WearsMyMoney

I did a post a couple of years ago that was about ‘proper’ trousers and for some reason it’s had loads of views recently. No idea where they have come from, but as it seems popular I thought I would give you a 2023 refresh, so today we have 6 pairs of trousers that aren’t jeans or joggers.

I basically live in jeans on a day-to-day basis and yes, I AM one of those people that relaxes around the house in them too. Sometimes I change into a jogger but I do find jeans are always my go-to. That said, I am aware that there is a need for a good pair of trousers sometimes. Not everyone likes jeans (for the life of me, I cannot understand why, but each to their own) and others need a pair of actual trousers for work or for circumstances where jeans are not the done thing, so we’ll cut the preamble and get right into it…

CHINOS

Let’s start with the classic spring/summer trouser. Everyone needs, and surely already has, a pair of these in their wardrobe. If you don’t, then I’d say best to stick to a neutral colour: beige, khaki or navy are the most practical. I can almost guarantee that if you are swayed by pink or any kind of pastel alternative you will find that you just don’t reach for them as often. Neutrals are called neutrals for the very reason that they go with almost everything. You could add other colours here, but it’s also nice to keep it simple.

1. M&S cotton blend textured crew neck jumper 
2. Acne Studios mini Musubi shoulder bag 
3. Isabel Marant Lecce leather belt 
4. Hush Anna linen blazer 
5. Everlane The Relaxed Chino trousers 
6. La Redoute tan leather loafers 

CARGOS

As I predicted in my trends for 2023 post, cargo trousers are having another moment and they’re a great casual alternative to jeans or joggers on dress-down days. They look perfect with a sweatshirt and trainers, plus they always have big pockets, and we love an item with good pockets. Particularly good for those with small children who need snacks and wipes on hand at a moment’s notice. I don’t have small children, but to be honest I still like to have a tissue and a snack handy at all times for myself. Not those small boxes of raisins, though. Don’t come at me with a raisin as a snack for I shall send you away tout suite.

1. Anine Bing Lili printed cotton jersey T shirt 
2. Whistles Laura leather bomber jacket 
3. Stradivarius lyocell cargo trousers 
4. Anine Bing Ramona organic cotton sweatshirt 
5. Autry Medalist white leather trainers (use code KATE15 for 15% off) 

TAILORED

Another pair of trousers that everyone should, and surely already does, have in their arsenal. My favourite high-street shop for well-fitting trousers is COS. They just seem to get the fit spot-on, and now a lot of their trousers also come with those adjustable elastic tabs in the back so you can alter the fit perfectly for your waist. Just like those school trousers for little boys, but a grown-up ladies’ version. Why no one thought of that sooner is beyond me. It’s so obvious when you think about it, and especially good after a big lunch.

1. Essentiel Antwerp oversized shirt with multicoloured leopard print 
2. Abbott Lyon snake chain necklace 
3. Boden double layer square neck vest top
4. COS high waisted tapered twill trousers
5. Linea Pelle keeper belt 
6. Grenson Epsom two tone leather loafers 

CROPPED

A word on cropped trousers. They should ideally sit either just on, or just above the ankle. Do not under any circumstances buy trousers that sit mid-calf. They literally suit no one. Not even Susan from Sydenham, who likes to buy her slacks from the advert in the back of the Telegraph magazine. Step away: they will just cut your legs in half. Quick recommendation for secret socks while we’re talking about ankles. I have yet to find any that beat the Primark ones. M&S used to be good but now they’re not a patch on Primark (not a sentence you hear me say often). They sell them at the till, they’re super comfortable, and they don’t slip off. Buy in bulk, thank me later.

1. Mango puff sleeve denim shirt 
2. Esprit khaki cotton mix jacket 
3. Fat Face cotton canvas seamless culottes 
4. Arket curved leather bag 
5. Adidas x Gucci logo Gazelle trainers 

WIDE LEG

Currently my preferred option for trousers. Great in the summer too as you get a nice breeze. No one likes anything tight when the temperature rises, and for once this week I could feel it rising. I even went out without a jacket on Thursday AND then took the dog for a walk wearing JUST A T‑SHIRT. Watch it rain from now till July now I’ve said that…

1. Slow Love old skool cotton tank top 
2. Monica Vinader Deia chunky medium hoop earrings (use code KATE25MV for 25% off) 
3. Arket heavyweight cotton off-white T shirt 
4. COS wide leg tailored trousers 
5. Gucci Blondie Sakai leather shoulder bag 
6. Warehouse relaxed oversized blazer 
7. Converse All star vintage high top trainers 

LINEN

Talking of rain, you need to keep an eye on the forecast if you’re thinking of wearing your linen trousers. They’re certainly not built for damp weather, but it’s nice that we are finally looking forward to lighter layers, and the linen look is perfect for summer holidays. I’ve booked ours and I am very much looking forward to returning to Italy again. I think it’s my favourite European destination. Mainly driven by the food, of course. Bring me all the pasta…

1. La Redoute cotton sun print T shirt 
2. Alex Mill Nic cable knit cotton cardigan 
3. Arket leather trimmed canvas belt
4. Weekday Lila linen mix trousers 
5. & Other Stories leather trim straw bucket bag 
6. River Island cream raffia buckle sandals 

Enjoy the extra bank holiday day tomorrow, I’ll be back next week with either trainers or dresses. Not quite decided yet.

K x