Fashion

How to style wide-leg trousers: Autumn's hottest alternative to jeans

A look that combines office chic with street style nonchalance.
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Raimonda Kulikauskiene/ Getty Images

As autumn's hottest alternative to denim, everyone's asking how to style wide-leg trousers – and let's just say the fashion set have been getting creative.

These trousers add a sophisticated touch to any outfit, but the slouchy shape gives them a relaxed feel. They're also right on trend: officewear already experienced a lot of hype last year (see: the office siren.) The style returns in the autumn/winter 2025 collections of the major fashion houses in the form of oversized silhouettes, ties and pinstripe patterns.

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15 best wide-leg trousers that'll make getting dressed so easy
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Despite their corporate vibe, wide leg trews (or wide suit pants if you're from across the pond) are just as versatile as our favourite jeans. Opt for a classic look with shirts and blazers, or go casual with leather jackets and knitwear. For autumn, fashion girls are focusing on styles in muted, neutral colours: classic black, elegant grey or trendy brown. Perfect for minimalists.

Wondering how to wear them?

We've picked out the best looks from the fashion set…

With a classic shirt

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Two items that no closet should be without: a classic shirt and high-quality suit trousers. This combination is the go-to look for days when you don't have the time to put much thought into your outfit, but still want to look put together. To enhance the look, opt for colour-coordinated accessories, as demonstrated above by creator Linda Schulz.

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Oversized Cotton Poplin Shirt

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ST. AGNI Adjustable Trousers

With a knitted jumper

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The cosy factor is essential for autumn. Naturally, this is best achieved with soft, knitted sweaters. Fashion loves a contrast: the juxtaposition of a chunky sweater and sleek suit pants makes this look particularly exciting.

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Nobodys Child NC Crw Nk

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Relaxed Twill Wide-Leg Trousers

With a long coat

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For the perfect autumn look, a statement outerwear piece is a must. Long coats create an elongated, flowing silhouette: an easy way to add drama to the outfit. Belted trench coats in neutral shades are particularly popular this season, but Macintosh coats and leather dusters give a similar effect.

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Twill Trench Coat

With a sweater vest

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Forget the stuffy reputation of sweater vests! Oversized styles in particular look super-casual and are perfect for autumn layering. Combine them with the wide-legged suit pants to make the whole look feel modern and relaxed, while still smart enough for the office.

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Floral-Appliqué Sweater Vest

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Pleated Cotton Barrel-Leg Trousers

With a lacy garment

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Street style at the recent Copenhagen Fashion Week was dominated by lace and satin. Negligee-style tops, skirts and dresses were everywhere, cementing them as a must-have item for the coming season. These delicate pieces work particularly well with suit trousers, as they create a contrast with the more masculine cut of the trousers.

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Lacey Essential Tunic

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Bershka Wide Leg Tailored Trousers

With a leather jacket

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We're calling it already: these leather jackets will be the it-piece for the coming season. Bomber jackets in brown leather give off a softer vibe than their black counterparts, but still toughen up any outfit. They add a much-needed rebellious touch to smart suit trews.

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Clay Funnel Neck Leather Jacket

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Wide Tailored Trousers

With a relaxed blazer

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This styling is probably the most obvious: many designer and high-street brands offer suit pants as a set with a matching blazer. The relaxed fit of the blazer mirrors that of the trousers, creating a cool, slouchy office uniform. But you don't necessarily have to wear the complete suit: try a contrasting shade. Or, go for pinstripe trousers and coordinate the colours of the shirt/waistcoat and blazer instead.

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Averie Tencel Relaxed Fit Linen Blend Blazer

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Averie Tencel Wide Leg Linen Blend Trousers


See also: What shoes to wear with wide-leg trousers.

A version of this article was originally published on Glamour Germany.