I've gone through a serious evolution of late, and it's all thanks to Paris. Since moving to the French capital, I've been on a mission to expand my fashion horizons and find ways to elevate elements of my personal style. The biggest transformation so far? Moving away from my comfort zone of skirts and dresses, and embracing a brand new (to me) wardrobe staple instead: tailored trousers.
While I always believed I felt most myself in overtly feminine silhouettes, what I've since discovered is that there's something incredibly powerful about a great tailored trouser. You see, the best ones aren't stuffy or restrictive as I'd previously imagined. Instead, they can bring softness and fluidity to a look, as well as adding a chic menswear-inspired twist.
Brandon Maxwell AW25, Giorgio Armani AW25, Carolina Herrera AW25
But don't just take my word for it. On the Autumn/Winter 2025 catwalks, we were spoilt for choice when it came to exciting ways to style tailored trousers. At Brandon Maxwell, models took to the runway in draped black trousers paired with loose, floaty blouses; while Giorgio Armani and Carolina Herrera opted for ladylike twists on classic tailoring in high-neck waistcoats and bandeau tops, respectively.
It was Coach however, that most piqued my interest. Bringing even more softness to the smart style, the brand presented tailored trousers layered under sheer nightwear-inspired dresses to create a chic, unexpected contrast.
Coach AW25
Of course, it hasn't taken long for these trends to trickle down into our wardrobes, and since then stylish women have been adopting tailored trousers—and the freshest ways to wear them—in their droves. At the most recent Copenhagen Fashion Week, for example, the chicest influencers and industry insiders stepped out in tailored trousers layered beneath their summer dresses, and it was the ultimate cool-girl vibe.
A little closer to home, meanwhile, influencer Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks proves that top-to-toe tailoring is always a stylish choice. Pairing a pinstripe blazer with wide-leg tailored trousers and flip flops, she gave the 80s-inspired look a relaxed finish—showing how even if you choose to approach tailored trousers in a more classic interpretation, they can still feel wearable.
So, in a bid to continue to be an actual trouser person and spread awareness of the greatness of tailored trousers for off-duty dressing, I've dedicated my efforts to finding the finest tailored trousers to shop for the months ahead. If, like me, all this inspiration has you convinced to step out of your comfort zone, consider stepping into a pair of the below tailored trousers instead.
The Best Tailored Trousers to Shop Now
Even as a dress lover, trust me, every great wardrobe needs a pair of black tailored trousers.
This may be a bold claim, but COS is one of my favourite brands for tailoring. With considered designs (such as the concealed adjustable waistband), luxe finishes and conscious fabrications, these are comparable to designer trousers at triple their price point.
For a modern take on the classic style, switch your traditional wide-leg trousers for a horseshoe shape instead.
I've studied The Row for years and its tailored trousers remain some of the best around for a laid-back luxe finish.
While classic colour ways are the most popular choice, there's space to have some fun with these styles. This berry red tone will be perfect for autumn.
Maker of exemplary shirts, With Nothing Underneath, has fashioned its first trouser offering - the Rampling trousers. Sleek, contemporary and comprising 100% wool, it's a piece to invest in now and wear for years to come.
Don't sleep on the high street, as you can find premium-looking cuts in considered fabrications.
The Kooples' striped trousers may seem intimidating but picture them worn with a classic white T-shirt and sandals for warm autumn days.
This rich chocolate brown tone makes these tailored trousers appear far more expensive than their price tag. Pair with coordinating accessories for a chic, tonal workwear look.
It wouldn't be a trouser edit without a slate grey pair and Max Mara's wide-leg style is the perfect hue.
Reformation's Mason pants are a longstanding hero. With colourways spanning six tones and available in an inclusive size range, they're a piece everyone can enjoy.
