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For at least a decade, the only trousers I’ve owned, apart from jeans, have been black and a little bit boring.
Perhaps scarred by a childhood spent in homemade purple flares and scratchy corduroy, I’ve religiously steered clear of patterns and textures, preferring to stick with a small collection of GBTs (that’s Great Black Trousers, the trouser equivalent of the LBD).
As soon as the weather turns, out come my trusty faves. This totals three pairs of black, wide-leg trousers, all High Street and more than a little frayed at the hem – I’m 5ft 4in and, in many stores, struggle to find trousers that don’t need a few inches chopping off them.
Then there’s a pair of tailored capri pants which barely do up at the waist these days, and the black leather pair I wheel out for special occasions, bought in a sale eons ago. Even my faded trackie bottoms are black. My taste in trews is nothing if not predictable.
Or at least it was until a few weeks ago, when a stylish friend arrived at my house in barrel-shaped navy slacks from Uniqlo. So chic. And a steal at under £35. I realised I needed to up my trouser game immediately.
Inspired by her, I descended on my local Uniqlo and, after a mammoth try-on session, settled on a navy and khaki pair of the ankle-length curve trousers, which are fitted on the waist but so comfortable. This, for me in midlife (I’m 53), is the Holy Grail. All too often I find that the trousers in my size – I’m a 10 – garrote me round the middle even though they’re a perfect fit on the bottom and thigh.
I’m a convert to the barrel shape, too, which billows out at the thigh before tapering in at the ankle. A stylish alternative to the wide-leg staples I’ve stuck with for so long.
I also fell in love with a pair of corduroys. They were too long for me, but it turns out Uniqlo offers a free alteration service. Who knew? So I booked them in, they were ready that same day and hey presto – a whole new trouser wardrobe for just over £100.
I then trawled the rest of the High Street, finding gems in shops I never usually venture into such as Reiss and Nobody’s Child.
There were many horrors along the way, like the leopard-print jeans with huge frilly back pockets. So unflattering. And plenty of waistbands which were just too tight, even though the trousers fitted well on the leg and hips. Very disheartening.
I also quickly discovered I needed to pay attention to footwear, as that can make or break a more adventurous trouser wardrobe. While trainers work with most styles, they made my legs look stumpy in cropped lengths – a flat shoe was better – and I needed a low heel to carry off flares.
By the end of my quest, I’d tried on more than 60 pairs, becoming a veritable ninja in the changing room in the process, before whittling down my wish list to these stylish eight… and only one pair is black!
The stitched front seams lengthen the leg, making these brushed jersey trousers super flattering as well as stylish. Good sized pockets, too. My only gripe? The hook fastening was a little snug on the waist.
A welcome update on black, and I was impressed by the fit. The leather has a subtle stretch which holds its shape, even at the knee. But I would prefer a longer length to invest in these.
With pintucks from the waist to the hem, these are the jeans that think they are trousers. They are also super comfortable, thanks to the sculpting yet stretchy denim. Expensive but versatile.
I wasn’t sure about winter white but this ivory pair won me over. Beautifully tailored and sleek, they were super long. But they’re currently on sale so I can justify getting them altered. Hurrah.
My trusty black joggers are raggedy and in urgent need of an upgrade. This chic navy pair are a versatile replacement which can be dressed up or down. It comes in four different leg lengths, too.
The waist was a little rigid on these heritage check trousers. But the wide leg is super flattering and works with trainers or heeled boots. Loved The Traitors vibe and there’s a matching blazer.
These barrel jeans come in nine colours but the soft white was my favourite. Midrise, which I find more comfortable, they come in two leg lengths and the oversized back pockets add to the laid-back styling.
Cosy yet chic thanks to the exaggerated barrel shape, these corduroy trousers are a collaboration between Uniqlo and cool French brand Comptoir des Cotonniers. The leg length can be altered in store at no extra cost.
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