Trousers are the Backbone of a Good Wardrobe—9 Chic Outfits to Re-create ASAP

Now, as much as I happily admit that I'm a dress devotee, there's something about the cooler, crisper weather of autumn that makes trousers my first port of call when getting ready in the morning. Dresses will always look great with knee-high boots, and skirts are cute with fluffy knits and long coats, but this year's trouser trends have been so outstanding, that I'm ready to shake off romantic styles and floaty silhouettes and lean into something a little more tailored. 

After a lockdown spent in jogging bottoms and leggings, the first thing I reached for when dressing up again was a pair of wide-leg trousers (and the effortlessly chic fit is always my go-to for polished and professional), but there are so many other trouser styles to consider to instantly elevate your wardrobe with zero fuss. 

expensive-looking-trouser-outfits-309779-1696194705255-main

(Image credit: @dominiqueedangelo )

From the return of cigarette trousers (both slim and cropped styles), to the loose and laid-back PJ pant, trousers really are the foundation of a good capsule wardrobe, and investing in a pair in classic black, navy, white or neutral is a decision you'll never regret, as the outfit possibilities are endless. From office-ready tailoring to your off-duty uniform, this simple piece of clothing is a smart addition to any wardrobe, and I can prove it. 

expensive-looking-trouser-outfits-309779-1696197306081-main

(Image credit: @andi_mun)

With your seasonal wardrobe in mind, I've scoured the socials and street style pictures to find the very best trouser-outfit inpso that fashion people have to offer, and they do not disappoint. From supersized, slouchy fits to leg-lengthening looks, you can rest assured that these are easy outfits you can wear on heavy rotation.

So, without further ado, keep scrolling to see nine expensive-looking trouser outfits well worth screenshotting. That's your autumn wardrobe, sorted.

1. CROPPED TROUSERS + NEUTRAL KNIT + BALLET FLATS

expensive-looking-trouser-outfits-309779-1696195111250-main

(Image credit: @wearetwinset)

Style Notes: If you're in need of an expensive-looking outfit that takes no longer than five minutes to assemble, you just found it. A neutral knit goes with just about anything in your wardrobe, but sized up and baggy, it looks unbeatably chic with cropped trousers and flats. For extra style points, there's something decidedly Parisian about ballet pumps in particular. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

2. WIDE-LEG TROUSERS + WAISTCOAT

expensive-looking-trouser-outfits-309779-1696195543968-main

(Image credit: @louisahatt )

Style Notes: If I'm grateful for any trend that has taken off over the last few years, it would undoubtedly be the waistcoat. Whether you wear it with jeans, skirts or shorts, it always looks polished, but matching wide-leg trousers are the key to tailored perfection. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

3. TAILORED TROUSERS + CARDIGAN

expensive-looking-trouser-outfits-309779-1696195680035-main

(Image credit: @sarahlouiseblythe )

Style Notes: Sarah Louise Blythe's look manages to tick off three trends at once—cardigan, slouchy trousers and mesh pumps—and it's the perfect outfit for work, play and everything in between. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

4. STRAIGHT-LEG TROUSERS + SHEARLING JACKET + HEELED BOOTS

expensive-looking-trouser-outfits-309779-1696196329977-main

(Image credit: @kristincabat)

Style Notes: Dare I say it? Winter is coming, and you're going to want to invest in cosy shearling before the temperatures drop. Zara's take on the aviator jacket sells out every year, and it could be because of just how well it dresses both up and down. A case in point: the sleek ankle-boot-and-trouser pairing above. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

5. WIDE-LEG TROUSERS + OVERSIZED SHIRT 

expensive-looking-trouser-outfits-309779-1696196036126-main

(Image credit: @emswells)

Style Notes: Conclusive proof that wide-leg trousers look good in every colour, we're taking notes on Emily Wells' combination of cream trousers and a black shirt [pictured above]; an inverted take on the classic black-trousers-and-white-shirt outfit that we've been relying on for years. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

6. CORDUROY TROUSERS + LEATHER JACKET

expensive-looking-trouser-outfits-309779-1696197098580-main

(Image credit: @monamali_ )

Style Notes: It just wouldn't be autumn without cosy fabrics like corduroy, and I have a feeling that you're going to be seeing much more of it for the remainder of 2023. Layer up tactile textures like wool, leather and a pair of cords for a toasty outfit that's as functional as it is fashionable. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

7. HEAD-TO-TOE TONAL

expensive-looking-trouser-outfits-309779-1696197557774-main

(Image credit: @daniellejinadu )

Style Notes: The colour trend of 2023? Sorry Barbie, it's Oppenheimer grey, and it's most notably worn head to toe. There's no arguing just how put-together this outfit looks, and the grey wide-leg trousers are making us wonder whether there's a new style in town about to knock black trousers off the top spot.

SHOP THE LOOK:

8. CARGO TROUSERS + BOMBER JACKET 

expensive-looking-trouser-outfits-309779-1696197731615-main

(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Style Notes: If you've been wanting to dip a toe into the Y2K comeback but didn't know how to make it feel "grown up", Karina [pictured above] has the answer. Cargo trousers are the one trend we didn't predict would take over in such a big way, but when worn with a bomber and all-white trainers, I'm convinced that this is a cool-girl's weekend outfit well worth replicating.

SHOP THE LOOK:

9. COTTON PJ PANTS + CARDIGAN

expensive-looking-trouser-outfits-309779-1696197869172-main

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: And… relax. You've made it through another week and you're ready to chill out on the weekend, but stiff jeans are the furthest thing from your mind. They may look like pyjamas, but pinstriped cotton trousers are having a moment this year, and they're just as comfortable as any loungewear option. Finally, an alternative to casual jogging bottoms.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Next Up: 11 Under-the-Radar High-Street Brands That Are Just as Good as Zara

Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.