Some social media trends happen almost overnight and disappear just as quickly (a case in point, the customised croc phenomenon), and others have some real longevity (thank god for TikTok’s 2X2 outfit formula). But every so often something appears on the ‘gram with instant Marmite effect that you can’t help but grow to love, and today I wish to discuss the silver trouser. Low-effort, and high-impact, this “like it or loathe it” pair of pants is currently enjoying a moment on socials and in street style, but how exactly does one wear a metallic trouser? I may have found the solution.
Glossy or matte, mock-croc or sleek and smooth, silver trousers in all of their iterations cropped up on the fashion month circuit last season. From Amelie Stanescu’s biker pairing at Copenhagen Fashion Week to the pared-back styling at London and Milan, seeing silver trousers out in the wild has given us some fresh new inspo when it comes to styling up the unexpected hero, and they’re all undeniably chic.
Search through Instagram and you’ll find influencers in sold out pairs from Warehouse and Kendall Jenner’s Own collaboration with Next. A cursory glance through TikTok brings up videos with 700k+ likes on silver jean styling (most popularly, a £50 pair from Zara, but more on those later), and quick poll in the office reveals that silver jeans might not have been top of our list, but we are certainly open to the idea.
Should you be curious as to how to wear silver trousers without looking entirely Y2K (not that that’s neccessarily a bad thing), keep scrolling for 4 different ways to wear the style, and to shop some of our favourite pairs on the market right now. They certainly beat boring pinstripes…
Style Notes: Yes, that’s right, a silver trouser can work for desk-to-dinner with the right neutral pairings. Keep things simple with a cotton tee and linen blazer and let the trousers speak for themselves.
A Who What Wear wardrobe staple.
A high-waisted, straight-leg fit? Yes please.
It just wouldn’t be right to include a boxy blazer and it not be from the Frankie Shop.
The only strappy sandals on the high-street that take comfort seriously.
How chic is this banana sling shape?
Style Notes: Once the sun sets silver trousers really come into their own. Dress them up for evening with a satin cami and elegant mules for a look that’s guaranteed to get you compliments.
Buy now and wear throughout spring, summer and party season.
High shine, high impact.
I can’t stop dreaming about these perfect party shoes.
The ideal mini clutch for any evening look.
Style Notes: Silver accessories go with everything, so it makes perfect sense that silver trousers would work for casual wear too. Swap your everyday blue jeans for a flash of silver for a brunch look that captures the joie de vivre of the weekend.
This comes in four other colours, but cool toned navy works best with silver.
For those who prefer a slight kick flare.
You can’t beat a clean, white high-top.
This is a COS bestseller for a reason.
Style Notes: It might be spring, but it’s still chilly out there. Rework your autumn knit with a pair of silver trousers and our favourite transitional layer–the trench coat. On colder days this will look great with a boot, but while it’s still bright, a pair of ballet pumps are more spring-ready than a loafer.
The maxi length makes this stand out from the crowd.
For that price, I’ll take take two.
These look almost pearlescent.
Its official–we’re ballet flat obsessed.
Don’t like to mix metals? Continue the silver theme to your jewellery too.
TikTok’s favourite.
These come in metallic green too.
Stretch leather you can slip on and slip off.
The mock-croc finish kicks these up another level.
