I'll confess, the cold months are my favourite when it comes to outfit options. There's nothing I love more than layering on the knits, pulling out my favourite coats and returning to my beloved boots. Normally, I rely on skirts as the temperate drops, pairing my favourite styles with cosy separates and tights for a chic yet casual outfit that works for any occasion. This season however, I'm broadening my horizons, and turning my attention to the top trouser trends—including denim—that are set to dominate this winter and freshen up my cold-weather outfit rotation.
This winter, plenty of classics are back—from tailored trousers to crisp white jeans—but the colour palettes are really catching my eye. Brown is replacing black as the neutral go-to, and rich hues like khaki, olive and navy keep popping up. There's also plenty of fun styles to explore, from the somewhat controversial barrel-leg jean to the Scandi-inspired leopard print trousers, which are sure to brighten up even the greyest winter day. And then there's one of my personal favourite winter trouser trends—corduroys. I've already invested in two pairs, and have found plenty of ways to style them during these crisp days.
Keep scrolling to see and shop the key winter trouser trends to try now, as well as my pick of the very best styles, no matter your budget.
See the Winter Trouser Trends to Have on Your Radar Right Now:
1. Brown Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: A tailored trouser has become one of the most versatile styles in the modern wardrobe, capable of morphing from professional office attire when paired with a crisp shirt and heels to a relaxed minimalist off-duty look when styled with trainers and layered knits. While I'll always be loyal to my black trousers, this season brown hues are the softer colour to go for.
Shop the Trend:
I love how the drawstring waist gives this pair a cool edge.
The Frankie Shop always nails tailored separates.
The fit of these is just perfection.
The bestselling trouser that comes back year after year—and is available in extended sizing.
2. Corduroys
Style Notes: Cords are the retro trend that is back with a vengeance. Keep it classic with a black, brown or white pair, or explore this season's rich colourways which range from crimson to olive. Style yours with boots and a turtleneck jumper for a irresistably chic winter look.
Shop the Trend:
Confession—I bought these in two colours. I especially love how M&S offers these in different leg lengths.
This colour is ideal for winter wear.
These cords are so glam that you could easily style them for evening wear.
Yes to this whole look.
3. Vintage-Wash Denim Jeans
Style Notes: Denim is a year-round essential, but every season a few standouts climb to the top of the trending chart. One of the classics that is set to dominate this winter is the vintage wash, which gos with practically everything. If you can't find your perfect true vintage pair on resale sites or in vintage shops, you're in luck—our jean brand go-tos have plenty of options that fit the bill.
Shop the Trend:
COS always delivers exceptional jeans for a reasonable price.
Embrace the low-rise trend with this Nineties-inspired pair.
A classic.
The wash of these is perfect.
4. Leopard Print Trousers
Style Notes: If you're going to embrace one bold trouser trend this season, make it leopard print. Inspired by our favourite Scandi influencers, you can either opt for styles inspired by their irreverent style, or go for more Nineties glam with a slinkier pair.
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These won't stay in stock for long.
A true Scandi pair.
These look exactly like Emili's.
If you love Scandi style, Damson Madder is a brand you should definitely have on your radar.
5. Barrel-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: It's the marmite jean trend that isn't disappearing any time soon. These curved silhouette jeans are loved by many, feared by many, too. Our tip? Balance out the voluminous silhouette by opting for a more fitted top.
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A great introductory pair.
This is how to wear barrel-leg jeans.
So many influencers are loving this pair.
AGOLDE have really nailed the barrel-leg look.
6. Utility Trousers
Style Notes: Utility trousers have been elevated this season into a versatile trousers. Opt for the classic trouser with the oversized pockets in traditional khaki, which happens to be the ideal colour for winter wear.
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So sleek.
I love this utility take on the tailored trouser.
So many influencers own this exact pair.
If you're going to go for a designer pair, make it this one.
7. Leggings
Style Notes: Ok, so maybe it's not technically a trouser, but leggings are well and truly back in style this season. Or did they really ever leave? Either way, you can forget the uggs and legging combination of the Noughties, as this year leggings are a chic, minimalist option that are meant to be worn with lug-sole boots and a puffer jacket.
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They're a bestseller for a reason.
I'm personally such a fan of Adanola.
Toteme's pair are ideal for non-gym wear.
The ultimate designer pair.
8. Winter Whites
Style Notes: If you're looking to create a seriously elegant look this winter, you can't go wrong with white trousers. White denim is my personal go-to, since it's understated enough for day wear but feels more elevated than black or blue, but you could also explore white tailored trousers—an especially good option for evening looks.
Shop the Trend:
I love this ecru tone.
Style for the office or for an evening event.
I absolutely love this fit.
A wide-leg silhouette is still very much a top trend.
