxed wide-leg styles and chinos, there is something to suit all styles.

The styling options are endless. A barely-there open back or boatneck vest is my favourite way of styling them for the evening. Throughout the day I wear mine with a button-down shirt and heeled boots, or trainers, depending on the mood. Day-to-day tailoring is here to stay, and I can’t say I’m complaining. Here are the trousers I love the most.