The best wide-leg printed trousers for your closet

Get swishy with it.

There's nothing more chic than wide-leg printed trousers (when they're styled the right way). Easy, breezy and yet smart enough to take you to the office or cocktails, you can't go wrong with at least one of these babies hanging in your closet. The way a pair of wide trousers moves is key and brings a degree of elegance to any outfit without too much effort.

Bright colours and botanicals dominate this season, with offerings from everyone from high street names like New Look, Next and Warehouse to designers like Gucci and Etro. Don't be afraid of a good throwback piece - old school details like flares, pleats and even paisley are back in and will help boost your fashion game. If you're heading somewhere hot for the holiday, a good pair of printed culottes never did a girl wrong. Who can say no to a bit of ventilation?

How to wear printed trousers

As with any printed piece, styling can be a bit of a challenge. If you go for something too loud, you run the risk of looking like a walking bargain bin, whereas going too casual can tip you into pyjamas territory.

Choose an accent colour

Play to the strengths of your print by picking out a single colour, then doubling up in that shade on top. It'll magnify the effect of the print without looking too overdone, though it may be worth going for a neutral heel or loafer to balance it all out. For example the fire truck red palazzo pant from Next below would look gorgeous paired with a pastel pink top, drawing on the print's delicate florals.

Dress them down

Wide leg printed trousers are fantastic for when you're in a hurry, but still want to look chic. For a more casual weekend look, the yellow pleated New Look piece was made for a slouchy white tee and your best trainers, while a navy blazer, good belt and flats would easily pull the abstract Solace London trousers together for the office.

Printed trousers and matching top

If you really want to turn heads, a coordinated printed trouser and top always look fantastic. While the look doesn't come cheap and is perhaps best saved for fancier occasions, it's a powerful styling choice packed with personality. The loose-fitting Mary Katrantzou Tarot trousers in our edit come with a matching smart blazer for a whimsical, yet professional look.

Gucci Floral-Print Pleated-Hem Silk Trousers, £795, matchesfashion.com

We are 150% on board with these bold flares. With a colourful print that’ll get heads turning wherever you go, they’ve got slightly biblical undertones - keep an eye out for the subtle snake slithering amongst the flowers.

Shop now: Gucci Floral-Print Pleated Hem Silk Trousers for £795 from matchesfashion.com

Staring at Stars Gingham Crinkle Culottes, £42, Urban Outfitters

These pastel gingham trousers are a great way to bring two trends together - just in time for the summer. Avoid pyjama bottom territory with some statement sandals and a smart top.

Shop now: Staring at Stars Gingham Crinkle Culottes for £42 from Urban Outfitters

Quiz Floral Palazzo Trousers, £25, Next

These high-waisted palazzo trousers are covered in a gorgeous floral print, offset by a shock of vibrant crimson. Pair with an elegant off the shoulder top and strappy heels for effortless elegance.

Shop now: Quiz Floral Palazzo Trousers for £25 from Next

Peter Pilotto Bird-Print Wide-leg Stretch-Cotton Poplin Culottes, £650, matchesfashion.com

These gorgeous printed trousers prove that no wide leg is too wide. Inspired by delicate ceramic prints, the playful watercolour bird design and contrast hem really elevate the elegance of any look.

Shop now: Peter Pilotto Bird-Print Wide-leg Stretch-Cotton Poplin Culottes for £650 from matchesfashion.com

Glamorous Petite Floral Wide Leg Trousers, £35, Topshop

Take a trip back to the 70s in these hippie-tastic wide leg trousers, covered in a graphic botanical print. It’s the blend of bright colours that really makes this print pop, plus there’s a separate tie back top if you’re keen on coordinated looks.

Shop now: Glamorous Petite Floral Wide Leg Trousers for £35 from Topshop

Solace London Claudia Printed Plisse-Georgette Wide Leg Pants, £162, Net-a-Porter

We take a break from all the floral prints on this list to bring you Solace London’s fantastic abstract take on the piece. Slip in and out easily with the hidden zip along the back and swish around to your heart’s content.

Shop now: Solace London Claudia Printed Plisse-Georgette Wide Leg Pants for £162 from Net-a-Porter

Yellow Floral Print Pleated Culottes, £22.99, New Look

Put a spin on the classic staple with these fun pleated culottes, which come in a sunshine yellow. If you’re in a rush, slip these bad boys on with a tee and trainers - minimal effort, maximum style.

Shop now: Yellow Floral Print Pleated Culottes for £22.99 from New Look

Gucci Cropped Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Wide-Leg Pants, £350, Net-a-Porter

If you looking to splurge on a statement trousers then you can't go wrong with these Gucci Japanese inspired printed trousers.

Shop now: Gucci Cropped Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Wide-Leg Pants for £350 from Net-a-Porter

Mary Katrantzou Tarot Queens-Print Wide-Leg Silk Trousers, £899, matchesfashion.com

Taking its cue from intricately designed tarot cards, these silk Mary Katrantzou trousers add a dash of magic to any outfit. Bold yet elegant, they’re amazingly comfortable and there’s also a matching top if you really want to make a statement.

Shop now: Mary Katrantzou Tarot Queens-Print Wide-Leg Silk Trousers for £899 from matchesfashion.com

talkabout Printed Trousers in Jungle, Sand and Lemon, £79.99, Zalando

Vertical stripes not only look cute, they help draw the eye up and elongate your body. These muted trousers by talkabout will slim you down and keep you looking chic all day long.

Shop now: talkabout Printed Trousers in Jungle, Sand and Lemon for £79.99 from Zalando

Printed Contrasting Hem Wide Leg Trousers, £18, M&S Collection

Marks and Sparks have really stepped up their fashion game with these bright floral trousers. With a sophisticated floral print that and a dark contrast hem, everything comes together without overpowering the bold yellow shade.

Shop now: Printed Contrasting Hem Wide Leg Trousers for £18 from M&S Collection

Tropical Garden Culotte, £36, Warehouse

If you can’t afford that trip to the equator, pretend for a little while with this gorgeous tropical print. The trendy palms of last season have been laid to rest and we’re so glad these grown up botanicals have come along.

Shop now: Tropical Garden Culotte for £36 from Warehouse

Etro Paisley-Print Wide-Leg Stretch-Silk Trousers, £580, matchesfashion.com

It doesn’t get more disco than this. These paisley-printed trousers from Etro are a long way away from your grandma’s curtains, with a high waist and flattering tailoring.

Shop now: Etro Paisley-Print Wide-Leg Stretch-Silk Trousers for £580 from matchesfashion.com

Cropped Trousers, £24.99, Lindex

These breezy printed trousers are cropped just above the ankle, making them a go-to summer staple. As it’s still a relatively neutral piece, you’ll be able to pair it with whatever colours you desire - whether you’re going for a bold sunny yellow or for a contrasting black top.

Shop now: Cropped Trousers for £24.99 from Lindex

So next time you're thinking about buying new trousers, give the black jeans a miss and go for one of these. Dark trousers have had their day - it's time to have some real fun.