Trousers are a year-round wardrobe staple and one that British fashion types certainly don’t have autonomy over. Still, after reviewing six months worth of the impressive street style imagery we’ve captured by way of London pavements, I can discern one thing: The capital’s most adept dressers know how to style their trousers.
Between puddle pants and cargoes, loose-fit denim and tailoring, London girls have embraced 2022’s penchant for trousers like no one else. It helps that they loan themselves to our climate, where, even in the peak of summer, there remains an omnipresent chill in the air, particularly after a certain point in the evening. Looking back at our photo archives, trouser outfits were just as predominant in the month of July as they were during our October session, showcasing the trouser’s perennial versatility all the more. So as we head into winter, where getting dressed feels more like a chore with each passing dark morning, I thought, why not reacquaint ourselves with some impressive London street style trouser outfits to inspire our wares for the coming months?
Below, I’ve chronicled the best of the best, shopping out each trouser style as I go. Handily, you should be able to re-create the majority of these outfits using items you already own, making them cost-effective to boot. So without further ado, scroll on to see the best trouser looks from Who What Wear’s London street style series this year.
Style Notes: Puddle jeans (jeans where the hems are long enough to pool around your ankle) have been a key trouser trend this season. Here, I love how they look styled with tailored outerwear and pointed-toe shoes.
Really great blue jeans.
Style Notes: You need only look at the sheer number of cargo trousers on the street for confirmation that the Y2K aesthetic is still going strong. I am, however, enlightened by the styling in this look, which also taps into boho chic with the addition of a woven gilet and ’70s-inspired sunglasses.
These also come in a neutral taupe hue.
Style Notes: Nowadays, it’s perfectly acceptable to live in your leggings, especially when they look this good. Flared styles are fast becoming a fashion-person favourite and arguably look more elevated then the cropped, tight-fitting pairs you usually wear to the gym.
Comfy and sleek.
Style Notes: See what I mean about cargo trousers? This pair have a subtle sheen to them that makes them feel more directional than traditional khaki cotton canvas. I particularly like the all-black (save for the box-fresh kicks) styling here.
Just add a vest top and slingbacks, and you’ve got the ultimate low-key party look.
Style Notes: Who said white denim should be reserved for summer? Worn with a classic button-down and tan suede boots, this combination is a winter failsafe. Just add your favourite wool coat into the equation when temperatures drop.
I know so many influencers who own this exact pair.
Style Notes: Black tailored trousers are the perfect throw-on when you’re in a hurry or you just can’t think what to wear. Londoners have been getting good use of their Converse of late, too. Put them together and what do you get? An easy, never-fail outfit.
COS is my go-to for black tailored trousers.
Style Notes: Wide-leg styles might have dominated 2022, but I’m beginning to see a shift in street style preferences with more and more flare silhouettes coming into play. Bonus: They look great with ankle boots.
I love this shade of green.
Style Notes: Converse, check. Straight-leg jeans, check. ACNE Studios checked scarf, check. This street styler has perfected our off-duty winter uniform.
A jeans style that will never feel dated.
Style Notes: One of the top colour trends of the year, tangerine cropped up in a myriad of stylish ways—think bags, shoes and dresses. Looking, back, however, this wide-leg-trouser-and-white-shirt outfit might be my favourite interpretation of it.
The perfect doppelgänger.
Style Notes: Loose layers were a key look this summer, and this get-up, consisting of cotton trousers and a loose linen shirt, encapsulates it perfectly. Admittedly, fabrications such as this are more fitting for springtime, so you better believe I’ll be revisiting this look in April 2023.
I’ll be wearing these at home with my favourite oversized knit for elevated working-from-home attire.
Style Notes: Trouser-and-trainer outfits are all over my Instagram feed right now. Still, if you’re looking for a fresh way to highlight your kicks, take a leaf out of this street styler’s book, and opt for a cropped pedal pusher to bring your trainers into focus.
Pinstripes are a vibe right now.
Style Notes: Just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean you can’t embrace bright hues. This colour-blocking look stands out for all the right reasons. By matching the shades of her bold trousers and jacket to the colours in her incredible Loewe Puzzle bag, this woman ensures her look remains put-together as well as being playful.
These will look great styled with shades of camel, grey and navy.
Style Notes: In case it wasn’t clear, jeans and Converse trainers are a formidable outfit combination in the capital right now. Throw in my dream designer bag (oh what I wouldn’t give to own a Dior Saddle) and a monochrome palette, and this is a look I’d like to re-create for myself ASAP.
I hear such great things about Agolde denim.
Style Notes: Checked trosuers are always a good idea, especially when they’re paired with other British style staples, such as a trench coat and Dr. Martens. An adorable pooch won’t hurt either.
This oxblood hue is perfect for the winter season.
