Trousers

Designer Trousers for Women

A great pair of trousers can carry a whole wardrobe. They need to fit at the waist, fall cleanly through the leg and work with the shoes you actually wear. We buy trousers from labels who take cut seriously, including Essentiel Antwerp, Citizens of Humanity, PAIGE, Bellerose, DAY Birger et Mikkelsen, MOS MOSH, L.F.Markey and Emin and Paul, so whether you want tailoring for work or something soft for the weekend, there is a pair here that will earn its keep.

Wide Leg Trousers for Women

Wide-leg trousers are the shape we get asked about most, and for good reason. They are comfortable, they flatter almost everyone and they look instantly put together. Essentiel Antwerp does bold prints and colour-blocked wide legs that make a statement on their own, while PAIGE cuts wide-leg corduroy with a long, leg-lengthening line. For checks and softer tailoring, look to Bellerose and the belted relaxed styles from Emin and Paul.

To style wide-leg trousers, balance the volume with something neater on top: a tucked-in knit, a fitted bodysuit or a cropped cardigan from our knitwear edit. A heeled boot or platform keeps the hem off the floor, while flat trainers give a more relaxed feel. Palazzo trousers take the shape to its most dramatic, and a metallic pair from Ottod'Ame is pure evening wear.

Cord and Velvet Trousers

Corduroy has become an autumn essential, and it is one of the best fabrics for winter trousers: warm, hard-wearing and soft from the first wear. We stock cord trousers from Damson Madder, Citizens of Humanity, VI.VE.RE, Emin and Paul and The Tiny Big Sister, in shapes that range from high-waisted and straight to utility styles with seam detail.

Velvet trousers sit somewhere between day and night. Rich and tactile, they look wonderful with a simple knit for dinner or a silk blouse for a party. Never Fully Dressed is our favourite label for velvet, often with a matching blazer if you fancy a suit.

Barrel Leg and Leather Trousers

Barrel leg trousers curve out through the thigh and knee before tapering back in at the ankle, giving a soft, sculptural shape. They look best with a fitted top and a slim shoe, from a pointed flat to an ankle boot from our boots edit. In leather, the shape feels particularly modern, and the barrel-leg leather trousers from MOS MOSH are a brilliant alternative to dark denim. If you love the curve in denim, our jeans edit has barrel-leg styles too.

Tailored Trousers and Workwear

For the office, or anywhere you want to look sharp, tailored trousers are hard to beat. DAY Birger et Mikkelsen makes clean gabardine trousers that pair with a matching blazer, L.F.Markey has relaxed, workwear-inspired cuts, and Bellerose and MSCH Copenhagen offer straight-leg styles that move easily from desk to dinner. Wear them with a crisp shirt from our shirts and blouses edit or a fine roll neck, and add a blazer when you need it.

Joggers and Relaxed Trousers

Comfort does not have to mean scruffy. Our joggers and relaxed trousers are cut in soft fabrics with proper detailing, so they look intentional with a good knit and clean trainers. American Vintage is known for its soft, slouchy joggers, Citizens of Humanity makes polished sweatpants and utility trousers, and Bellerose, Haute L'amitié and Never Fully Dressed add knitted and track-style options.

Party Trousers

Trousers are often the smartest choice for a party: you can dance, sit and walk home in comfort. Look for sequins, satin and metallics, as from Never Fully Dressed, Essentiel Antwerp and Ottod'Ame, then add a simple top or a sparkly knit. Our Christmas party outfits edit pulls together more ideas for the festive season.

Finding Your Fit

Rise, leg length and fabric all affect how a pair of trousers sits. High-rise trousers lengthen the leg and pair well with cropped tops and knits, while mid-rise styles feel more relaxed. Check the inside leg measurement on the product page where it is given, and remember that wide-leg and palazzo styles are designed to be worn longer, ideally skimming the top of your shoe. If you are petite, a quick hem can make all the difference. Best of all, come and try a few pairs on at our Pontcanna Street boutique and we will help you find the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should wide leg trousers fit?

Wide-leg trousers should fit neatly at the waist and hip, then fall straight and loose from the thigh. The hem should skim the top of your shoe or just touch the floor with heels, so think about the footwear you will wear most often before choosing a length.

What shoes should I wear with wide leg trousers?

Heeled boots, platforms and block heels keep the hem off the ground and lengthen the leg, while chunky trainers and flat loafers give a more relaxed look. The key is to choose your length to suit the shoes you wear most.

What are barrel leg trousers?

Barrel leg trousers have a curved shape that widens through the thigh and knee and tapers back in towards the ankle. They look best with a fitted top and a slim shoe or ankle boot, and are available in denim, leather and soft cotton.

How do you style cord trousers?

Cord trousers work well with chunky knitwear, crisp shirts and ankle boots for an easy autumn look. Tonal outfits in brown, cream or olive feel especially polished, and a wide-leg cord can be dressed up with a blazer and heeled boots.

What trousers are best for work?

Tailored trousers in gabardine, wool blends or smooth cotton are the most versatile for work. Straight-leg and wide-leg cuts both look smart, and a matching blazer turns them into a suit. Choose a mid or high rise so shirts and knits tuck in neatly.

How do I find the right trouser length?

Check the inside leg measurement on the product page and compare it with a pair you already love. Wide-leg styles are meant to be worn longer, while straight and tapered cuts can sit at or just above the ankle. You are welcome to try trousers on at our Cardiff boutique on Pontcanna Street.