7 Simple and Chic Ways to Wear Your Favourite Black Trousers This Autumn

I love the fact that black trousers are getting plenty of airtime this season, and while they're hardly an item of clothing that could ever be considered "in" or "out," it's still gratifying to see fashion folk gravitate towards something that's so definitively timeless. If you find the perfect pair of black trousers, you know that you'll be wearing them for many, many years to come.

I found my holy grail at Mango two springs ago and I've lost count of the number of times I've worn them. They've come with me on holiday, where I've worn them with a bikini top and linen shirt. They've also looked great with a simple white tee. And I've paired them with a matching black blazer for dinner. Talk about versatility.

It's clear that I'm not alone in my love for black trousers, and you can't scroll through Instagram without stumbling across a pair, whether it's a wide-leg style, a split-hem style or a classic straight silhouette. To prove the adaptable powers of this wardrobe staple, I've rounded up seven outfits centred around black trousers. Scroll down to see how the fashion crowd is wearing their black trousers this season.

1. White Shirt + Flat Shoes

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Style Notes: What could be more classic than pairing black trousers with a white shirt? Make it a short-sleeve iteration, and it'll feel more current. With the addition of flat shoes, this is a look you can wear anywhere and feel polished.

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2. Denim Shirt + Baseball Cap + Trainers

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(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

Style Notes: Black trousers might be synonymous with workwear style, but you can give them a low-key feel—all you need is a denim shirt, baseball cap, and retro kicks. 

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3. Leather Blazer + Bra Top + Shoulder Bag

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

Style Notes: Give your black trousers a cool-girl hit with the addition of a bra top and a leather blazer for a going-out look that'll carry you throughout the year.

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4. Breton Knit + Black Accessories

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Style Notes: For a classic ensemble, you can't go wrong with a Breton jumper, black wide-leg trousers and black accessories. This is an outfit that won't age.

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5. Nice Top + Slingback Shoes

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: If you're looking for an easy evening ensemble, try pairing your favourite black trousers with a nice top and heels. Simple but effective. 

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6. Puffer Jacket + Classic Trainers

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: If you prefer a more casual finish, make like Francesca Saffari and style a pair of slouchy black trousers with a puffer jacket. Perfect for that in-between weather we'll no doubt experience soon. 

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7. CULOTTES + CHUNKY BOOTS

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(Image credit: @daniellejinadu

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Style Notes: If you're just about ready to accept that colder days lay ahead but still want the option for summer, then look no furthur than the culotte. Danielle nails the transitional mood with chunky knee-length boots and some wide-leg culottes for a cool and relaxed silhouette.

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This story has been published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.