Trousers have always been a key component in our wardrobes, but the sheer volume of trends that have centred around them of late is hard to ignore. For years, dresses sat atop of the fashion hierarchy, with many iterations—Tove’s Ceres, Norma Kamali’s Diana, and basically anything from Cecilie Bahnsen—becoming cult items in their own right, either selling out or becoming such a rarity on the market they were akin to long-lost treasure. But trousers? Seldom did they ever kick up as much of a fuss. That is, prior to 2022, which will forever been known in fashion circles as the year of the trouser.
Between wide-leg and puddle to a newfound appreciation for leggings, this year has been all about the trouser in its many guises, and I have a feeling 2023 will follow a very similar thread. You need only scroll through Instagram to see the impact trousers are having on our outfits. My own shopping habits have changed, too. I’d ordinarily never seek out the trouser category, be it on Mango or Net-a-Porter, but now, it’s my first port of call. I’ve spent hours thinking about The Frankie Shop‘s Maesa cargoes and travelled 60 miles to try on COS’s selection of tailoring, such is my obsession. So on the cusp of a new season, I thought it would be handy to decode the trouser trends for 2023, of which there are seven of serious note. Scroll on to see them.
Style Notes: While the fashion industry has spend time reminiscing the trends of the ’70s and ’90s over the past few seasons, there’s a distinct ’80s mood for 2023. And with that comes looser, taper-leg trouser styles that, yes, nod to hareems, but still distinctly more polished.
Style Notes: Staying in your joggers all day has gone from being something of a sartorial taboo to a legitimate fashion choice, with many of us favouring comfort above all else. For the distinguished jogger wearer, there’s now a crop of tailored styles to consider, which Monikh is spearheading with her Lacoste pair.
Style Notes: Wide-leg trousers were one of the biggest trouser trends of the last year; if you invested in them, then you’ll be pleased to hear they’re going nowhere for 2023. In fact, the silhouette is set to become even more extreme.
Style Notes: Pinstripes once held costumey connotations, having become the uniform of choice for bad gangster movies. Thankfully, fashion has reclaimed this classic motif and is backing it in a big way for 2023. Suitable for both serious workwear and for more relaxed everyday ‘fits, the pinstripe is a print that can adapt well to any occasion.
Style Notes: Y2K is still a major influence on the 2023 collections, but with it, designers have begun exploring more elevated interpretations of the aesthetic. Take cargoes, for example, which now come with refined pockets, tailored trousers, and in an array of expensive-looking fabrics.
Style Notes: Printed trousers having been as prevalent as they once were but that’s all about to change, as bold trousers were key in countless 2023 designer collections. From florals to snake, no print is off-limits.
Style Notes: A close cousin of cargo trousers, I’ve noticed a slew of trousers with drawstring hems start to creep into new-in sections. This trouser looks its sleekest paired with heeled sandals, but I can see it working with trainers too for a more athleisure take.
