Kilts! Utility skirts! Boho prairies! Bubble hems! Transparent midis! It almost felt as though every month of 2024 ushered in a new trending style of skirt. But if the runways are anything to go by, trousers will resume their status as women’s daily go-to in 2025.
Anyone who grew weary of the 50 shades of greige brought about by the stealth wealth craze, or who is generally craving a little more personality from their pants, will enjoy what’s to come. “Over the past decade, our relationship with trousers has evolved from a focus on formality and strict tailoring to a more relaxed, versatile approach that is a true reflection of our personal style,” explains Net-a-Porter’s fashion director, Kay Barron. “Whether driven by the influence of streetwear, the rise of remote work, or a growing emphasis on sustainability, trousers have become more about personal expression, functionality, and comfort.”
Ready more: The Key Spring/Summer 2025 Trends To Know Now
Classic tailoring will always have legs in any contemporary wardrobe, but expect trousers to come with a twist in 2025. Take the Noughties-inflected skirt-over-trousers trend, which appeals in both sporty fabrics (see Johanna Parv), and heritage wools, à la Bottega Veneta. The return of plaid, meanwhile, will inject some eccentricity into our wardrobes – Brit brand Chopova Lowena may be known for its carabiner skirts, but its checked trousers are the gold standard for personality-packed pants. If you’re shopping second-hand, set your eBay and Vinted alerts for heritage brands such as Vivienne Westwood and Burberry.
If your taste is a little more classic, the new season will bring plenty for you, too. A slouchy, straight-leg silhouette proliferated on the catwalks at Miu Miu, Loewe and Prada, falling straight from the hip to puddle over the shoe. Then there’s the wide-leg trouser, which, let’s be honest, never really goes out of style. This season it comes with a super high-waisted fit, as seen at Khaite and Saint Laurent. “I am having my head turned by high-waisted, wide-leg black trousers by Jil Sander and Wardrobe NYC,” Barron confirms. “They have the cool feel of denim, but are more relaxed than narrow tailoring – they quickly elevate a look.”
Scroll down to see and shop our definitive guide to 2025’s trending trouser silhouettes.