As the cooler season settles in, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the trends bubbling up and showing potential to define style for the months ahead.
Amongst the many, one front-runner is fast becoming my favourite: grey trousers. Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed celebrities, influencers and chic Londoners swapping out their trusty jeans and black tailoring for this understated alternative. And now that Catherine, Princess of Wales, has stepped out in the very same trend, I’m convinced that grey trousers are about to become the season’s staple.
Naturally, I’ve been considering adding a pair to my own wardrobe. But beyond the trousers themselves, what has caught my attention is the choice of footwear that makes this neutral really shine. Black shoes—though classic—can sometimes look heavy against grey, which is why Kate’s grey trouser outfit made such an impression on me.
Pairing her sleek grey suit with a pair of navy heels, the Princess's shoe pairing felt unexpected, yet simultaneously polished. Navy, after all, is still a neutral, but one with a richness that complements rather than competes with grey.
For the occasion, Kate chose a Bella Freud grey suit layered over a fine-knit Alexander McQueen jumper (both, sadly, sold out), completing the look with her navy pumps—creating a timeless and unfussy silhouette that tapped into the kind of refined simplicity that has become her signature.
Inspired by her clever shoe choice, I’m officially adding navy heels to my autumn shopping list. If you, too, are ready to elevate your autumn tailoring, read on to shop Kate’s look below, alongside my edit of the best navy heels and grey trousers to buy now.
Shop Kate's Look
The wool composition ensures an insulated finish whilst the speckled design gives it a timeless feel that you can revisit every autumn.
The front crease detailing ensures a sleek and polished finish that will have you feeling smart, even if styled with boxy jumpers or tees.
The fine knit finish makes this easy to layer under fitted jackets and blazers.
These also come in half sizes, so you can find your perfect fit.
Shop Grey Trousers and Navy Heels:
These feature a wider straight leg cut, so they offer a little bit of movement alongside a streamlined, smarter finish.
These come in UK sizes 2—9.
Whilst I love these in the sleek slate grey, they also come in five other shades.
If I were you I'd be quick! These are on their way to selling out.
Aside from jeans, wool trousers are my most-worn silhouette throughout the winter months, and this wearable grey pair is tempting me this season.
The elasticated slingback detailing adds a sleek point of interest as well as light support.
If you're looking for a swishier silhouette, I have to recommend these elegant pleated trousers. They look just as chic with warm knits as they do classic tees.
These also come in a wearable beige and trending burgundy.
Style this with the matching suit blazer, otherwise pair with a funnel neck leather bomber jacket for a chic and thoroughly modern silhouette.
Style these with a grey suit to get Kate's look, otherwise pair with knee-length pencil skirt to tap into the silhouette that fashion people are loving right now.
-
Forget Black Pants—This Color Trend Will Earn You Way More ComplimentsKatie Holmes gets it.
-
Step Away From the Leggings—This Is the Low-Key Pant Trend You'll See Everywhere This FallJennifer Lawrence knows best.
-
Kate Middleton Just Made One Crucial Update to Princess Diana's Fave Skirt-and-Boots OutfitCan you spot the key difference?
-
Not Skinny, Not Wide-Leg—J.Lo Just Wore Ankle Boots With 2025's Most-Wanted Pant TrendCopy this fall outfit ASAP.
-
Cozy Cashmere! Sleek Suede! Dark Denim! 32 Affordable Fall Pieces You'd Find in a Wealthy Person's ClosetOh, did I mention they're under $250?
-
Ignore the Haters—I Still Love These Versatile and Comfy Pants and Bet You Do TooSee how fashion people from NYC to Paris to London wear them for fall.
-
Not Classic Ballet Flats, Not Loafers—Everyone With Cool Style Will Be Wearing These Shoes With Black Trousers in Fall 2025As seen on Katie Holmes.
-
I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds FromReplica Store, Zara, and H&MDid I mention they're under $250?
