Paris Fashion Week: This Spring, the Best Trousers for Women Are Tailored and Understated

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Finding the perfect pair of trousers is a tricky–but not impossible–task. And this spring, the quest has never been in more demand. Just recently at Paris Fashion Week, we reported that the street style set was favoring a sleek and strong suit pant over a frilly skirt or dainty day dress. The result? A spring outfit that was equally polished and put together. It also goes without saying that the stylistic opportunities of the best trousers for women are endless, whether you choose to dress them up with a simple heeled sandal or down with a casual sneaker. Like any other closet classic, an unfussy pair of pants make almost any outfit look and feel effortless; and for that tailored-to-perfection look, a slate gray, classic khaki, or a pinstriped pick goes with absolutely anything and everything.

Vogue’s Spring Trouser Wish List: 

• The Best Black Trousers: The Row Marcellita pleated wide-leg pants, $1,620
• The Classic Khaki Trousers: Theory Admiral straight-leg pants, $345
• The Bright White Trousers: Staud Luisa wide-leg pants, $275
• The Edgy, Yet Elegant Leather Pants: Mother ​​Tunnel Vision faux leather pants, $260
• The Pinstriped Pants: Nili Lotan Corette pinstriped pants, $595
• The Slate Gray Trousers: The Frankie Shop Layton pleated wide-leg pants, $250
• The Chic Cargo Pants: Toteme cargo pants, $480
• The Plaid Pants: Everlane The Tencel Way-High Taper Pants, $128
• The Two-Toned Trousers: Reformation Stevie pants, $198
• The Trouser-Esque Leggings: Cos zip-hem leggings, $99

If you’ve been following along with all of our spring shopping guides, then you’re aware that sometimes going back to basics is best—and in this case, we’re going black-to-basics with pairs of black trousers that are perennially chic. Should you choose Mango’s slim-leg style, The Row’s pleated pair, or Toteme’s tapered pants, a black trouser is a fabulous fashion foundation regardless of the season. Similarly classic is a khaki pair. Bridging the gap between another top trend this spring—utility—is Cos’s wide-leg pair. Play with proportions and style with a tight-fitting top or a tucked-in button-up. 

Milan Fashion Week also paved the way for pant-forward looks, with the stars being slate gray styles from The Frankie Shop, Beare Park, and Victoria Beckham. To match, style with a gray blazer—a spring outerwear trend we’re shopping this season. For those that tend to err on the edgier side, a leather trouser from Mother, Anine Bing, or Agolde feels right on theme. Meanwhile, plaid picks from Gucci and Everlane are perfect for those preppier parts of you. With the wearability of a black pant, there are even trouser-esque leggings that are just as good for lounging as they are for formal workwear. 

This spring, the best trousers for women are the ultimate style staple. Shop our edit, below. 

Black-to-Basics

If there’s one pair of trousers you invest in this spring, make it a foundational black pair. Like a white tee or even a worn-in denim delight, the range of stylistic opportunities knows no bounds. Should you choose Mango’s slim-leg style, play with proportions and pair it with a skin-tight tank or go with The Row’s pleated pants and style with an oversized button-up. 

Classically Khaki

Like the black trouser, a khaki pant is equally classic and, most importantly, chic. Toteme’s pair feels especially old-school, while By Malene Birger’s Cymbaria trouser is fabulously fresh. And when it comes to a statement straight-leg, Theory’s Admiral pants are a style staple for a reason.

Bright Whites

If there’s one way to usher in the spring season, it’s with a bright white trouser—see them as a blank canvas for all of your other spring wardrobe staples to shine. Go the classic route with Staud’s pleated pair, or instead, try on Loulou Studio’s daring boucle pair. Meanwhile, Alex Mill’s linen pants feel especially festive for the spring-to-summer transition. 

Leather Luxuries 

Whether it’s a leather jacket, midi skirt, or in this case, a tailored trouser, nothing is as luxe in a spring wardrobe as a soft-to-the-touch piece of leather. And while styles from Nili Lotan and Citizens of Humanity are significant in their splendor, options from Mother and Agolde are just as high-quality without the price tag. 

Pinstriped Picks

A pinstriped pant is a style staple that is best borrowed from the boys. Go the classic route with navy and white pairs from Nili Lotan and Max Mara or with gray and white picks from H&M and Favorite Daughter. Meanwhile, off-white styles from Zara and Loulou Studio feel especially fitting for spring. 

Slate Grays 

Call it the Miuccia-effect, but during Milan Fashion Week a slate gray trouser was the It item to style (and to shop!). Get the street-style approved look with pairs from Cos and Beare Park to Victoria Beckham and The Row. 

Chic Cargos

While a utility pant doesn’t traditionally scream whimsical wardrobe essential, chic cargos from Reformation, Toteme, and Wardrobe.NYC make a strong case. Not to mention that utility was a top trend we saw take off on the spring runways (and now in our shopping carts.)  

Checks & Plaids 

To flatter the preppier part of you, a plaid pant is the perfect pick. Prince of Wales checked trousers from Gucci and Alessandra Rich are classic, yet chic, while styles from Everlane and Cos are bold and beautiful. Atop, keep it simple and wear your new preppy pants with a plain white tee. 

Two-Toned Trousers

On the trendier side of things are two-toned trousers from The Row and Reformation to Zara and Victoria Beckham. The exposed waistbands are unexpected details that will be very welcome in your spring capsule wardrobes. 

Trouser-Esque Leggings

Little is as crucial to a closet as a pair of basic black leggings. This season, styles from Mango to Toteme have the same versatility as a black or khaki pant with even less effort required. In our opinion, trouser-esque leggings are even elevated enough to wear on elegant evenings out. Just add in a sleek sandal and a dazzling pair of jewels.