Like shopping for any capsule wardrobe essential, it can be challenging to find the perfect pair of tailored trousers. They should be comfortable, easy to move in and versatile enough to stay in rotation for the majority of the year. They should form the foundation of countless outfits, whether smart or casual, and give you that put-together feeling as soon as they’re slipped on.
It’s easy to assume, as I once did, that such a multifarious piece of clothing would come with a hefty price tag. However, after spending an afternoon exploring the high street and trying on every pair of tailored trousers I could get my hands on, I have come to the happy realisation that there are several retailers that deserve more acclaim than I’ve previously given them. I found myself pleasantly surprised by sleek silhouettes from Arket and gloriously soft cotton styles from Me + Em.
But above all, it was Cos’s wide-leg cotton trousers that left me wondering if I’ll ever fork out the big bucks for a pair of trousers again. From Uniqlo and Cos to & Other Stories and Arket, Vogue puts together the best tailored trousers available on the high-street now. Vogue ’s best high-street trousers at a glance Arket As a devoted Arket denim fan, I was intrigued to try out its tailoring selection.
Pulling these on, I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortably they sat on the waist and skimmed the floor. I’m often between sizes, but opted for the smaller of the two (UK 6), which were fitted at the hips but loose on the leg, resulting in the perfect relaxed fit. Due to their soft, mid-weight material, these would be suitable for all seasons – except perhaps a London heatwave.
They would also look great sized up with a belt. Me+Em As you can see, these were too long on me, so I’d need to get them taken up, but it would definitely be worth the investment. It’s true that Me + Em is on the pricier side, but the quality is evident.
I tried on two sizes and opted for the larger (UK 8) as I loved how they sat on my hips rather than on my waist. The fabric is a wool-blend flannel which draped beautifully, and while there is a lot of material, they didn’t overwhelm the body. If you’re in the market for a matching set, have a look at Me + Em’s pinstripe blazer , which creates a swoon-worthy suit when paired with the trousers.
Cos I could, and would, live in these. After sifting through a surprisingly vast selection of tailored trousers at Cos, I landed on this wide-leg option, as I was drawn to its low-waisted, oversized style. The material looks and feels luxurious, and while I could have sized down (I’m wearing a UK 8 here), I was impressed by the generous, nonchalant fit.
But perhaps the best feature is the concealed adjustable button tab at the waist, which allows you to secure the perfect fit and experiment with different waist levels. I did have to roll up the hemlines a couple of inches, so at 5,4” I would have to get them taken up – but believe me, it’s a small price to pay for the impressive quality. Uniqlo Uniqlo tailored trousers have been a hot topic in the Vogue offices for years, but I have to admit that this was my first time trying a pair myself.
I would highly recommend going with your usual size in these, rather than sizing up or down. I tried a size up (as well as my true size, XS, pictured above) but it meant that there was excess material around the waistband, which wasn’t very flattering. These, however, were a great cut – fitted at the waist and hips and featuring a loose leg.
The material is light, making them perfect for summer when you need to look put-together but don’t want to overheat. & Other Stories As someone who usually leans towards looser styles, I didn’t have high hopes for this & Other Stories cream pair – contrary to what the name suggests, they are definitely more of a straight-leg. Surprisingly, they ended up being one of the more flattering silhouettes I tried on all day – the straight fit grazed the leg and created a sleek silhouette, and the waistband sat at the perfect point.
Admittedly, the material didn’t feel hugely premium (they’re a polyester and viscose blend), but this was made up by the impressive fit. This style comes in seven different colours, so if the cream makes you fearful of food stains then you can try the black or navy instead..
