As a fashion editor, it has been a quiet secret of mine that for a long time trousers and transitional dressing were two parts of getting dressed that eluded me.
Many years ago, I tried on a pair of tailored trousers and when I saw how they looked on my 5ft 2 size 16 frame I cursed the changing room mirror and swore never to cavort with trousers again. Add to this the fact that being too hot sends me into a white hot rage and its easy to see why I’ve always favoured dresses and skirts, particularly when the seasons start to shift.
But earlier this year, the world of trousers seemed to experience a boom of variety that expanded well beyond the traditional tailored pair. New styles and fresh takes on classics blended polish, comfort, character and versatility, giving us trousers that could not only be worn from work to weekend, but from summer to autumn too.
I tested the water in May last year with a pair of Cos‘ viral elasticated barrel-leg trousers, then explored further with a pair of sarouel trousers, and I haven’t looked back. This extensive list of trouser styles on offer, from drawstring cotton and striped linen to sarouel and satin, not only means there are more options for every size and body type, but that transitional dressing just got so much simpler. These styles all feature light fabrics and relaxed silhouettes that will work just as well with tank tops and sandals as they will knitwear and loafers.
So whether you’re new to the world of trousers like me and want to find styles that will carry you effortlessly into the next season, or want to update your transitional wardrobe to include trouser styles that feel fresh, read on for my edit of the 7 styles to know.
7 Summer-to-Autumn Transitional Trouser Trends
1. Satin Trousers
Style Notes: Throw-on-and-go has never looked so chic. Satin trousers are the ultimate fashion shortcut, delivering on polish and comfort while instantly elevating everything from t-shirts to knitwear. Style for late summer with a linen shirt, then move into autumn with an oversized long sleeve t-shirt.
Shop Satin Trousers:
Available in four additional colours.
Wear as a co-ord with the matching waistcoat.
A lighter alternative to traditional tailoring.
Taupe will be the leading neutral next season.
The mottled satin adds a subtle hint of print.
2. Sarouel Trousers
Style Notes: Divisive? Yes. Over? Absolutely not. Sarouel trousers are just getting started. As we move into autumn expect to see brands experiment with the style through colour, print and embellishment. Look to next season’s jacket and trainer trends for a winning outfit combo.
Shop Sarouel Trousers:
Available in three different leg lengths.
Soft pink and double bows at the waist add a feminine touch.
Embellishment will be a huge autumn trend.
A gorgeous shade to pair with suede.
A neutral take on bold stripes.
3. Taffeta Colour Pop Trousers
Style Notes: You can have just as much fun with your transitional wardrobe as you do with your summer wardrobe, and a colour pop pair of trousers is the key. The taffeta trouser is the satin trouser’s fun sister, bringing texture, vibrancy and a relaxed fit to your basics. Let the trousers stand front and centre and style with slim-fit long sleeve t-shirts for summer and structured blazers as we enter autumn.
Shop Taffeta Colour Pop Trousers:
Can work as both a neutral and a bright.
The cobalt blue obsession will continue into next season.
Just add a white tee and you have a powerful off-duty look.
Let soft pink pop against rich neutrals like brown and grey.
A smart statement.
4. Striped Linen Trousers
Style Notes: For a long time linen has been considered a summer-only fabric, but when you add a perennial print like stripes it can easily be incorporated into your autumn wardrobes. Choose neutral pinstripes for a minimalist tonal outfit or look to bold deckchair stripes and statement colourways for a maximalist take.
Shop Striped Linen Trousers:
Six additional vibrant colourways available.
Softly tailored so you can dress up or down.
Create a tonal look with camel and beige.
High-end quality, high-street price.
A viral favourite.
5. Cotton Drawstring Trousers
Style Notes: The definition of effortless, drawstring cotton trousers are the ultimate casual trouser that can be smart too. They’ve dominated summer dressing, but show no sign of disappearing as the fashion crowd style them with oversized shirts, crew-neck jumpers, knitted vests and funnel-neck jackets for the cooler months.
Shop Cotton Drawstring Trousers:
A timeless investment.
The pop of colour every transitional wardrobe needs.
Add a shirt, oversized knit and loafers for a cool take on preppy.
The cropped barrel pairs well with chunky loafers and boat shoes.
Crafted from a blend of cotton and flax for a super soft feel.
6. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: What were once my nemesis are now a solid part of my transitional wardrobe thanks to this season’s more relaxed, slouchier silhouettes. For traditionalists, classic styles are being styled with casual basics like sleeveless tops and trainers, while barrel-leg and tapered wide-leg styles are used to subvert tailoring norms, so lean into this with bolder shirt and shoe choices.
Shop Tailored Trousers:
Also available in petite.
Pair with a vest top and off-the-shoulder knit for a cool casual look.
All you need is a roll-neck vest and you have yourself a chic, elegant workwear look.
Elevate your tailoring game with a barrel silhouette.
Add a lace cami and kitten heels to juxtapose the masculine cut.
7. Capri Trousers
Style Notes: The shorter length of capri pants places them perfectly in a transitional wardrobe. Longer than shorts with a slimmer fit, they are the stylish answer to fluctuating temperatures. Replace the summer pairing of vest tops and baby tees with longline blazers, long-sleeve cardigans and technical jackets to give them longevity.
Shop Capri Trousers:
The subtle split hem detail is so elegant.
For a pop of red.
Leopard is a neutral.
The lace hem trend will move over to trousers for autumn.
Very Y2K.
